Homeschooling Rules and Resources in Hawaii: A Guide for Parents

Thinking about teaching your child at home in Hawaii? You're not the only one! Lots of parents are choosing to homeschool so they can give their kids a learning experience that's just right for them. But homeschooling also means you need to know the rules and find the right help.

This blog post will guide you through homeschooling in Hawaii. We'll talk about what the law says, like the form you need to fill out and how to choose lessons and materials. Whether you're already homeschooling or just thinking about it, this guide will give you the information you need to make it work.

To understand how homeschooling fits into Hawaii’s education system, let’s begin with a look at some current trends and data.

Homeschooling Trends and Data in Hawaii

Homeschooling in Hawaii has changed over the years. Here's a look at some of the trends:

1. Participation Trends Since 2009

• Fluctuations: Homeschooling numbers in Hawaii have gone up and down since 2009. The number of students being homeschooled has not stayed the same each year. It has changed for different reasons.

• 2010-11 Numbers: For instance, during the 2010–11 school year, about 5,907 students were homeschooled. This shows how many families chose to homeschool at that time.

• Reasons for Decrease: This number noticeably decreased. The number of homeschoolers went down in some years. This might have been because of problems with how the numbers were reported or because families went back to regular schools.

2. Rise in Homeschooling During the Pandemic

• Significant Turning Point: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a big change in homeschooling. The pandemic made homeschooling much more popular. Many families chose to teach their kids at home during this time.

• Health Concerns and Flexibility: Before the pandemic, only a small number of students (1.2%) were homeschooled. However, as the pandemic unfolded, health concerns and the need for flexible learning environments led to a homeschooling surge.

Parents were worried about their children's health at school. They also needed schedules that fit their work and family life.

• 2020 Peak: By fall 2020, homeschooling rates in Hawaii jumped to 8.1%. This shows how many families switched to homeschooling during the pandemic.

• National Comparison: Although this was lower than the national average of 11.1% during the same period, it still marked a big increase for Hawaii. Even though more families were

  homeschooling across the US, Hawaii saw a big change too.

3. Post-Pandemic Trends

• Decrease in Numbers: This rise, however, was not permanent. As the pandemic's immediate impact waned, the percentage of homeschooled students decreased. As things went back to normal, some families stopped homeschooling. The number of homeschooled students started to go down.

• Recent Figures: The percentage of homeschooled students dropped to 6.13% in the 2022-23 school year and further to 4.44% in 2023-24. These are the most recent numbers for homeschooling in Hawaii. They show that homeschooling rates have gone down since the peak during the pandemic.

• Reversion to Pre-Pandemic Trends: This decline indicates that some families chose to return to the pre-pandemic trend by choosing to re-enroll in traditional educational institutions. Some families went back to regular schools after the pandemic was over. This means they chose to stop homeschooling.

Now that you know how homeschooling is growing in Hawaii, it’s important to understand the rules and laws that guide the process.

Understanding Homeschooling Laws in Hawaii

Homeschooling in Hawaii gives you some freedom to teach your children at home, but there

are also rules you need to follow.

1. Initial Notification

• Submitting DOE Form 4140: Initially, parents intending to homeschool must submit a notice of intent (Form 4140 or a written letter). This should be sent to the principal of the local public school within two weeks of starting homeschooling.  This means you need to tell the school that you plan to teach your child at home.

• Student Information: The notice must include the student's key information, such as name, birth date, and grade level. You'll need to provide your child's basic information. This helps the school keep track of students.

• Parent's Signature: The notice must also include the parent's signature. This shows that you understand and agree with the homeschooling rules.

• Relocation or District Change: Families must remember to submit a new notice of intent to the principal of the new local school if they relocate or change districts. If you move, you need to tell the new school. This ensures your homeschooling remains legal.

2. Standardized Testing

• Testing in Specific Grades: For students in specific grades—3, 5, 8, and 10—standardized testing is compulsory. Your child will need to take standardized tests in certain grades. These are tests that students in public schools also take.

• Annual Progress Assessments: These tests are a part of the annual progress assessments that parents are required to provide. The tests are one way to show how your child is learning. You'll need to give the results to the school.

• Meeting Educational Standards: Not only does this ensure that students meet the educational standards, but the tests help make sure your child is learning what they should be. They also help you see how your child is doing.

• Protection from Neglect Accusations: It also protects families from accusations of educational neglect. The tests help show that you are providing a good education.

• Homeschooling Legal Framework: This measure aligns with Hawaii's broader homeschooling legal framework, which stipulates annual progress reporting as a safeguard. It preserves both educational integrity and legal compliance.

3. Curriculum and Record-Keeping

• Curriculum Documentation: While Hawaii does not impose teacher qualification requirements or the submission of immunization and health records for homeschooling, the curriculum chosen must be documented and structured.

• Comprehensive Records: Parents need to maintain comprehensive records covering instructional hours, materials, and progress. Keep track of how many hours you spend teaching. Write down what books and lessons you use. Save examples of your child's work.

