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.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Hawaii
The Waldorf Map lists 4 schools in Hawaii, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Haleakala Waldorf School, Kula
- Honolulu Waldorf School, Honolulu
- Mālamalama Waldorf School, Keaau
- Kona Pacific Public Charter School, Kealakekua
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.
Questions about homeschooling in Hawaii
Do I have to file Form 4140 every year?
No. You only file it when you start, move to a new district, or your child moves to a new school tier (e.g., from 5th to 6th grade, or 8th to 9th grade).
Can my child play sports at the local high school?
Generally, no. Hawaii does not mandate equal access for homeschoolers to public school sports teams.
What if my child fails the standardized test?
If progress is not deemed satisfactory by the principal based on the repot, the child may be placed on probation for one year. If progress is still not satisfactory, the principal may require the child to enroll in school.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Hawaii records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Hawaii tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · HI homeschool law guide