PUBLIC SCHOOLS, HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Hawaii’s single statewide school district is the ninth largest in the United States, and is comprised of 288 schools, (255 regular and 33 charter schools) across seven islands. Total student enrollment in SY13-14 was 183,273 students, with 121,196 residing on the island of Oahu. Of the approximately 25,406 school-age military dependents in Hawaii, more than 70 percent attend public schools.

 

Public school (HIDOE) organizational structure:

Hawaii is a single school district with schools that are administratively organized into smaller units. A complex area superintendent (CAS) oversees two to three complex areas which consist of one high school and feeder middle and elementary schools. To view the schools in each complex area, click on the complex area in your location at www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool/SchoolFinder/Pages/Oahu-Map.aspx.

HIDOE school attendance:

All children between 5 and 18 years of age must attend school. Hawaii state law requires all students, public and private, to meet health examination and immunization requirements before they may attend school in the state.

HIDOE kindergarten eligibility:

Kindergarten attendance is mandatory in Hawaii. Starting with the 2014-15 school year, a child must be at least 5 years old on July 31 of the school year to attend a public school kindergarten. For more information, visit www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/GradeLevelOverview/Kindergarten/Pages/home.aspx

HIDOE school registration requirements:

For registration requirements, go to www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool/HowToEnroll

To enroll in public school
parents/guardians will need:

• Birth certificate

  and all legal documents such as power of attorney if not residing with parents.

• Physical examination:

  Medical records showing that a licensed physician has examined the child within one year of school entry date.

• Tuberculosis clearance:

  This examination must include a negative Tuberculin skin test with the result indicating the millimeter reading (test must be performed by a licensed U.S. physician) and must have been obtained within one year of school entry date. Note: Documentation must include the dates of administration and reading.

• Immunizations:

  All immunizations must meet the minimum age and interval dose. For a complete list, visit: www.health.hawaii.gov/docd/requirements-by-grade.

• Transcripts and documents from the previous school:

  A release from the last school attended which includes an unofficial transcript or latest report card as well as IEPs for students with special needs. Most schools do not release official permanent student records until requested by the new school. Parents or guardians are advised to hand-carry copies of report cards, promotion certificates and other materials that will be helpful in the enrollment and placement of students in proper courses.

• Proof of residence:

  Proof may include a rental lease agreement, military housing documentation, mortgage or a copy of a utility bill (water, electric, gas or telephone) — documents must have parent/guardian(s) name on it.

• Legal documents:

  Power of attorney and/or court documents if not living with parents.

• Other:

  Inhaler and EpiPen consent form, if needed. Download the form at www.hawaiipublicschools.org/DOE Forms/Enrollment/EmergencyRescueMeds.pdf.

 

HIDOE high school diploma:

The high school diploma shall be issued to students who have met all graduation requirements by demonstrating proficiency in the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards and General Learner Outcomes in the required courses. For graduates in SY 2014 and SY 2015 there are two diplomas students can earn, the HIDOE diploma and the Hawaii Board of Education (BOE) diploma.

HIDOE graduation requirements:

The classes of 2014 and 2015 graduation requirements for grades nine through 12 include 24 credits for the HIDOE diploma and 25 credits for the BOE diploma. For additional graduation information, including changes for the class of 2016, visit your child’s high school counselor or www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/StudentLearning/GraduationRequirements.

 

   SUBJECT

................

HIDOE

............

BOE

  

..........................

DIPLOMA

..

