Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, making it one of the most popular vacation destinations in the USA – but did you know that it’s also a great state to homeschool in? Homeschooling online in Hawaii is a popular educational choice!
At Hawaii Homeschooling Online, we believe every student should have access to a world-class education that prepares them for success. Our online high school diploma courses are accredited by the DEAC and AdvancED, and they are tailored to meet the needs of each individual student. Our curriculum is based on the latest standards set by the Hawaii Department of Education.
Our team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to providing students with an excellent education that prepares them for college and beyond.
Whether you’re located on the beautiful islands of Hawaii or anywhere else in the world, enrolling with Hawaii Homeschooling Online ensures you receive a high-quality education at an affordable cost.
Homeschooling Laws in Hawaii
Parents who want to homeschool their children in Hawaii must adhere to certain regulations. They can either notify their local school district of their intent to homeschool or enroll their child in an approved alternative education program offered by the district.
Option 1
To homeschool your family in Hawaii, you can choose the first option, which requires you to inform the superintendent or principal of your local public school about your intention to homeschool. You can do this by filling out Form 4140, provided by the Hawaii Department of Education, or by writing a letter that includes the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Birth date
- Signature of parent and child
- Grade level
- Phone number
Option 2
The other choice available to you is to enroll your child in an approved alternative educational program, as determined by the superintendent. This option needs the involvement of a qualified teacher with at least a bachelor’s degree to instruct your child.
While your child would not be required to attend a traditional school, the chosen program must adhere to the standard requirements expected of schools.
Other homeschool requirements that you must consider in Hawaii include:
Required Courses
There are no state mandated subjects that must be taught by homeschoolers.
Grades 9-12
According to the statute, the following subjects should be taught in high school:
- English (4 credits)
- Health education (0.5 credits)
- Mathematics (3 credits)
- Physical education (0.5 credits)
- Science (3 credits)
- Social studies (4 credits)
- Personal transition plan (0.5 credits)
- Electives (6 credits)
High school students with a valid 4140 can get an official high school diploma from the Hawaii Adult Community School by passing either HiSET test or the GED.
Attendance Requirements
Hawaii law required parents to enroll children aged between 5 and 18 in school.
Annual Assessment
Irrespective of you chosen homeschooling option, you are required by the law to submit an annual report of the progress of your student. The three types of options that you have include:
a) Standardized Test
You have the option to have your child participate in an annual nationally recognized standardized test to assess their academic development.
You can choose between two types of tests: one that evaluates their achievement according to their age or one that assesses their achievement based on their grade level. This choice is particularly relevant if your child started school earlier or later than their peers.
b) Written Evaluation
For this choice, you must submit a written assessment of your child’s development, which can be provided by either a certified teacher or a parent, depending on your homeschooling option.
If you opt for the first option and are a parent responsible for the evaluation, you will need to include an overview of your child’s advancement in each subject, examples of their work, sample tests or assignments, and the grades they have achieved.
c) Hawaii Statewide Testing Program
The last choice is having your homeschooling students take part in Hawaii’s statewide testing program. This program tests learners in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.
Record Keeping
Hawaii homeschooling law mandates parents to keep records of the following:
- Start and end date of the homeschool program.
- Weekly hours of instruction.
- List of subjects to be covered in the curriculum.
- The method used to evaluate mastery of the materials and curriculum courses.
- List of textbooks or other instructional materials to be used.
- A copy of an approved Letter of Intent or Form 4140.
- Attendance log to keep track of the student’s attendance.
- List of all educational materials used.
- Standardized test scores to measure the student’s academic progress.
Extracurricular Activities
Unluckily, Hawaii laws don’t permit homeschoolers to participate in athletics or extracurricular activities. You can check out activities offered through local support groups and homeschool organizations.
Homeschool Graduation Requirements in Hawaii
Even though Hawaii Homeschool laws don’t mandate specific courses, homeschooling parents can ask public schools to determine what learners should be taught in their respective grades.
In addition, Hawaii homeschooled students don’t earn a high school diploma like their public counterparts. Alternatively, they can do the following:
- Receive a Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma by passing either the General Education Development (GED) or HiSET and completing at least one semester of high school at an accredited private or public school in Hawaii.
- Receive a high school equivalency credential by passing HiSET or the GED test.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Homeschooling Online
Where should I send my notice of intent to homeschool?
You should send your notice of intent to homeschool, either in the form of Exceptions to Compulsory Education (Form 4140) or a signed letter of intent, to the public school principal in your locality.
What do I need to start homeschooling my child?
To begin homeschooling, you need to complete Form 4140 or provide a signed letter of intent to the neighborhood school.
