Homeschooling a Child with an IEP in Hawaii

This is general guidance based on Hawaii law. For your specific IEP, consult a special education advocate.

Having an IEP doesn't mean you can't homeschool in Hawaii. You absolutely can. Here's what you need to know about services, rights, and the withdrawal process.

What happens to your child's services

When you homeschool in Hawaii, your child loses access to most IEP services. HIDOE must still evaluate your child if you suspect a disability (Child Find), but ongoing services will generally need to come from private providers unless you enroll your child part-time in public school.

Homeschooled students not enrolled in public school generally not entitled to full range of special education services. Services to parentally placed students limited under federal law.

Primary source: IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(10)(A); 34 CFR 300.130-144

How to access services while homeschooling

✓

Child Find

HIDOE must identify and evaluate including homeschooled children

IDEA — 20 USC 1412(a)(3); 34 CFR 300.111

Dual enrollment

Can receive services at public school if enrolled

Equitable services

Limited under IDEA proportionate share

Therapy access

Speech therapy:: Available at public school if enrolled; otherwise private providers
Occupational therapy:: Available at public school if enrolled; otherwise private providers
Behavioral therapy:: Primarily private providers

Hawaii is a single statewide school district (HIDOE).

Before you withdraw

We recommend these steps for any family withdrawing a child with an IEP:

1
Request complete copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports before you withdraw.
2
Consider requesting an IEP meeting to discuss the transition. This is optional but can provide valuable information.
3
File your homeschool notification with the state as required (our wizard will generate this for you).
4
Arrange any private therapies or services your child needs before withdrawal takes effect.

If you want to re-enroll

Homeschooling is not a one-way door. Your child can re-enroll in public school at any time.

Re-enrollment processes vary by state and district. Contact your local school to ask what evaluation or documentation they require. Keep copies of all IEP records. They will help the district determine placement and next steps.

Keep copies of all IEP documents, evaluations, and progress reports. You'll need these if you re-enroll.

Who to call

You don't have to navigate this alone. These organizations help families with special education questions.

COPAA

copaa.org · Find a special education attorney near you

Wrightslaw

wrightslaw.com · Special education law encyclopedia

Common questions

Can I homeschool a child with an IEP in Hawaii?

Yes. Parents in Hawaii have the right to withdraw their child from public school regardless of disability status. No IEP team can block your withdrawal. However, the IEP itself typically does not transfer to the home setting. Run our free wizard to see exactly what services are available in Hawaii.

What happens to my child's IEP when I start homeschooling in Hawaii?

In most cases, the IEP, which is a contract between your family and the school district, ends when you withdraw. However, federal Child Find obligations still apply, meaning the district must evaluate your child if requested. Some states offer additional protections. Use our wizard to see Hawaii's specific provisions.

Get your personalized compliance checklist

Our wizard generates a step-by-step plan for your family, including IEP-specific guidance for your chosen pathway.

Start the Hawaii wizard

Requirements sourced from HRS 302A-1132(a)(5) (Home Instruction). Verified against primary legal sources. Last verified: March 2026