Hawaii vs Washington: Homeschool Laws Compared
Side-by-side comparison of homeschool regulations. See what changes if you're moving between these states.
At a Glance
| Requirement | Hawaii | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation level | Moderate regulation | High regulation |
| Notification | Required — principal of the public school the child would otherwise attend based on residence before initiating home schooling | Required — superintendent of the local school district by September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year |
| Testing | Required | Required |
| Required subjects | None specified | 11 subjects |
| Instructional time | No requirement | 180 days/yr, 1000 hrs/yr |
| Instructor qualification | No requirement | specific qualifications (see details) |
| Recordkeeping | portfolio | attendance |
| Annual renewal | Not required | Required by September 15 |
Moving Between These States
Moving from Hawaii to Washington
Grace period: By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
What changes:
- ~Notification: Hawaii (Required — principal of the public school the child would otherwise attend based on residence before initiating home schooling) → Washington (Required — superintendent of the local school district by September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year)
- +Washington requires instructor qualification (specific qualifications (see details)). Hawaii does not
- +Washington requires required subjects (11 subjects). Hawaii does not
- +Washington requires instructional time (180 days/yr, 1000 hrs/yr). Hawaii does not
- ~Recordkeeping: Hawaii (portfolio) → Washington (attendance)
Transition checklist
Before you leave Hawaii:
- ▢Notify current school registrar or office, plus notification to local public school principal: Notify principal when homeschooling is discontinued.
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Washington requires: immunization records
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in Washington:
- ▢File Declaration of Intent with local superintendent by Sept 15 or within 2 weeks of any quarter/trimester/semester start.
- ▢Prepare qualification evidence (specific qualifications (see details))
Calendar deadlines:
- ▢By Sept 15, or within 2 weeks of next quarter/trimester/semester start (RCW 28A.200.010)
- ▢No separate new-resident provision. If arriving mid-quarter, file within 2 weeks of next quarter start.
Moving from Washington to Hawaii
Grace period: Must file BEFORE beginning — no specific day count (HRS §302A-1132(a)(5); HAR §8-12)
What changes:
- ~Notification: Washington (Required — superintendent of the local school district by September 15 of each school year, or within two weeks of the start of any public school quarter if beginning mid-year) → Hawaii (Required — principal of the public school the child would otherwise attend based on residence before initiating home schooling)
- -Good news: Hawaii has no instructor qualification requirement
- -Good news: Hawaii has no required subjects requirement
- -Good news: Hawaii has no instructional time requirement
- ~Recordkeeping: Washington (attendance) → Hawaii (portfolio)
Transition checklist
Before you leave Washington:
- ▢No formal withdrawal required in Washington
- ▢Gather records: curriculum materials, work samples, test scores
- ▢Complete any pending assessments before you leave
When you arrive in Hawaii:
- ▢File Notice of Intent (Form 4140 or letter) with principal of child's assigned public school BEFORE beginning instruction.
Before you start teaching:
- ▢File BEFORE you start teaching (HRS §302A-1132(a)(5); HAR §8-12)
- ▢File with principal of child's assigned public school. Principal and district superintendent must acknowledge. Re-file if moving to different school area within HI.
Military families
Neither Hawaii nor Washington has military-specific homeschool provisions. MIC3 (Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) does not apply to homeschoolers — it covers public schools only. Your School Liaison Officer can help with the transition.
Planning a move?
Enter your move date to get a timeline with specific deadlines.
Common questions
What are the differences between homeschooling in Hawaii and Washington?
Hawaii and Washington have different homeschool regulations covering notification requirements, testing, required subjects, instructor qualifications, and recordkeeping. See the comparison table above for the exact differences.
What do I need to do to move my homeschool from Hawaii to Washington?
When moving from Hawaii to Washington, you must comply with Washington's homeschool laws from scratch. See the transition checklist above for step-by-step guidance.
Data sourced from state statutes and administrative codes. Comparison based on default homeschool pathway for each state. This is compliance guidance, not legal advice. Terms · How we verify