Apply to Charter Public Schools

Charter public schools are public, free, and open to all students. They provide a flexible approach to learning — designed to meet the unique needs of each individual student.

Application Timeline

Applications Open:

Common Application Opens via EnrollRI– Typically in November 

Applications Close:

Applications are no longer accepted – mid March

What Happens Next?

Lotteries Run — April 1: All charter public schools hold a blind, random lottery on April 1 to determine which students are offered available seats.

  1. Offer Notifications: After the lottery, schools will contact families who receive offers. Families have 15 days to accept.

  2. Waitlists Open — Mid-April: Students not selected in the lottery can apply to the school’s waitlist through their EnrollRI account. Schools continue to make offers from the waitlist as seats become available.

Explore Charter Public Schools in Rhode Island

Explore charter public schools across the state through the Family Information Tool (FIT)!

Providence families can now use the FIT tool to explore all traditional and charter public school options — compare schools, learn about academic programs, and find detailed information in each school’s profile.