The Hawai‘i State Department of Education is the nation’s only statewide public school district, serving more than 165,000 students, their families and communities across 297 schools on seven islands. With a spirit of ne‘epapa — meaning to come together as one, united in purpose — our public schools are dedicated to fostering graduates who are both globally competitive and locally committed. We strive to inspire learning, innovation and a collective dedication to Hawai‘i’s future.
Our Mission
We serve our community by developing the academic achievement, character and social-emotional well-being of our students to the fullest potential. We work with partners, families and communities to ensure that all public school students reach their aspirations – from early learning through college, career and citizenship.
Our Vision
Hawai‘i public schools embody the spirit of ne‘epapa, meaning to come together as one, united in purpose, to move forward together. We are committed to fostering this collaborative spirit, recognizing that no single entity alone can fully prepare our students for successful futures. Through collective dedication and innovation, we work to ensure our graduates are both globally competitive and locally committed, deeply rooted in the values of our island home.
Quick Facts
Our Schools
- 258 HIDOE schools
- 168 Elementary schools
- 43 Middle schools
- 47 High schools
- 39 Charter schools
Our Students
- 152,270 HIDOE students
- 13,070 Charter school students
- 2,374 Kaiapuni immersion students
- 70+ Languages spoken by HIDOE students
Our Employees
- 42,100 Total employees
- 22,100 Salaried staff, including 12,610 teachers
- 20,000 Part-time or casual staff
Our Core Values
We want all of our students to meet and exceed world-class academic standards, and do so in a way that reflects Hawai‘i, with a tradition of stewardship, community and mutual responsibility. We will cultivate, advance and draw from Hawai‘i’s rich traditions and Native Hawaiian host culture.
- COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & EXCELLENCE: We believe every child is unique and deserves an excellent education — one that develops the whole student. Students succeed when their specific needs are met and their innate gifts and abilities are nurtured.
- MEANINGFUL LEARNING: We learn from many sources and in many ways. Hawai‘i provides abundant real-world learning environments relevant for success in a culturally diverse, technologically complex, and interdependent global society.
- CARING RELATIONSHIPS: Education is a responsibility shared by all, and the best results come when we work together with aloha, respect, integrity and openness.
- CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY, ‘OHANA AND ‘ĀINA: We see students as part of an extended ‘ohana, the environment, a larger community and a global society. Hawai‘i students value these connections and become stewards to make our world a better place.
The Strategic Plan
The Strategic Plan, developed by the Board of Education and implemented by the Department, is the mechanism by which the state delivers on the promise of its mission.
General Learner Outcomes
General Learner Outcomes are the overarching goals of standards-based learning for all students in all grade levels. Effort, work habits and behaviors are acknowledged to be a key component of developing successful, ethical and lifelong learners.
plan of organization
The Department’s Plan of Organization (PDF) documents the official organization of state and complex area offices of the department.