Enrolling in Hawaiʻi’s public schools is a simple process. Follow the steps below to get started. Find answers to commonly asked questions in our FAQs. If you have additional questions, please contact the school directly.
Steps to enroll
These steps apply to kindergarten through high school enrollment. Children who are 5 years old by July 31 enroll in kindergarten for that school year. Children who turn 5 on August 1 or later enroll the following school year. For information on enrollment in public preschool programs (e.g., EOEL, SPED), please contact the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) and Child Find.
1
Determine School Eligibility
- Find Your School: Use the SchoolSite Locator App to identify your designated school based on your address.
- Your child must attend the school that serves your geographic area of residence.
- To enroll your student at a Hawaiʻi public charter school, please contact the charter school directly for more information about their individual admissions processes and deadlines.
2
Prepare the Following Documents
- Student Enrollment Form (PDF) and the Supplemental Kindergarten Enrollment Form (PDF) for students entering Kindergarten.
- Home Language Survey (PDF). The Language List may be used to assist with completing the HLS. Translated documents in your preferred language are also available below.
- Valid photo ID of parent/guardian.
- Proof of Residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or other official documents showing your current address.
- A notarized statement by a relative/friend can be accepted by the school with the following stipulation: (a) Notarized statement must state that the parent/legal guardian and child are living with the relative/friend; (b) Notarized statement must state the name of relative/friend that is on the relative/friend’s proof of legal residence; (c) Notarized statement must state the same address of relative/friend that is on the relative/friend’s proof of legal residence; (d) A copy of the relative/friend’s proof of legal residence must be attached to the notarized statement; and (e) Notarized statement must be signed by same name of relative/friend that is on the relative/friend’s proof of legal residence.
- Birth Certificate: For age verification. Student passport or student visa is acceptable for foreign students.
- Families in Unstable Housing: Families experiencing unstable housing are covered by enrollment guidelines provided in the McKinney-Vento Act. Please contact a community liaison in your area.
Falsification of documents submitted is subject to penalty under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 710-1063, resulting in the child being sent back to the school where he/she should properly be attending. The Department may pursue prosecution at its discretion.
3
Complete the Enrollment Application
Visit your designated school in-person to complete the enrollment process.
translated Documents
Student Enrollment Form
The Student Enrollment Form (PDF) is required for all students. Translated documents in your preferred language are also available below.
Home Language Survey (HLS)
The Home Language Survey Form (PDF) is required for all newly enrolled students. The Language List may be used to assist with completing the HLS. Translated documents in your preferred language are also available below.
Special Education services
If your child has a disability affecting their learning or development, we are here to guide you through the process of accessing special education and related services.