R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-77.3-1: Entities eligible to apply to become independent charter schools.

(a) Persons or entities eligible to submit an application to establish an independent charter school shall be limited to:

(1) Rhode Island nonprofit organizations provided that these nonprofit organizations shall have existed for at least two (2) years and must exist for a substantial reason other than to operate a school; or

(2) Colleges or universities within the State of Rhode Island.

(b) No child shall be required to attend an independent charter school nor shall any teacher be required to teach in an independent charter school. The sending school district shall make accommodations for those students who wish to participate to transfer into an independent charter school as space permits. If the total number of students who are eligible to attend and apply to an independent charter school is greater than the number of spaces available, the independent charter school shall conduct a lottery to determine which students shall be admitted.