Hawaii Homeschool Requirements Checklist

Review curriculum requirements

Check the cited source for curriculum requirements that may be described without a subject-by-subject list. Conditions: No subject is mandated: the rule says the curriculum "may include" language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, health and physical education (elementary) or social studies, English, mathematics, science, health, physical education and guidance (secondary). The parent must keep a record of a structured planned curriculum (HAR 8-12-15). Subject areas are suggested ("may include"), not mandated. The parent must keep a record of a structured planned curriculum covering the subject areas chosen (HAR 8-12-15).

Review instructional-time requirements

Check the cited source for the school-term or instructional-time rule that applies to your pathway. Conditions: Hawaii sets no minimum number of days or hours for home schooling. The parent's planned-curriculum record should include a record of the number of hours per week the child spends in instruction (HAR 8-12-15(2)). The average of about three hours per school day in HAR 8-12-8(c)(2) applies only to approved alternative educational programs other than home schooling.

Show your child's progress

Standardized test or Teacher evaluation or Other approved method — annually. At grades: 3, 5, 8, 10. Minimum: Upper two thirds of scores/stanines, when standardized test scores are used. Conditions: Annual progress may be shown by standardized testing, a Hawaii-certified teacher evaluation, or the parent’s written evaluation with progress descriptions and representative work. Separate grade-specific testing requirements and approved alternatives also apply. Annual progress report; statewide testing requirements separately apply in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10. There is no single passing score. When standardized test scores are used, adequate progress means scores/stanines in the upper two thirds. Other progress-report options (a certified teacher's or parent's written evaluation) are allowed, and no enrollment or neglect recommendation may be made unless progress is inadequate for two consecutive semesters, nor before third grade.

Submit annual progress reports

Submit annual progress reports to principal of the local public school. Conditions: The progress report is submitted to the principal once a year (HAR 8-12-18(b)); the rule sets no specific due date. The "end of each school year" timing in HAR 8-12-9(b) applies only to alternative educational programs other than home schooling.