How to homeschool in Hawaii

Options for homeschooling

: 1

Notification required

: Yes

Standardized testing required

: No

ESA Option

: No

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Hawaii homeschooling laws and options

Homeschooling in Hawaii is a recognized option that lets families take control of their child’s education. The state provides guidelines to ensure quality while allowing flexibility. Children aged 6 to 18 must meet education requirements, which parents can fulfill through legal homeschooling steps.

Homeschool parents must meet these requirements:

Notifications: Parents must notify the local public school district of their intent to homeschool by submitting a Form 4140.
Parent education requirements: There are no specific qualifications or certifications required for parents to homeschool their children.
Subjects to teach: The curriculum must include basic subjects such as reading, math, science, social studies, and other essential areas to ensure a well-rounded education.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, homeschooling families in Hawaii can provide an enriching and academically sound experience for their children.

For specific homeschooling requirements, visit Hawaii's Department of Education Homeschooling Information.

We have done our best to ensure the accuracy of this information, however it should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

How to homeschool with Time4Learning in Hawaii

Homeschooling can be a deeply rewarding journey for both parents and students when equipped with the right tools and support. Time4Learning has become a trusted option for many homeschooling families, providing a flexible, comprehensive curriculum designed to align with Hawaii's homeschooling requirements.

Submit a letter of intent. Begin by notifying the Hawaii Department of Education of your decision to homeschool. You can do this by submitting a letter of intent or DOE Form 4140 to your local school district. This formally communicates your plan to begin homeschooling.
Choose a curriculum. Select a curriculum that meets Hawaii's requirements for an equivalent education. Time4Learning is a popular option for many homeschooling families for its flexible online program covering required subjects like math, language arts, science, and social studies.
Track progress. Keep records of your child’s education, as Hawaii requires documentation to meet public school standards. Time4Learning offers tools like progress tracking and printable reports to help parents.
Administer annual assessments. Hawaii homeschooling laws require children to undergo periodic assessments to show educational progress. Parents can choose from standardized tests, a portfolio evaluation, or another acceptable method.
Submit year-end progress reports. At the end of each school year, submit a report or assessment results to your local public school for review. This demonstrates that your child is receiving an education equivalent to that provided by public schools.

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Hawaii's high school graduation and diploma requirements

For homeschooling in Hawaii, parents are responsible for setting graduation requirements and awarding a high school diploma. There are no specific credit requirements established by the state for homeschoolers, giving families the flexibility to design a customized high school path.

However, many families choose to align their homeschool curriculum with Hawaii's public school graduation requirements to ensure a smooth transition to college or the workforce. To review the suggested public school graduation requirements, visit Hawaii DOE Graduation Requirements.

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Hawaii’s standardized test requirements for homeschoolers

Homeschoolers in Hawaii are required to submit annual progress reports to the local public school district. These reports must include either standardized test scores or a written evaluation that demonstrates the student’s progress.

Parents may choose from a variety of nationally recognized standardized tests for their students. While test results aren’t used to dictate a student's advancement in homeschooling, they serve as a way to measure progress and comply with state reporting requirements.

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Applying to college as a homeschooler in Hawaii

Applying to college as a homeschooler in Hawaii follows a process similar to that for traditional students, with a few unique components. Several colleges even have dedicated admissions counselors for homeschool students. We recommend checking with the admissions office for the campuses you wish to apply to, but here’s what is typically used with the application:

A transcript of completed coursework and grades .
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
A homeschool diploma or statement of completion
Homeschooling offers countless ways to nurture your student’s well-roundedness and unique interests! Parents often build portfolios showcasing academics, extracurriculars, community involvement, and independent projects.

Time4Learning includes parent tools for transcript templates, diploma templates, and weekly reports to help document your student's progress and achievements.

An illustrated simplified structure with columns and a dollar sign within a circle, to illustrate financial aid options for homeschool students.

Using an ESA for homeschool financial aid in Hawaii

Hawaii has not yet implemented an Education Savings Account (ESA) program for homeschool families. However, homeschoolers may be eligible for certain financial assistance opportunities, such as federal tax deductions for educational expenses.

Some private organizations also offer scholarships and grants specifically for homeschoolers. Families should explore local, regional, and national options to find resources that best meet their financial needs.

For more updates on homeschooling policies and financial aid options, bookmark the Hawaii DOE Homeschooling Page.