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Hawaii Homeschool Funding

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Last updated: October 8, 2025

Hawaii Homeschool Funding

What’s covered, how to access district/charter resources (and what isn’t funded).

HI
Funding guide
State programs

Main program

Program name: No statewide ESA for independent homeschool

Admin: Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) oversees home education notifications; public charter schools are overseen by the Charter School Commission.

Typical award

Amount: No direct state funding for independent homeschool

Disbursement: Not applicable for independent homeschool

Who qualifies

  • Residency: Student resides in Hawaii.
  • Age/grade: Compulsory attendance ages must be met via public, private, or home education.
  • Other: Parent files a notice of intent and maintains records per HIDOE rules.

Timeline

  • File notice before or at the time you begin homeschooling.
  • Provide annual progress documentation per HIDOE rules (see “Docs & forms”).
  • Submit a letter when you terminate homeschooling or change schools.

Overview

Hawaii does not offer a statewide Education Savings Account (ESA), voucher, or reimbursement program for families who homeschool independently. Families are responsible for curriculum and materials. However, some families choose public charter or distance-learning schools (public school enrollment) that provide curriculum and services at no cost—this is not legally “homeschool” but can be a home-based public-school option. Limited access to district services may be available in specific cases (e.g., special education evaluations, part-time enrollment or activities at a principal’s discretion).

Programs

Independent Home Education (no state funds)

  • Type: Parent-directed homeschool under HIDOE rules.
  • Award: None; no ESA or stipend.
  • Uses: Parent chooses curriculum, instruction, testing, and records.
  • Admin: Parent files notice with local public school principal/HIDOE per rule; parent maintains portfolio/records and submits annual progress per options allowed.

HIDOE (Home Schooling overview)

Public Charter / Distance-Learning (home-based public school)

  • Type: Public charter or online program (enrollment replaces independent homeschool).
  • Award: No cash to families; school provides curriculum/services and may supply devices or learning supports.
  • Uses: Courses, curriculum, teachers, and approved learning resources through the school.
  • Admin: Hawaii public charter schools (e.g., statewide virtual/BL schools) under the Charter School Commission.

HI Charter School Commission • Examples to research/apply: Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA), Myron B. Thompson Academy (MBTA).

Note: Choosing a public charter means your child is a public-school student (not legally homeschooled) and you must follow the school’s requirements.

Special Education Services (proportionate share)

  • Type: Limited services for eligible students may be available via HIDOE.
  • Award/Uses: Evaluation and some services may be offered at public school sites; availability and scope vary.
  • Admin: HIDOE; contact your complex area/district for current process.

Eligibility

  • Residency: Student lives in Hawaii.
  • Notification: Parent submits a notice of intent to the school principal (or uses HIDOE form) before starting homeschooling.
  • Subjects: Provide instruction across the commonly required subjects (language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health/PE, etc.).
  • Records: Keep a portfolio/records (curriculum list, work samples, log).
  • Progress: Provide annual progress per HIDOE rule (e.g., standardized test results, a teacher evaluation, or portfolio review—see official options).

How to apply

  1. File notice: Submit a parent letter of intent or the official HIDOE form to your local school principal.
  2. Set your plan: Choose curriculum and map your year; keep a resource list for your records.
  3. Maintain records: Keep samples of work, attendance/logs, and any assessments.
  4. Submit progress: At the end of each year, provide progress documentation using one of the accepted options.
  5. If you stop homeschooling: File a termination letter when enrolling in a school or moving.

Find HIDOE homeschool info & forms

Covered expenses

  • Curriculum & textbooks (family-purchased)
  • Online courses & software
  • Tutoring / classes / co-ops
  • Standardized tests / evaluations
  • Supplies & hands-on materials
  • Field trips / educational activities
  • Technology & devices
  • Therapies (if privately arranged)
  • Exam fees (e.g., AP, CLEP) if desired
  • No state reimbursements for independent homeschool

If enrolled in a public charter instead of homeschooling, the school may provide curriculum/devices and specific resources at no cost to you.

Deadlines

MilestoneDateNotes
Notice of intent Before you begin File with your local principal/HIDOE
Annual progress End of school year Submit one of the accepted documentation options
Charter applications Varies by school Some use lotteries with spring windows

Docs & forms

Official sources

FAQs

Does Hawaii give ESA money to homeschoolers?
No. Independent homeschool in Hawaii does not receive state funds. If you enroll in a public charter or distance-learning public program, the school provides curriculum/services but that is not “homeschool” under HIDOE rules.
Can my child join public school classes or activities?
Possibly. Some principals allow part-time classes or participation in activities as space and policy permit. Ask your local school for current options and requirements.
How do I show annual progress?
Parents typically submit one of the accepted options (e.g., standardized test results, teacher/credentialed evaluation, or portfolio review). Check the HIDOE homeschooling guidance for the formats they accept and due dates.

Contacts

Hawaii DOE — Home Schooling

Homepage > Teaching & Learning > Home Schooling
Contact your local school/complex area office for filing and questions.

Public Charter Schools

Charter School Commission — school directory & enrollment windows.

Law & regulations