Understanding the graduation requirements in Hawaii is essential for students, parents, and educators to ensure academic success and compliance with state standards. The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) has established specific criteria that students must meet to earn a high school diploma.
Core Graduation Requirements
To graduate from a Hawaii public high school, students must complete a total of 24 credits across various subject areas:
- English: 4 credits, including English Language Arts 1 and 2 (1.0 credit each), Expository Writing (0.5 credit), and Common Core-aligned language arts electives or proficiency-based equivalents (1.5 credits).
- Social Studies: 4 credits, comprising U.S. History and Government (1.0 credit), World History and Culture (1.0 credit), Modern History of Hawaii (0.5 credit), Participation in a Democracy (0.5 credit), and a Social Studies elective (1.0 credit).
- Mathematics: 3 credits, including Algebra 1 (1.0 credit), Geometry (1.0 credit), and a mathematics elective (1.0 credit).
- Science: 3 credits, including Biology 1 (1.0 credit) and two science electives (2.0 credits).
- World Language, Fine Arts, or Career and Technical Education (CTE): 2 credits in one of these specified programs of study.
- Physical Education: 1 credit, consisting of Physical Education Lifetime Fitness (0.5 credit) and a Physical Education elective (0.5 credit).
- Health: 0.5 credit in Health Today and Tomorrow.
- Personal Transition Plan: 0.5 credit.
- Electives: 6 credits in any subject area.
- Academic Honors: Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above and complete 4 credits of mathematics (including Algebra 2 and one credit beyond Algebra 2) and 4 credits of science (including Biology 1 or equivalent).
- CTE Honors: Complete two courses in a program of study, earn a B or better in each required course, and meet or exceed proficiency on performance-based assessments for the corresponding program of study.
- Hawaii Department of Education: 1390 Miller Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 784-6200. Website: HIDOE Contact Page.
- Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program: 335 Merchant Street, Room 310, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 586-7327. Website: HPEAP Contact Page.
- Adult & Community Education Office: 1390 Miller Street, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 594-0540. Website: Adult Education Contact Page.
These requirements are detailed on the HIDOE website. (hawaiipublicschools.org)
Honors Recognition Criteria
Students aiming for honors recognition must meet additional criteria:
For detailed information, refer to the HIDOE’s graduation requirements page. (hawaiipublicschools.org)
Seal of Biliteracy
The Hawaii State Board of Education offers the Seal of Biliteracy to students who demonstrate high proficiency in both of Hawaii’s official languages—English and Hawaiian—or in English and at least one additional language, including American Sign Language. This recognition highlights the state’s commitment to multilingualism and cultural diversity. (hawaiipublicschools.org)
Contact Information and Resources
For further assistance or inquiries regarding graduation requirements, the following resources are available:
These offices provide guidance and support to students and educators navigating the graduation process. (ed.gov)
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to Hawaii’s high school graduation requirements is crucial for students aiming to earn their diplomas and pursue postsecondary opportunities. By fulfilling these requirements and utilizing available resources, students can set a solid foundation for their future academic and professional endeavors.
For a visual overview of graduation requirements, you may find the following video helpful:
Hilo High School Graduation Requirements
This video provides an updated version of the Hilo High School graduation requirements, offering additional insights into the state’s educational standards.
By staying informed and proactive, students can navigate the path to graduation with confidence and clarity.