How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Hawaii

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Hawaii requires to start

   A notice of intent is required, and it is notice, not approval. The parent gives the principal of the public school the child would otherwise attend either DOE Form 4140 (Section B, home schooling) or a letter, and the principal and complex area superintendent acknowledge it.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The department's 2026 FAQ says to use Form 4140 or a letter of intent to notify the school the child is leaving, so the one filing serves as both the notice and the withdrawal. Home schooling begins when the signed form or letter is submitted, and no birth certificate, residency proof or health records are needed. No exit meeting or waiting period appears in the sources we read.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   No yearly renewal is needed as long as the annual progress report is submitted, but a new notice is needed when the child changes schools or districts. The parent also notifies the principal when home schooling ends (HAR Chapter 12). Test scores are required in grades 3, 5, 8 and 10.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   The Hawaii sources we read say nothing specific about school records at withdrawal. FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   HAR Chapter 12 says special education and related services remain available at the home school to a home-schooled child who has been evaluated, qualifies and requests them. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, which ends the services after the district gives prior written notice.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Hawaii: the items Hawaii asks to be included are listed in it. The state also has an official form, so send that with the letter. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of the public school my child would otherwise attend [name and address]

Re: Notice of intent to home school, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under HRS 302A-1132(a)(5), I am notifying you that I will be providing a home education program for my child beginning [start date].

Hawaii asks that this notice include the following (complete or confirm each one):
- Child's name [fill in]
- Address [fill in]
- Telephone number [fill in]
- Birth date [fill in]
- Grade level [fill in]
- Parent or guardian signature and date [fill in]

I am also submitting the state form, Exceptions to Compulsory Education (DOE Form 4140), with this letter.

Please also treat this letter as my notice that my child is withdrawn from [name of current school] effective [start date].

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Hawaii

Hawaii State Department of Education, Homeschool (808-351-5009), last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions