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Most parents underestimate how simple Hawaii’s homeschool requirements are. Others overthink them. Here’s exactly what you need to do, broken down step by step.
Key Takeaways:
- File a Notice of Intent once with your local school principal (not the state)
- Maintain a structured, sequential curriculum
- Submit annual progress reports in one of four ways
- Test at grades 3, 5, 8, and 10 (or use parent evaluations)
- Keep records of what you taught and what your child learned
The Filing Requirement
You Must:
- Identify your assigned school principal (where your child would attend public school)
- File a Notice of Intent—either Form OIS-4140 or a letter containing:
- Child’s name, address, phone, birthdate, grade level, and parent signature
- Keep documentation of filing
Timing: File before you withdraw from public school (if currently enrolled) or before you begin homeschooling.
Annual Resubmission: No. You file once. Only if you move to a different school’s catchment area do you need to file with a new principal.
Documentation: Keep a copy of your notice and the principal’s acknowledgment. You may need to show this if requested by colleges, employers, or if returning to public school.
Hawaii notice of intent to homeschool
The Curriculum Requirement
Hawaii requires your curriculum be:
- Structured (planned, coherent, not random)
- Cumulative (builds over time)
- Sequential (progresses in logical order)
- Up-to-date (current materials and knowledge)
- Suited to your child’s interests, needs, and abilities
What This Means: If you use a boxed curriculum (Tumbleweed, Enki, Charlotte Mason), you’re automatically compliant. If you use a mix of resources, they should have some overall coherence. If you’re eclectic, you need to be intentional about progression.
What Hawaii Does NOT Require:
- Specific subjects (no law says you must teach science or history)
- Grade-level alignment (though you should be working at your child’s level)
- State approval
- Curriculum submission to anyone
- Classroom hours or daily schedules
Keep: A simple record of what you covered (can be as basic as “9th grade English: American literature, writing, grammar using XYZ curriculum” plus book list).
The Testing Requirement
Mandatory Testing Years:
- Grade 3
- Grade 5
- Grade 8
- Grade 10
Standard to Meet: Scores in the upper two-thirds of the norm-referenced test. This is roughly the 67th percentile and up—solid average to above-average performance.
Test Options:
- Standardized tests (SAT-10, Stanford, etc.)
- Work samples in non-testing grades
- Portfolio assessment
Cost: Most homeschoolers use standardized testing ($100-$300/year, sometimes less).
Non-Testing Years: You still need an annual progress report (see below).
The Annual Progress Report Requirement
Every year, you must document your child’s progress. You have four options—choose one:
Option 1: Standardized Test Score (if it’s a testing year)
Submit your Grade 3, 5, 8, or 10 testing scores. Done.
Option 2: One Grade Level of Progress
Document that your child progressed at least one grade level in their core work. “My 5th grader completed a full-year 5th grade curriculum and is ready for 6th grade work.” Requires basic documentation.
Option 3: Certified Teacher Evaluation
Hire a certified teacher to evaluate your child’s progress and submit a written evaluation. Cost: typically $200-$500.
Option 4: Parent-Written Evaluation
Write your own assessment of your child’s progress, skills gained, and learning. Include:
- Subjects covered
- Progress made
- Skills developed
- Learning challenges (if any)
- Next steps for the following year
Most Common: Option 4. Most Hawaii homeschoolers write their own annual evaluation.
Record-Keeping Requirements
Keep basic records:
- Curriculum materials used (textbooks, workbooks, online courses)
- Books read (especially literature, history, non-fiction)
- Projects completed
- Test scores (if testing)
- Annual progress evaluations
- Attendance/log (though no minimum days required, some families track for their own records)
You’re not required to submit these to the state. Keep them for:
- Your own reference
- Re-enrollment in public school (if needed)
- College applications
- Future documentation requests
Simple System: A notebook or Google Doc tracking what you covered each year. 15 minutes at year-end to write your progress report.
Age Requirements
Compulsory homeschooling ages: 5-18
- Before age 5: No notice required (but you can homeschool if you want)
- Ages 5-18: You must file a notice and maintain compliance
- After age 18: No notice required; child is no longer subject to compulsory attendance
Withdrawal from Public School
If your child is currently enrolled in public school:
- Notify the principal in writing using Form OIS-4140 or a letter
- Include the same information (name, address, birthdate, grade, signature)
- Principal acknowledges receipt
- You immediately begin homeschooling; child is no longer a public school student
There’s no waiting period or approval needed. Filing the notice and receiving acknowledgment authorizes you to homeschool.
Hawaii homeschool withdrawal letter
Special Education Services
Homeschooling students can access special education services through the public school system if your child qualifies. This is unusual and valuable—it means you get homeschool flexibility plus professional support.
To access services:
- Contact your assigned school’s special education department
- Request evaluation (if child hasn’t been evaluated)
- Work with the school to develop an IEP that accommodates homeschooling
- Receive services at home or at the school
What You Don’t Need
- Teaching degree or credentials
- Approval for your curriculum
- Classroom in your home
- Specific instructional hours or days
- Permission to withdraw from public school (only notification)
- Annual resubmission of your notice
- Annual curriculum review by the state
- Home visits from state officials
Checklist: Get Compliant in One Hour
- [ ] Identify your assigned school principal (call HIDOE)
- [ ] Prepare or download Form OIS-4140
- [ ] File with the principal (in person, by mail, or email)
- [ ] Keep a copy of your notice and acknowledgment
- [ ] Ensure your curriculum is structured and sequential
- [ ] Plan your testing strategy for grades 3, 5, 8, 10
- [ ] Set up a simple progress-tracking system
- [ ] Plan your annual progress report method
That’s the requirement. Everything else is optional enhancement.
How to start homeschooling hawaii
More homeschooling resources: Homeschooling by State (All 50 States) | Complete Hawaii Homeschooling Guide