How to Homeschool in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery — but did you know that it’s also a great state to homeschool in? Homeschooling in Hawaii is a popular educational choice for many families, due to the freedom and flexibility the state provides.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start homeschooling in the Aloha State!
Homeschooling in Hawaii at a Glance
Hawaii – The Aloha State
| Required Age | 5-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Required for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 |
| Subjects | None required |
| Time Requirements | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
In the State of Hawaii, you simply need to be the parent of the child you wish to teach in order to homeschool legally.
Notice of Intent
Before you begin homeschooling, you’ll need to submit a letter of intent to homeschool, or Form 4140. Once completed, you’ll send this to your child’s current school principal (or the principal of your local public school, if your child has not yet been enrolled).
You’ll need to resubmit your letter of intent when your child advances from elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school or if your homeschool address changes.
Attendance
There are no minimum attendance requirements to homeschool in Hawaii.
Homeschool Curriculum
Hawaii requires your homeschool curriculum to be “structured and based on educational objectives as well as the needs of the child, be cumulative and sequential, provide a range of up-to-date knowledge and needed skills, and take into account the interests, needs and abilities of the child.” (DOE Homeschool FAQ)
Currently, there are no explicit subject requirements for parents who wish to homeschool in Hawaii. The Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) recommends parents use the Subject Standards as a guide for what children should learn in each grade level.
The Subject Standards offer guidelines for the following subjects:
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Computer Science
- Social Studies
- Career and Technical Education
- Fine Arts
- Health Education
- Physical Education
- World Languages
Testing
In Hawaii, you are required to submit standardized achievement test scores in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.
The type of test you administer is up to you. Your child may participate in the Hawaii statewide testing program for free or purchase a nationally normed standardized test from a third-party administrator online.
Record Keeping
In Hawaii, parents must keep a record of the planned curriculum, as well as any test scores. Good record keeping will also be helpful when it’s time to submit annual progress reports to your superintendent.
Your homeschool records MUST include:
- Your planned homeschool curriculum (subjects covered, learning objectives, etc.)
- Any test scores
While not required, you should also consider keeping:
- A copy of an approved Letter of Intent or Form 4140
- A list of all educational materials used
- A list of all courses and credit hours
- Any report cards or progress reports
- Attendance records
Miacademy makes it easy to meet Hawaii’s record keeping requirements! All courses are accredited, and our program provides in-depth scope and sequence information, so you can easily keep track of what your student will be learning. Our powerful parent tools also track attendance and generate comprehensive report cards at the touch of a button!
Transcripts
Transcripts are not a requirement to homeschool, but they will be necessary for college applications. A transcript is a record of all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned in grades 9th-12th. You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
In Hawaii, parents decide when their child is ready to graduate. Parents are also responsible for providing a high school diploma.
Hawaii homeschool laws grant parents a lot of freedom over their child’s education — but this ambiguity can also be intimidating. How will you know when your child is ready to graduate?
Many parents find it helpful to look to the state’s graduation requirements for students in traditional schools. You can learn more about common Hawaii graduation requirements by visiting the Hawaii DOE’s Graduation Requirements page.
Alternatively, your child may also earn their diploma from the Hawaii Adult Community School by passing the GED or HiSET test.
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no financial resources provided by the State of Hawaii for homeschooling at this time.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Hawaii, check out:
- Hawaii Department of Education
- Hawaii Homeschool Groups from the Homeschool Mom
If you have any questions about homeschooling or how Miacademy and MiaPrep align with the laws in your state, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team!
Please keep in mind that the information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Hawaii homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I homeschool in Hawaii?
First, submit a letter of intent to homeschool or a Form 4140 to the principal of the school your child would otherwise attend. You’ll also need to begin schooling by age 5 and select a homeschool curriculum that complies with state requirements.
Are homeschoolers in Hawaii required to take standardized tests?
Yes, homeschool students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 must complete and submit standardized test scores.
Information accurate as of: 05/01/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.