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Homeschool laws · State guide

Homeschooling in Hawaii

Hawaii requires a one-time notice of intent to the local public school principal, an annual progress report, standardized test scores in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10, and a kept record of the planned curriculum.

Last checkedAgainst Statute + state sources

Hawaii at a glanceLevel: Moderate

Notice to the state
Yes
Before starting, give a notice of intent (Form 4140 or a letter) to the local public school principal (HAR §8-12-13). No yearly refiling if progress reports are filed, unless the child moves to a new local school.
Testing
Yes
Test scores in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10, plus a yearly progress report to the principal by test, certified-teacher evaluation or parent evaluation (HAR §8-12-18).
Record-keeping
Required
Keep a planned-curriculum record: dates, weekly hours, subjects, how mastery is judged and a list of materials; the principal may ask to see it if progress is inadequate (HAR §8-12-15).
Immunization
Not required
Immunization rules apply to school attendance, not homeschooling (HRS §302A-1154; HIDOE). Homeschoolers do not need to submit health records.
Required subjects
None specified
Instruction time
Not specified
hours per week are recorded in the curriculum record; HAR §8-12-15
Parent qualifications
A parent teaching their own child is deemed a qualified instructor
HAR §8-12-19
Compulsory school age
At least 5 by July 31 and not yet 18 by January 1 of the school year
HRS §302A-1132(a)

Ways to homeschool here: Home schooling (notice of intent to the local principal) · Superintendent-approved alternative educational program · Private school attendance (a private school home-study program alone does not count as private school attendance)

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Overview

HIDOE describes homeschooling as ‘a parent-initiated educational alternative to compulsory school attendance.’ The Department reviews each child’s annual progress report and monitors progress through the required tests at grades 3, 5, 8 and 10. Homeschooling begins once the signed Form 4140 or letter of intent is submitted; birth certificates, proof of residency and health records are not required.

  • Home schooling: notice of intent to the local public school principal (HRS §302A-1132(a)(5); HAR Chapter 8-12).
  • Appropriate alternative educational program approved by the superintendent (HRS §302A-1132(a)(5)).
  • Private school as defined in HRS §302A-1132(d). Enrollment in a private school’s home-study program alone does not count as private school attendance (HAR §8-12-8(b)).

Requirements at a glance

  • Notice: Before starting, give the principal of the local public school a notice of intent (DOE Form 4140 or a letter with the child’s name, address, phone, birthdate, grade and parent signature); it is acknowledged by the principal and district (complex area) superintendent. Not resubmitted annually if the annual progress report is filed, except when the child would move to a new local school (e.g. elementary to intermediate). Notify the principal if homeschooling ends. (HAR §§8-12-13, 8-12-16; HIDOE)
  • Testing or assessment: Test scores required in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10 (statewide testing at the local school, or private testing comparable to DOE tests; the principal may approve other means). HIDOE notes that public schools now test in grade 11 rather than grade 10, although the homeschool rule still requires grade 10 testing. An annual progress report goes to the principal each year by one of: a nationally normed achievement test showing grade-level achievement, a nationally normed standardized achievement test showing one grade level of progress per year, a written evaluation by a Hawaii-certified teacher, or a written parent evaluation with progress per subject, work samples and representative tests/assignments with grades if given. (HAR §8-12-18; HIDOE)
  • Records: Keep a record of the planned curriculum: start and end dates, hours per week of instruction, subject areas, the method used to determine mastery, and a list of textbooks/materials in bibliographic format; the principal may ask to see it if progress is inadequate. (HAR §§8-12-15, 8-12-18(d))
  • Subjects: None specified
  • Instruction time: Not specified (hours per week are recorded in the curriculum record; HAR §8-12-15)
  • Parent/teacher qualifications: A parent teaching their own child is deemed a qualified instructor (HAR §8-12-19)
  • Compulsory attendance ages: At least 5 by July 31 and not yet 18 by January 1 of the school year (HRS §302A-1132(a))

If progress is inadequate, the principal meets with the parent to set a plan for improvement. Recommendations to enroll the child in school or take legal action are prohibited unless progress is inadequate for two consecutive semesters, and none may be made before third grade (HAR §8-12-18(d)).

Sources

This page summarizes the statutes and official pages listed in the sources block, as read on the last-checked date. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm current requirements with your state or local education agency.

The HRS was read on Justia because capitol.hawaii.gov blocked automated fetching.