Hawaii is home to a unique public school system that is unlike any other in the United States. It is the largest school district west of the Mississippi River, and the only one that encompasses the entire state. The Hawaii Department of Education (HDE) is one of the oldest public school systems in the country, with a history that dates back to the mid-19th century. It currently oversees 286 schools, and provides tuition-free education through the use of state and federal taxes and other public funds.
If you are considering relocating to Hawaii or enrolling your child in a Hawaiian school, it is important to understand how its education system works. As an expert in SEO, I will provide an overview of Hawaii's education system, including its structure, funding, and special services.
Structure of Hawaii's Education System
The HDE is responsible for governing all 295 public schools in Hawaii. It is a centralized school board located in Oahu, and it determines the funding for each school.This structure has been debated as to whether it is really the best way to continue serving Hawaii's growing student population. In addition to public schools, there are also private schools in Hawaii that usually charge tuition. The best private school for your child will depend on their needs and learning styles, so it is important to research all educational options available in Hawaii.
Funding for Schools
All public and charter schools receive an equitable amount of funding per student from the HDE. This funding comes from state and federal taxes as well as other public funds. Private schools in Hawaii usually charge tuition, which parents must pay. Hawaii spent the second-lowest percentage of its total budget on public education compared to West Coast states.This means that there may be fewer resources available for students than in other states.
Special Services
The HDE offers a number of special services to ensure that all students in this great district receive the educational opportunities they need to succeed. These services include programs for students with disabilities, such as the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind. The HDE also has many programs and changes in place to help prepare Hawaiian students for their future. The National Center for Education Statistics provides state-by-state data on student achievement levels in math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).Charter Schools
Charter schools in Hawaii operate under a special performance contract with the State Commission on Public Charter Schools, which has nine members. They must ultimately be held accountable based on the progress indicators of all public and charter schools in Hawaii. When considering relocating to Hawaii or enrolling your child in a Hawaiian school, it is important to understand how its education system works. With its centralized school board, equitable funding per student, special services, and charter schools, Hawaii's education system offers a unique opportunity for students.As an SEO expert, I have provided an overview of this unique education system so you can make an informed decision about your family's future.