90 Hawaii Military Guide • Summer-Fall 2026 YOUTH EDUCATION HOMESCHOOLING Hawaii’s DOE recognizes the growing Homeschool option as an alternative to compulsory school attendance. You can download a document defining legal guidelines from the DOE website. Among reasons parents may prefer homeschooling are desires to provide religious instruction and concerns about the environment of other schools. Requiring a great deal of commitment, homeschooling provides families with access to a variety of programs and support groups that broaden opportunities. Military families can take advantage of classes and resources available to all homeschoolers on Oahu, as well as MWR programs such as homeschool PE, youth sports and art offered especially for Hawaii’s military homeschooling population. Under the Enrollment Tab, go to the Learning Opportunities column and click on Homeschool for details on this education option. PRIVATE SCHOOLS The Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) serves some 120–plus private and/or independent member schools with nearly 33,540 students–one of the highest percentages in the United States. Tuitions run from $1,000-20,000 annually, with many schools requiring tests and interviews prior to admission. Interested in a private school? Consider your child’s age, sex, grade and religion– along with your affordable tuition range. Many offer full or partial scholarships to exceptional and needy students. Some will consider alternative payment plans. A directory of private schools is available at your Family Service Center. Call HAIS at (808) 973-1540 or visit hais.us. TEN TIPS FOR SCREENING A PRIVATE SCHOOL • Think about your daily schedule. A shorter, manageable commute can make mornings smoother and leave more time for rest and activities. • Tours help you see the campus in action. Notice the environment, student behavior, and how teachers interact with children. • Be engaged and ask questions. Schools value families who show genuine interest in being part of their community. HAWAII BAPTIST ACADEMY (HBA) Hawaii Baptist Academy (HBA) came from humble beginnings as a small school founded by Christian missionaries in 1949, with 36 students. Today, HBA serves more than 1,100 students from junior kindergarten through high school on three campuses in beautiful Nuuanu, just minutes from downtown Honolulu. This past year, HBA opened its first satellite preschool in Mililani Mauka, HBA Preschool at Gracepoint. What has remained steadfast in HBA’s nearly 75-year story is that it brings faith and learning together. While HBA is often recognized for its strong academics that prepare students for college, the school’s core values of humility, curiosity, love, and commitment equip young leaders for life. HBA offers ample opportunities to nurture the unique gifts and talents of every child through athletics, clubs, and extra-curricular activities. In addition to providing a strong foundation of faith, the school fosters opportunities for life-long friendships, teaches compassion through service learning, and encourages students to become leaders in the community. Visit HBA.net for more information.
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