Looking for a homeschool curriculum that sparks curiosity and makes learning an adventure?

The American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) from The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is designed to engage children through hands-on activities, real-world projects, and a focus on exploration.

It's a screen-free approach that encourages active learning and helps children connect with what they're learning in a meaningful way.

Learn More About the AEC.

Once you know the legal requirements, the next step is organizing your lessons and keeping records of your child’s learning.

Planning and Tracking Your Homeschool Lessons in Hawaii

In Hawaii, you have flexibility in what you teach, but you still need to plan your lessons and keep records. Here is how you can create a teaching plan to homeschool your child.

1. Creating a Solid Curriculum

• Structured, Cumulative, and Sequential: While there are no mandatory subjects, the curriculum must still be structured, cumulative, and sequential. This means your lessons should build on each other step by step. You need to have a plan for what your child will learn throughout the year.

• Flexibility in Subject Choice: This means that even though you get to decide what subjects to teach, you should make sure they are taught in a way that makes sense.

You can choose the specific books and materials you want to use. But you should make sure your child is learning the important skills and knowledge in each subject.

• Personalized Learning: This approach allows for a truly personalized learning experience, where parents can tailor the curriculum according to what works best for each child. You can change the lessons to fit your child's learning style. You can also include topics that your child is interested in.

If you're curious about how Hawaii compares to other states when it comes to homeschooling, you might find this guide on the best states for homeschooling across the U.S. helpful. It offers a broader view of homeschooling options nationwide.

2. Assessment and Transcripts

• Mastery Assessments: An effective curriculum plan should include mastery assessments like evaluations or test results to aid in creating annual reports. You'll need ways to check if your child is understanding the material. This could include tests, quizzes, or projects.

3. Regular Self-Audits

• Quarterly Reviews: Implementing periodic self-audits every quarter can help parents ensure that they are meeting educational objectives and maintaining thorough records. It's a good idea to check your plans and records every few months. This helps you stay organized and make sure you're on track.

4. Enriching the Educational Experience

• Extracurricular Activities and Community Service: The inclusion of extracurricular activities and community service in the records can enrich the educational experience.

Keep track of your child's sports, clubs, and volunteer work. This shows they are developing skills outside of academics.

• Supplementary Resources: You can also include a bibliography of supplementary resources like educational websites or apps. List any helpful websites, apps, or other learning tools you use. This shows the variety of resources you provide.

• Alignment with Standards: This approach not only follows Hawaii's homeschool requirements. It also uses the flexibility of homeschooling to shape education around a child's unique interests and learning style.

Homeschooling lets you teach in a way that's best for your child. Keeping good records helps you show that you are meeting the state's requirements.

Along with planning, it’s also helpful to check how your child is doing. Let’s look at how testing and progress reports work in homeschooling.

Tests and Progress Reports for Homeschool in Hawaii

In Hawaii, there are rules about how you need to check on your child's learning. This helps make sure they are getting a good education.

1. Standardized Testing Requirements

• Grades Tested: Students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 must take standardized tests. These are tests that measure how well your child is learning. They help show how much your child has learned in different subjects.

• Annual Progress Assessments: These tests are part of the annual progress reports that you need to give to the school. You need to give the school information about your child's learning each year. Tests are one way to show this progress.

2. Testing Options

• Hawaii's Statewide Assessment Program: You can have your child take the tests through the local public schools, and it's free. Your child can take the same tests as students in public schools. This is a free option.

• Private Testing Options: You can also choose to use private testing options such as the TerraNova 2 (CAT 6) and the California Achievement Test (CAT). You can choose different tests if you prefer. These tests are given by private companies.

• Parental Choice: This flexibility allows parents to select testing conditions that best suit their child's learning style and schedule. You can choose the type of test and the time it's given. This helps your child feel comfortable and do their best.

3. Submitting Test Scores and Reports

• Annual Submission: Test scores and annual progress reports must be submitted annually to the local school principal. You need to give the school your child's test results and a summary of their learning each year. This helps the school see how your child is doing.

• Private Testing Guidelines: If you choose private or alternative testing, you need to make sure the tests you use follow the state's rules. Not all tests are accepted by the state. You need to check to make sure your test is okay.

• Avoiding Disputes: This helps you avoid any problems with the school district. Following the rules helps keep your homeschooling legal. It also helps you show that your child is getting a good education.

Want an easier way to keep track of your child's homeschooled learning?

Transparent Classroom by The School House Anywhere (TSHA) helps you record lessons, assignments, and progress all in one place. It's designed to simplify your record-keeping and provides a clear overview of your child's educational journey.

You can also use it to share updates with family or create a digital portfolio to showcase your child's achievements.

Learn more about Transparent Classroom.

Homeschooling doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Here are some local resources and communities that can support you along the way.

Finding Help and Community for Homeschooling in Hawaii

There are many resources and groups that can help you with homeschooling in Hawaii. Let’s discuss them in detail in this section.

