Educating your child at home can be a rewarding and satisfying experience for both parents and students, but it is important to understand exactly what’s required in order to homeschool in Hawaii. Every state has its own regulations for homeschooling, and Hawaii is no exception. To ensure that you and your child are following the laws, it is essential to understand what the homeschool requirements are and how to comply with them.
Below are 15 questions to consider when getting started with homeschooling in the Aloha State.
1. What is the Homeschooling Law in Hawaii?
Homeschooling in Hawaii is regulated by Chapter 302D-1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which states that all families in Hawaii who choose to homeschool must register their homeschool and follow the guidelines set forth in that law. Families that are registered in the appropriate manner are not required to follow the traditional school calendar of 180 days, but are allowed to adjust their school year according to their family needs.
2. Who Can Homeschool in Hawaii?
Any parent or guardian of a child between the ages of 7 and 18 can legally homeschool in Hawaii as long as they meet the qualifications set forth in the law. A qualified parent can be a biological parent, a stepparent, a grandparent, or a legal guardian. The parent or guardian must be a resident of the State of Hawaii, and they must be the main tutor and teacher in the homeschool.
3. What Are The Qualifications for Homeschooling in Hawaii?
In order to homeschool your child in Hawaii, the law requires that the parent or guardian providing instruction be at least 19 years of age, possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and have completed at least 3 college credits pertaining to the teaching of pupils with special needs.
4. What Is The Registration Process for Homeschooling in Hawaii?
First, the parent or guardian wishing to homeschool their child must submit a Declaration of Intent to Home School form to the Department of Education. The form must include information such as the name and address of the family as well as information regarding the parent/guardian’s qualifications.
The form must be signed and notarized. Once the form is approved and registered, it must be renewed annually.
5. What Is The Curriculum Requirement for Homeschooling in Hawaii?
The curriculum for homeschooling in Hawaii must include reading and literature, writing, spelling, arithmetic, science, social studies, health, physical education, and fine arts. The parent or guardian must provide instruction at least on a part-time basis in these subject areas. The school district in which the family resides may also agree to inspect the homeschool’s curriculum, although this is not required.
6. Does Homeschooling Require Testing in Hawaii?
No, homeschooling does not require testing in Hawaii. However, the parent or guardian may choose to participate in the State Assessments, which are given from grades 3 through 8 and grade 1 11th-grade students who participate may be eligible for the High School Equivalency Diploma upon completion of the tests.
7. Is Physical Attendance Required for Homeschooling in Hawaii?
No, physical attendance is not required for homeschooling in Hawaii. All instruction may occur at home or in a combination of at-home and out-of-home instruction, depending on the student’s needs.
8. Does Homeschooling Require Record Keeping in Hawaii?
Yes, records must be kept for all homeschooled children in Hawaii. These records should include attendance records, a portfolio of the student’s work, as well as written narrative evaluations of the student’s progress. These records should be maintained for at least 6 years.
9. Are There Regulations Regarding Parent-Taught Drivers Education in Hawaii?
Yes, the parent or guardian must complete a 34-hour parent-taught drivers education program to meet the requirements for Hawaii homeschooling. The program must be completed within 9 months of enrolling in a driving school.
10. Are There Any Socialization Requirements for Homeschooling in Hawaii?
No, there are no socialization requirements for homeschooling in Hawaii. Whereas traditional school systems provide socialization opportunities for children, homeschooling provides parents and guardians with the opportunity to design their own socialization activities to best meet the needs of the student.
11. Are Homeschooled Children Required to Meet Requirements for Graduation?
Yes, homeschooled children in Hawaii must meet all of the state’s requirements to graduate, just as traditional public and private school students. These requirements include completing the required units of study in English, math, science, and social studies, as well as passing physical education and satisfactory conduct.
12. How Are Homeschool Graduation Diploma Awards Determined in Hawaii?
Homeschooled students in Hawaii may receive a diploma from the Department of Education or a certificate of completion from the State of Hawaii. The diploma is awarded upon the student’s successful completion and graduation from a homeschool program, and the certificate of completion is awarded upon the completion of a specified and approved course of study.
13. Are Homeschooled Students Allowed to Participate in Extracurricular Activities in Hawaii?
Yes, homeschooled students in Hawaii are eligible to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities such as band, cheerleading, and debate. However, each school has its own eligibility requirements that must be met by the student.
14. Are Funds Available for Homeschooling in Hawaii?
Yes, homeschooled students in Hawaii are eligible for an allotment of state funds for use towards costs associated with homeschooling, such as tuition, instruction materials, and educational trips. The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
15. Are Homeschoolers Eligible to Apply for Scholarships in Hawaii?
Yes, homeschoolers in Hawaii are eligible to apply for scholarships, just like other traditional school students. The only difference is that homeschooled students must provide evidence of their academic records such as transcripts and achievement tests in order to be considered for scholarships.
Conclusion
Homeschooling your child in Hawaii is a rewarding and empowering experience, but it is important to understand the requirements and regulations that must be met in order to comply with the law. Knowing what is required of you and your child is the first step to success when homeschooling in the Aloha State.