Homeschooling in Hawaii
Aloha to flexible learning: Understanding Form 4140 and island requirements.
Hawaii classifies homeschooling as an "Exception to Compulsory Education." The process involves notifying the local public school principal and submitting annual progress reports. While there are no teacher qualifications, the state mandates standardized testing at specific grade levels.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
one-time per school level (Elementary/Middle/High)
Key Requirements at a Glance
- File Form 4140 only at the start or when changing school levels (Elem/Middle/High).
- Submit an Annual Progress Report at the end of each year.
- Testing is mandatory in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10.
- No teacher qualifications are required for parents.
Legal Framework
Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 8, Chapter 12 governs homeschooling.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Form 4140 (Exceptions to Compulsory Education) or Letter of Intent
When
Before starting homeschool
Where
Local public school principal
How to submit
In person or mail
What to include
- • Child's name
- • Address
- • Birth date
- • Grade level
- • Text/materials used
- • Parent signature
Testing REQUIRED in grades 3, 5, 8, 10 (SBA free at public school OR private normed test). Annual progress report required at end of each year (test scores, certified teacher evaluation, OR parent narrative). **NO sports access** - homeschoolers generally do not have access to public school sports/classes. Immunization/TB clearance NOT required for homeschoolers. Parent issues diploma (DOE does not). 5-year-olds eligible for K but compulsory age is 6.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Grades 3, 5, 8, 10
Grades: 3, 5, 8, 10
Standardized testing (SBA or private) required in grades 3, 5, 8, 10.
How to Get Started
- 1
File Form 4140
Submit 'Exceptions to Compulsory Education' to your local public school principal.
- •Download Form 4140.
- •Fill out child's details.
- •Directly hand it or mail it to the local school principal.
Tip: Ask for a date-stamped copy for your records. You can also write a simple letter of intent if the form is unavailable.Before starting (and upon moving/changing levels)
- 2
Design Curriculum
Create a structured plan.
- •Ensure it is cumulative and sequential.
- •Cover age-appropriate skills.
Tip: You do not need to submit the curriculum for approval, just have it recorded.Ongoing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓No annual filing (only report required)
- ✓Free access to state testing
- ✓Clear testing schedule (not every year)
Cons
- •Must interact with local principal (experience varies)
- •Annual progress report required
- •Testing mandatory in specific grades
Sports & Activities
Hawaii does not mandate equal access for homeschoolers to public school sports teams. Homeschoolers generally do NOT have access to public school classes or sports.
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Last updated: 2025-12-17 · HI homeschool law guide