If you’re considering homeschooling in Hawaii, here’s what you need to do to comply with Hawaii homeschool laws (Hawaii Rev. Stat. ยง 302A-1132(a)(5)):
Notice of Intent
Before you begin homeschooling, you must submit a notice of intent to the principal of the public school your child would attend if enrolled. You can use Form 4140 provided by the Hawaii Department of Education. Or you could submit a letter including the child’s name, address, telephone number, birth date, grade level, and parent’s signature.
Curriculum Compliance
There are no required subjects. However, your curriculum must be structured and based on educational objectives, taking into account the needs, interests, and abilities of your child. For elementary school, subjects may include language arts, math, social studies, science, art, music, health, and physical education. For secondary school, subjects may include social studies, English, mathematics, science, health, physical education, and guidance.
Record-Keeping
Maintain a record of the planned curriculum. This includes the start and end dates of the homeschool program, weekly instructional hours, subjects covered, methods used for assessing mastery, and a list of textbooks or instructional materials in standard bibliographical format.
Progress Reports
Submit an annual progress report to the local principal. For grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, include the results of a standardized achievement test demonstrating grade-level achievement. For other grades, you may submit:
- A nationally normed standardized achievement test result.
- Progress equivalent to one grade level per year on a nationally normed standardized test.
- A written evaluation by a Hawaii-certified teacher.
- A written evaluation by the parent, including a description of progress, samples of the child’s work, and tests and assignments with grades, if applicable.
- Results of Hawaii’s Statewide Testing Program if you choose to participate.