Mid-Pacific Institute is one of 107 Hawai‘i schools licensed by a subsidiary of the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools. Photo: Courtesy of Mid-Pacific Institute
Education Cheat Sheet: Licensing 101
Editor’s Note: When it comes to selecting the right private school for your child, there are many things to consider: location, curriculum, enrollment numbers and more. The Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools says there is one more question you might want to add to that list. Is the school licensed? Edna Hussey of the Hawai‘i Council of Private Schools explains why licensing is important.
Private schools must be licensed by the Hawai‘i Council of Private Schools (HCPS), a subsidiary of the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools (HAIS). Public and charter schools are licensed by the Department of Education. Why does licensing matter?
Quality. Safety. Environment.
According to an 11-country study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), parents value a quality educational program and a learning environment that provides physical and emotional safety, all of which implies quality teachers. A Hawai‘i private school that carries an HCPS license means that the school has adequately met all of the following criteria:
- a clear statement of purpose or mission with plans for a curriculum to carry out these purposes.
- an organization, structure, curriculum, faculty and staff supportive of the school’s purpose
- a properly functioning governing board
- a chief executive officer
- instruction in all content areas required by applicable law
- an adequate financial base to give reasonable assurance of continuing financial stability
- an admissions policy compatible with its school purpose and goals
- facilities to adequately support the educational program
- a plan to ensure the safety and health of students, faculty and staff
HCPS Board members—themselves experienced educational administrators representing a variety of private schools—review all documentation provided by the school related to governance, program, policies, staffing, safety, finances, admissions and facilities. A school visit is scheduled so that HCPS can observe classes, tour the facility and meet with the school head or director. The HCPS Board meets quarterly to discuss the school’s effectiveness in meeting the standards and criteria. A term of license ranges from one year to six years, or licensure can be denied.
Prior to 1995, the Department of Education was responsible for regulating all schools, public and private. However, in 1993, the State Legislature and Department of Education approached the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools’ board to develop a plan for private school self-regulation. Legislation under Governor Benjamin Cayetano transferred the regulation and licensing of private schools to HAIS after the passage of Act 188. A Task Force on Private School Governance recommended the formation of the Hawai‘i Council of Private Schools, which, in turn, developed specific standards and procedures for granting a license to private schools.
In Hawai‘i there are about 300 schools, of which 107 are private, licensed schools, as noted on the HAIS website. However, there are many more unlicensed private schools whose practices and operations have not been recognized by HCPS. The licensing process, which follows set standards, provides quality control in an effort to ensure that all Hawai‘i schools are providing quality learning experiences for all children.
Parent Homework:
When researching schools, here’s what you can do to ensure quality and safety for your child and other children:
- Check the HAIS website for a listing of private schools licensed by HCPS. Ask to see a copy of the school’s HCPS license.
- If the private school is not licensed, talk to the director or head about what you learned about licensing as required by the State of Hawai‘i.
- If friends are considering a private school, encourage them to seek licensed schools.
Every child deserves a safe learning environment and quality learning experiences guided by qualified teaching professionals. An HCPS license ensures that the private school adequately meets standards.
Edna Hussey is chair of the HCPS Board and member of the HAIS Board. She serves as principal of Mid-Pacific Instituteʻs preschool/elementary division, which offers a Reggio Emilia-inspired inquiry approach. She was a member of UH-Mānoaʻs first cohort in the Doctorate of Education in Professional Educational Practice.
Education Cheat Sheet is a collaboration between HONOLULU Family magazine and Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools to help Hawai‘i parents understand the educational trends and terminology in today's classrooms. You can find a new column on honolulufamily.com every third Monday of the month. Click here to read more.
