Education system and best schools in Hawaii: Hawaii Department of Education oversees public schools. School year typically from August to May. Public schools follow Common Core standards. Hawaii public schools offer Hawaiian language programs. Honolulu boasts elite private schools. Punahou School known for strong academics. Iolani School excels in athletics and arts. Kamehameha Schools focus on Native Hawaiian education. Montessori and Waldorf schools available statewide. Homeschooling requires NOI submission, annual progress reports.
Hawaii Department of Education oversees public schools.
The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) oversees the public school system in Hawaii, providing services such as student transportation, special education, and a strategic plan to ensure high-quality learning for all students. The department also implements initiatives like the Ka Hei sustainability program to integrate energy technology and STEM education into the curriculum.
School year typically from August to May.
In Hawaii, the school year typically runs from August to May, with the public education system governed by the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) and structured around a strategic plan that aims to ensure high-quality learning for all students. The system includes public, private, and homeschooling options, with notable institutions like the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Chaminade University of Honolulu offering quality higher education. For more details on the variety of educational opportunities, visit the Hawaii Public Schools website to explore resources and information tailored to student success.
Public schools follow Common Core standards.
Hawaii's public schools follow the Hawaii Common Core Standards, which define the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in college and careers. These standards, implemented fully by the 2013-2014 school year, align with college and workforce expectations and include rigorous content and higher-order skills, with schools using consistent instructional materials while allowing for teacher innovation and customization. To learn more about these standards, visit the Hawaii Department of Education website.
Hawaii public schools offer Hawaiian language programs.
Hawaii Public Schools offer the Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (HLIP), Ka Papahana Kaiapuni, which delivers instruction exclusively in Hawaiian until grade 5, and then introduces English. The program is supported by the Office of Hawaiian Education and is available in 22 HIDOE sites and six charter schools, aiming to revitalize the Hawaiian Language and culture.
Honolulu boasts elite private schools.
Honolulu is home to some of the top-ranked private schools in Hawaii, including 'Iolani School, Punahou School, and St. Andrew's Schools, which are recognized for their high college readiness, graduation rates, and rigorous coursework. These schools offer a wide range of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs, with Punahou School and 'Iolani School being particularly notable for their national recognition and comprehensive educational offerings.
Punahou School known for strong academics.
Punahou School, founded in 1841, is a private, co-educational college preparatory school in Honolulu, Hawaii, known for its strong academics, diverse extracurricular programs, and commitment to developing well-rounded, capable, and caring individuals. The school offers a rigorous curriculum, extensive arts and athletics programs, and innovative learning environments, making it one of the most prestigious schools in Hawaii.
Iolani School excels in athletics and arts.
'Iolani School excels in athletics, sponsoring 107 teams across various sports and achieving numerous state championships, and also offers robust arts programs, including music, dance, and chamber music, providing a well-rounded educational experience for its students. The school's athletic and arts programs are integral to its "One Team" culture, fostering growth and success in both competitive and creative fields.
Kamehameha Schools focus on Native Hawaiian education.
Kamehameha Schools focus on providing educational programs and scholarship services specifically for Hawaiian learners of all ages, emphasizing the nurturing of Native Hawaiian children to lead and inspire their communities, grounded in Hawaiian culture-based education and Christian values.
Montessori and Waldorf schools available statewide.
Hawaii offers several Montessori and Waldorf schools. For example, the Hawai`i Montessori School on the Big Island provides child-centered environments and a broad curriculum for children from 18 months to 6 years old, while the Honolulu Waldorf School on Oahu follows Waldorf education principles, offering a developmentally appropriate curriculum from early childhood through middle school, although it no longer includes high school levels due to past funding issues.
Homeschooling requires NOI submission, annual progress reports.
In Hawaii, homeschooling mandates the submission of an initial Notice of Intent (NOI) and annual progress reports, in addition to maintaining detailed records of the curriculum and instruction hours. Parents are also required to report standardized test scores for students in Grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. For comprehensive information on these requirements, visit the Homeschooling Laws in Hawaii page. This ensures compliance with educational standards and supports effective home-based learning.