DIPLOMA

    English⁽¹⁾................................... 4 credits................... 4 credits

    Social Studies⁽²⁾....................... 4 credits................... 4 credits

    Mathematics⁽³⁾.......................... 3 credits .................. 4 credits

    Science ⁽⁴⁾.................................. 3 credits................... 3 credits

    P.E.⁽⁵⁾.......................................... 1 credit....................... 1 credit

    Health......................................... 1/2 credit............... 1/2 credit

    Personal Transition Plan....... 1/2 credit............... 1/2 credit

 

Two credits in one of the following:

    World Language (same language)⁽⁶⁾

    Fine Arts

 

    Career/Tech Education........... 2 credits................... 2 credits

    Electives .................................... 6 credits................... 5 credits

    Senior Project.......................... not required.............. 1 credit

   TOTAL.......................... 24 credits...... 25 credits

    Notes:

1. 
   English includes Language Arts 1 (one credit) and Language Arts 2 (one credit).
2. 
   Social studies includes Modern History of Hawaii (*) (1/2 credit) and Participation in a Democracy (1/2 credit).
3. Algebra I, geometry and algebra II or the equivalent.
4. To include two credits in biology, chemistry and/or physics.
5. 
   P.E. includes a required 1/2 credit course, P.E. Lifetime Fitness, and a second 1/2 credit P.E. basic elective.
6. 
   Credits earned must be in the same language, e.g., two credits in French.

    (*)
Students who have taken/passed a state history from another state will be given credit for course.

 

HIDOE Certificate of Completion:

The HIDOE Certificate of Completion of an Individually Prescribed Program (IPP) shall be issued to a student with a disability who completes all the requirements set by the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

HIDOE school calendar:

Public school starts early in Hawaii, usually the last week of July or the first week of August and all public schools, except charter and multi-track schools, follow a single school calendar that is 180 instructional days. By law, the schools provide a minimum of 915 instructional hours for elementary students and 990 instructional hours for secondary school students. See the calendar online at www.hawaiipublicschools.org

HIDOE transportation — routes and rates (current as of March 30, 2014):

• Annual Round Trip: $270
• Annual One Way: $135
• Quarterly Round Trip: $72
• Quarterly One Way: $36
• Daily one-way bus coupons are sold by sheets of 10 for $12.50 per sheet and are purchased at the school.

 

Payment and permission to ride the bus will only be accepted and granted after the school approves the transportation request application. Once your application is approved information regarding bus routes, numbers, bus stop locations and pick up times will be provided by the attending school.

HIDOE transportation eligibility:

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade must reside a mile or more from the school within their attendance area to qualify for regular school bus service. Students in grades six through 12 must reside 1.5 miles or more from the school within their attendance area to qualify for regular bus service. Students who do not qualify for regular bus service may request space-available bus service provided that there are available seats on the bus and the accommodation will not result in additional cost to the state.

Parents can apply for space-available bus service by completing the “Space Available Basis” form along with the bus pass application form located in the School Bus Handbook. Completed forms are submitted to the attending school office.

HIDOE transportation fee waivers

Students who meet one or more of the following criteria may receive a free bus pass:

• Student is a foster child.
• Student qualifies for the free lunch (not reduced) program.
• Student is homeless (McKinney-Vento eligible).
• Student’s Special Education plan (IEP) includes regular transportation as a related service.
• Student is directed by the district to attend a school outside of the designated attendance area.
• Student has three or more older siblings who are fare-paying bus riders.

 

Transportation Handbook and applications online:

 www.iportal.k12.hi.us/SBT/home.aspx.

Hawaii city bus:

The city-operated carrier, called TheBus, is available to students (up to age 19 with a valid high school ID) for $1.25 one way fare. Monthly passes are $30 and annual passes are $330. Visit www.thebus.org/Fare/youthFare.asp for more information. These rates are current as of Sept. 22, 2014.

Determining public school of attendance:

Once you have a temporary or permanent housing address, you can determine which school your child(ren) will attend. Parents are encouraged to contact their branch school liaison for assistance and information as well as visit the HIDOE School Finder website: www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool/SchoolFinder.

HIDOE geographic exception:

If you would like to attend a school outside of your local school boundary area, you may apply for a geographic exception (GE). For the GE policy, rules and application, visit: www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool/Pages/Geographic-exceptions.aspx.