Hours / Days
Curriculum must be 'structured and cumulative' (no specific hour/day minimum)
State Code
HI
Subjects
0 required
Filing Requirements
Letter of Intent or Form 4140
When program begins; resubmit when advancing grades or changing addressFile with your child's current school principal or local public school principal. Simple notification process.
How to Comply with Hawaii's Homeschool Law
Step-by-step instructions to start homeschooling legally in Hawaii
Legal Classification
Home School Program (Notification to School Principal)
Compulsory Education Ages
5-18
Steps to Get Started
Understand Hawaii's Notification Requirement
Hawaii requires parents to notify the school principal of their intention to homeschool. This notification must be provided before beginning instruction, though there is no formal application or approval process. The principal acknowledges receipt but does not approve or deny your homeschool.
Hawaii treats homeschooling as a form of private education, and notification is simply an administrative courtesy.
Submit Your Notice of Intent to the Principal
Contact your child's assigned school principal and provide written notice of your intent to homeschool. You can use Hawaii's Form 4140 (available from the Department of Education) or submit a letter containing your child's name, date of birth, grade level, parent name, address, and phone number.
- Use Form OIS-4140 or submit a signed letter with required information
- Include your child's full name, birth date, and grade level
- Provide your contact information and signature
- Submit to the principal before you begin instruction
- Request written acknowledgment from the principal and district superintendent
Get a signed copy of the acknowledgment for your records—this confirms your homeschool is registered.
Resubmit When Your Child Changes Schools
You only need to file once with each school. However, if your child transitions from elementary to intermediate school or intermediate school to high school, or if you move to a different neighborhood school zone, you must submit a new notification to the new assigned school.
School transitions trigger new notifications, but routine renewals within the same school level are not required.
Teach Required Subjects
Hawaii requires instruction in core subjects including English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. You have flexibility in how you teach these subjects and which curriculum you choose, but you must cover these core areas.
- English language arts includes reading, writing, and communication
- Mathematics covers grade-appropriate math skills
- Science includes life science, earth science, and physical science
- Social studies includes history, geography, civics, and cultural understanding
Hawaii's subject requirements align closely with public school standards but allow you to choose your own curriculum.
Meet Assessment Requirements
Hawaii requires academic assessment through one of three options: standardized testing in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 (such as SAT or similar), portfolio review by a qualified evaluator, or teacher evaluation. You choose which method best fits your homeschool.
- Standardized testing: Administer approved standardized tests in required grades
- Portfolio assessment: Compile work samples and have them reviewed by a certified evaluator
- Teacher evaluation: Have a qualified teacher assess your child's progress in writing
Many Hawaii families use standardized tests in spring for the required grades; others maintain portfolios for portfolio review.
Keep Attendance and Progress Records
Maintain records showing the days instruction was provided and evidence of your child's progress in core subjects. While you don't submit these records to the school, they document that your homeschool is active and operating.
- Track attendance by date on a calendar or spreadsheet
- Keep samples of completed work in each subject area
- Save assessment results and progress reports
- Maintain records for at least 3-5 years
Notify When Terminating
If you stop homeschooling and re-enroll your child in public school, notify the principal of the school of record. This helps the school district keep accurate enrollment records.
Notification prevents any confusion about your child's education status and avoids truancy concerns.
Withdrawing from School
If your child was previously in public school, submit your notice of intent to the principal and begin homeschooling. No formal withdrawal process is required. If you later return to public school, contact the enrollment office.
Public School Access
Hawaii homeschoolers may participate in some public school activities and sports depending on district policy. Contact your assigned school's principal to inquire about athletic participation, clubs, and enrichment opportunities.
Special Education
Hawaii allows families with students with special needs to homeschool. If your child has been evaluated for special education services, coordinate with your school district about available services and IEP options.
Recordkeeping Best Practices
- Create a simple calendar or spreadsheet to track instructional days and subjects covered
- Keep a portfolio folder with representative samples of work from each core subject area
- Save assessment results (standardized test scores, evaluator reports, or progress documentation)
- Maintain receipts and invoices for curriculum materials and educational purchases
- Document field trips, educational activities, and enrichment programs attended
Assessment Requirements
In grades 3, 5, 8, and 10: standardized test, written evaluation by a certified teacher, or other approved assessment method.
Record Keeping
Keep documentation of planned curriculum and test scores.
Key Facts About Hawaii
Curriculum must be structured and based on educational objectives
No specific subjects mandated
Testing required in grades 3, 5, 8, 10
No specific hour or day requirements
Simple filing process with school principal
“Every family's homeschool journey in Hawaii is unique. Pavved helps you navigate yours with confidence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'structured curriculum' mean in Hawaii?
Your curriculum must be organized and based on clear educational objectives and your child's individual needs. It does not mean you must use a specific program, but you should have a plan.
Are specific subjects required?
No specific subjects are explicitly mandated. However, your curriculum should align with normal educational standards.
When do I need to test in Hawaii?
Standardized testing is required in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. You must administer an approved test in these grades.
Where do I file my Letter of Intent?
File with your child's current school principal (if transferring from public school) or with the local public school principal. This is a simple notification process.
Looking for requirements in another state?