​HONOLULU –​​With the 2016-17 public school calendar slated to start on August 1, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) reminds parents to plan ahead and enroll for kindergarten early.  Children must be 5 years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten.  Children who turn 5 on August 1 or later should enroll the following school year.  Kindergarten is mandatory in the State of Hawaii.

“We encourage our parents to familiarize themselves with kindergarten requirements and to enroll their children early,”said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.  “Kindergarten is a critical time to give our keiki the solid academic foundation they need for future success.”

Parents of children younger than the mandatory kindergarten specifications have several educational options, such as pre-school at a private provider or pre-kindergarten classes available at 19 select schools statewide.  Priority will be given to children born in 2011 to enroll in these pre-kindergarten classes. 

Parents whose children attended kindergarten outside of Hawaii or at a private school in the 2015-16 school year can discuss enrollment options with their home school.  Despite many possible placement scenarios, the final decision for a child’s placement will be based on the principal’s discussions among parents and the appropriate teaching staff.

For more information about enrolling in kindergarten in the State of Hawaii, please visit our webpage on kindergarten and Frequently Asked Questions.  Parents should also visit the enrolling in school page to be sure they have the necessary documents to enroll their child, including birth certificate, tuberculosis clearance, a completed student health record and proof of current address.

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About the Hawaii State Department of Education
The Hawaii State Department of Education is the ninth-largest U.S. school district and the only statewide educational system in the country.  It is comprised of 256 schools and 34 charter schools, and serves more than 180,000 students.  King Kamehameha III established Hawaii's public school system in 1840.