When can I start homeschooling my child?
You can start homeschooling your child as soon as you send the signed Form 4140 or letter of intent to the neighborhood school.
Do I need to submit a notice of intent to homeschool every year?
No, you don’t need to resubmit Form 4140 or a letter of intent annually unless your child transitions to a different school level or if you move to another region.
Is it possible to obtain a high school equivalency through homeschooling?
Yes, a homeschooled student with a valid Form 4140 who has received homeschool instruction for at least one semester can earn a high school equivalency credential and a Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma from the community school for adults.
To earn this credential, the student must achieve a passing score on either the General Educational Development (GED) or HiSET test.
Can my child apply to college after completing homeschooling?
Yes, a homeschooled child can apply to college and participate in college entrance examinations available to all other students. Upon request, the principal of the local public high school will provide a written acknowledgment that the child has been homeschooled in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 12, Hawaii Administrative Rules.
This acknowledgment is given to homeschooled children whose parents have met the requirements, including submitting an annual progress report and test data for the appropriate grade levels.
How can I end homeschooling?
If you decide to end homeschooling, you must notify the principal of the school where you initially sent the notice of intent to homeschool.
The child will then be enrolled in the local public school or a licensed private school unless a new alternative educational program is presented within five school days after terminating homeschooling. You can provide this notification in written or verbal form.
How to Do It: Online Homeschooling in Hawaii
To homeschool online in Hawaii, you must follow the following steps:
- Submit a letter of intent to homeschool or Form 4140: You will need to inform the principal of your local public school about your decision to homeschool by submitting a letter of intent. Alternatively, you can use Form 4140, a standardized form provided by the Hawaii Department of Education for this purpose.
- Choose the ideal curriculum: Select one that aligns with your educational goals and preferences. Various homeschooling curricula are available, including pre-packaged curricula, online programs, and customized approaches. Consider factors such as your child’s learning style, your teaching abilities, and any specific requirements the state sets.
- Ensure curriculum compliance with state laws: Familiarize yourself with Hawaii’s homeschooling laws and regulations to ensure your chosen curriculum meets the requirements. Hawaii does not mandate a specific curriculum but requires that homeschooling provide a “substantially equivalent” education to that offered in public schools. It is essential to cover subjects such as language arts, math, science, social studies, and health.
- Keep records of the curriculum: Maintain thorough records of your homeschooling activities, including lesson plans, attendance records, samples of your child’s work, and any other documentation related to their education. These records may be required for evaluation or assessment purposes.
- Participate in the Statewide Testing Program: Hawaii requires students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 to participate in the Statewide Testing Program and submit their scores. This program assesses the educational progress of homeschooled students. The Hawaii Department of Education will provide information on the specific testing requirements, test dates, and locations. Connecting with local homeschooling communities or support groups for guidance, resources, and networking opportunities is also beneficial.
Online Homeschooling Statistics in Hawaii
Online homeschooling has been growing in popularity in recent years, offering families flexibility and access to a wide range of educational resources. Like other states, Hawaii has seen an increase in online homeschooling options due to advancements in technology and the expansion of online educational resources.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Surveys Opens, the rate of families in the United States that homeschool doubled to 11.1% from 5.4% between April and October 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of the survey varied significantly across the states. In Hawaii, the homeschool rate increased from 4.5% to 8.1%.
Benefits of Hawaii Homeschooling Online
There are several benefits to homeschooling online in Hawaii, including:
- Personalized Learning: Homeschooling online allows for a more customized learning experience, where students can learn at their own pace and focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses. This can lead to better academic performance and a more positive learning experience.
- Access to a Wide Range of Resources: With online homeschooling, students in Hawaii have access to a wide range of resources, including online textbooks, videos, and other educational materials. This can enhance their learning experience and provide a more well-rounded education.
- Flexibility: Online homeschooling in Hawaii allows families to set their own schedules and pace of learning. This is particularly beneficial for families with busy schedules or for students who require more individualized attention.
- Reduced Costs: Homeschooling online can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional schooling, as families do not have to pay for transportation, school supplies, or other related expenses.
- More Time with Family: Homeschooling online in Hawaii provides families with the opportunity to spend more time together and strengthen family relationships. This can have a positive impact on overall family dynamics and well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooling online in Hawaii, when done in accordance with the state’s laws, can be a highly beneficial educational option for families. By leveraging resources like the High School of America, parents can provide their children with a quality education that prepares them for future success.
With dedication, support, and a commitment to personalized learning, homeschooling in Hawaii can be a fulfilling and effective educational choice.
To learn more about homeschooling online in Hawaii, Contact High School of America today!