Hawaii Digital Learning Landscape
The Hawaii Department of Education, a DLC State Affiliate, was instrumental in conducting the research for this profile.
| Online learning requirement for graduation? | NO |
| State approval process for online providers? | NO |
| State approval process for online courses? | NO |
Much of the online and blended learning in Hawaii is through the Department of Education’s Hawaii Virtual Learning Network (HVLN) and the newly established State Distance Learning Program. The State Distance Learning Program served 618 fully online students statewide in grades K-12 during the 2021-22 SY. The HVLN supports the Hawaii Online Courses (HOC), formerly known as the E-School program, that provides supplemental online courses to schools across Hawaii.
HVLN HOC reported 1,815 supplemental course enrollments in grades 7–12 in SY 2020-21. Public school secondary students statewide can take an online course from the HOC program during the school year on a first come, first-served basis at no cost. The Department also supports the Hawaii Online Teaching program that provides access to a Learning Management System and online content for over 100 subject areas for grades 6-12.
Myron B. Thompson Academy is a charter school that provides blended learning options. Myron B. Thompson Academy created the Thompson Extension Academy (TEA) program to offer supplemental online courses as an HVLN partner.
Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA) is a hybrid charter school for students in grades K–12. HTA offers its program to students on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island.
These blended and supplemental online programs give all high school students in the state access to some online learning options. Hawaii operates as a single school district.
There are two full-time online charter schools operating during the 2022-23 SY.
State Policies
Act 233 (July 1, 2022) created and funded the Digital Learning Center within the HDE to “(1) Improve the quality and delivery of digital learning services throughout the public school system; (2) Provide resources and services that help students develop and improve their digital literacy skills; and (3) Provide resources and services to promote safe computing practices.”
HB2971 SD2 (2008) created HVLN to expand and systematize supplemental online course offerings.