1. Homeschool Associations

• Support and Resources: One of the key resources for homeschooling families is the presence of homeschool associations.

• Examples: These organizations include Christian Homeschoolers of Hawaii (CHOH) and Big Island Homeschool Peeps. These groups offer help with legal questions, social activities, and schoolwork. They can also provide information and materials.

• Community Building: Families can tap into a wealth of information, attend events, and participate in activities that benefit both parents and students by joining these associations. You can meet other homeschooling families and share ideas. This can make homeschooling easier and more enjoyable.

2. Online Communities and Local Meetups

• Connecting with Others: Don't underestimate the power of online communities and local meetups in addition to these associations. The internet is a great place to find other homeschoolers. You can connect with families who live near you or all over Hawaii.

• Facebook Groups: Platforms like Facebook host several active groups dedicated to connecting homeschooling families across Hawaii. You can join Facebook groups to ask questions and get advice. You can also find out about local events and activities.

• Networking and Resource-Sharing: These communities create valuable opportunities for networking and resource-sharing, which can be especially helpful for new homeschooling families.

You can learn from experienced homeschoolers and get tips on how to teach. You can also share books, lesson plans, and other materials.

Join the supportive The School House Anywhere (TSHA) community!

Homeschooling can be a rewarding journey, but it's even better with a strong support system.

TSHA offers a welcoming community where you can connect with other homeschooling families and educators, share experiences, and find valuable resources. 

Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, you'll find a place to belong, get answers to your questions, and discover a wealth of ideas to enrich your child's education.

Join the TSHA community and find the support you need to thrive on your homeschooling adventure.

3. Special Needs Services

• Public School Services: Homeschooling families with children who have special needs also have access to a variety of services in Hawaii. Public school services ensure that students evaluated through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can still receive necessary educational and related services.

If your child has an IEP, they might still be able to get some services from the public school system. This could include things like speech therapy or occupational therapy.

• Specialized Tutoring: There are also specialized tutoring options available through organizations like the Hawaii Autism Foundation. You can find tutors who are trained to work with children with specific needs. They offer customized support for children with learning disabilities or autism.

• Therapy Resources: Local therapy resources such as Little Honu Pediatric Therapy offer speech, occupational, and developmental therapies.

You can find therapists who can help your child with things like speech, movement, or other developmental issues. This allows families to cater to the specific needs of their children.

4. Financial Support and Community Activities

• Free or Low-Cost Options: There are several free or low-cost options available to support homeschooling families financially. You don't have to spend a lot of money on homeschooling. There are many free and affordable resources.

• Public Libraries: Public libraries across Hawaii provide access to self-paced learning tools and free educational content. Libraries offer books, computers, and other resources for homeschoolers. They can be a great place to find learning materials.

• Local Store Discounts: Discounts from local stores like Fisher Hawaii also help in acquiring necessary educational materials without straining the budget. Some stores offer discounts on school supplies for homeschoolers. This can help you save money on your homeschooling expenses.

If you're looking for ways to make homeschooling more affordable, you might find it helpful to explore available grants and financial aid options. Check out our guide on homeschool grants to learn more.

Wrapping Up

Homeschooling in Hawaii offers a lot of freedom and the chance to create a learning experience that's perfect for your child. But it's also important to understand the rules and find the support you need to do it well.

This blog post has given you a basic overview of what you need to know to homeschool in Hawaii. We've talked about the legal stuff, how to plan your lessons, and where to find help.

With the right information and resources, you can make homeschooling a great success for your family.

Ready to Homeschool Your Way in Hawaii? The School House Anywhere (TSHA) Can Help You Create a Truly Personalized Education!

You've explored the flexibility and opportunities that homeschooling in Hawaii provides. Now, TSHA is here to help you make your personalized homeschooling vision a reality, offering a curriculum and support system designed to empower your family.

Here's how TSHA can support your homeschooling journey in Hawaii:

• A Curriculum That Adapts to Your Child: TSHA's American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to be highly adaptable. It allows you to tailor lessons and activities to your child's specific learning style, interests, and pace. You'll have the freedom to create a learning path that maximizes their strengths and addresses their individual needs.

• Hands-On, Engaging Learning: The AEC emphasizes hands-on activities, real-world projects, and interactive learning experiences. This approach can be particularly valuable in Hawaii, where you can incorporate the state's unique environment and culture into your child's education.

• Support for Your Homeschooling Goals: TSHA provides resources and guidance to help you with lesson planning, scheduling, record-keeping, and other essential aspects of homeschooling. You'll have the tools you need to create a structured and effective learning environment.

• A Community of Homeschoolers: Connect with other homeschooling families and educators through TSHA's supportive network. Share ideas, get advice, and find encouragement as you create a personalized education for your child in Hawaii.

• Preparing for the Future: TSHA's curriculum focuses on developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, ensuring your child is well-prepared for success in college, careers, and life.

Ready to create a homeschooling experience that's as unique as your child and perfectly suited for Hawaii?

Join The School House Anywhere!