Hawaii Homeschool Information
—Homeschool In Hawaii—
Homeschooling in Hawaii
Find Out What the State Says About Home Education
Hawaii Homeschool Review
Hawaii Homeschool Laws – Summary:
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Notification Required:
Parents must submit a notice of intent to homeschool to their local public school principal before beginning, using a form or a letter that includes specific information (e.g., child’s name, birth date). -
Curriculum:
Parents must provide a structured curriculum that covers reading, math, science, social studies, and other basic subjects. Curriculum details may be requested by the principal. -
Recordkeeping:
Parents must maintain records of the child’s progress, including attendance and work samples. -
Assessment:
An annual assessment is required using one of the following:-
Standardized test scores
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Written evaluation by a certified teacher
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Parent report plus supporting documentation
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Graduation:
Homeschools do not issue state-recognized diplomas. Parents can issue their own, but post-secondary institutions may require transcripts or GED scores. -
Part-time Public School Access:
Homeschooled students may be allowed to participate in public school programs or extracurriculars at the discretion of the school.
Enrollment in a Private Accredited Online School – Hawaii Context:
Whether the online school is based in Hawaii or out of state, how it fits with Hawaii homeschool laws depends on how the family classifies the education:
🔹 If the family files a notice of intent to homeschool:
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Still considered homeschool under Hawaii law, even if enrolled in a full-time private accredited online school.
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Parents must comply with all homeschool requirements:
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File notice of intent
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Provide curriculum overview (can note the online school)
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Maintain records and submit annual assessments
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The online school does not replace parent responsibilities under the homeschool statute.
If the family enrolls in a Hawaii-licensed private school (including online):
If the school is officially licensed or accredited in Hawaii, the student is not considered homeschooled.
The school assumes legal responsibility for attendance, curriculum, and assessment.
No need to file a homeschool notice with the public school.
🔹 If the school is out-of-state and not licensed in Hawaii:
Even if it’s accredited (e.g., nationally or regionally), it does not meet Hawaii’s definition of a licensed private school.
The student is still legally considered homeschooled, and the family must:
Submit a homeschool notice
Comply with recordkeeping and assessment
Hawaii K-12 School Choice
✅ Summary
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Public school open enrollment, charters, and public virtual schools are robust school-choice options, all tuition‑free.
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Private/online schools require tuition—families rely on private scholarships, faith-based aid, or the future HB 273 program (if passed).
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529 accounts help families save tax-advantaged, though Hawaii lacks a state tax deduction, making out-of-state plans often more appealing.
Hawaii School Choice
Here’s a concise overview of Hawaii’s school choice options and parent funding supports:
🏫 Public School Choice
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Open enrollment within Hawaii’s single statewide school district lets students apply to schools outside their traditional zone, as space allows
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Charter schools offer tuition-free, public-school alternatives with innovative models (e.g., Hawaiian language immersion, blended learning). There are about 35–37 charter schools statewide serving ~6 % of K–12 students
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Virtual public schools:
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HIDOE e‑School: supplemental online classes for public school students
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Myron B. Thompson Academy (K–6 homeschool support; 7–12 online charter)
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Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA): blended virtual/in-person online charter serving ~1,700 K–12 students
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💰 Private/Online School Funding
1. State-run scholarships/vouchers
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No statewide voucher or ESA for private/online K–12 currently exists
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Private-school financial aid is available through:
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Church-affiliated programs (e.g., Catholic schools: Preschool Open Doors, Pauahi Keiki Scholars, Kipona Scholarship)
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Independent private scholarships, e.g., from Punahou, Iolani, Assets, Hanalani—typically need-based rather than state-funded
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Pending legislation: HB 273 (introduced Jan 21, 2025) proposes a need-based “school choice scholarship” for low-income families (≤ 4× federal poverty line) to help pay nonpublic tuition Still under review.
2. 529 Education Savings Accounts
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Hawaii’s state-run HI‑529 plan lets you save tax-free for K–12 or college, but no Hawaii state tax deduction on contributions
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Many residents open out-of-state 529 plans (e.g., Nevada, Utah) to access lower fees, since HI‑529 fees can be high .
Homeschool Resources for Hawaii
Homeschooling has been part of education for centuries. In earlier times, it was simple to begin without worrying about rules or oversight. Today, however, homeschooling regulations vary by state, and some families may find it more challenging to get started. That’s why NFC Academy provides helpful state-specific pages outlining homeschool laws—to guide and support you as you begin your journey.
In areas with stricter requirements, having reliable support is important. Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offer valuable legal guidance and protection, helping families stay informed and confident. With the right tools and resources, homeschooling can be a rewarding and manageable experience, no matter where you live.
Homeschool Legal Defense Association
Information on this page is intended for informational purposes for homeschool families in the specific state. The information supplied does not, nor is it intended to, provide specific legal advice. For specific legal advice, we recommend you consult an attorney. Membership with Homeschool Legal Defense may provide legal information for your situation, but you may prefer a local private attorney to review your situation to provide specific legal advice. The information provided was assisted in writing by AI.