Online high schools in Hawaii

A high school education is important in the Hawaii workforce: The U.S. Census reported that in 2010 above 89 percent of state residents aged 25 year or over held high school diplomas, more than the national average of 84 percent. However, not all students are succeeding. About 80 percent of the state's students graduated from high school in 2008-2009, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The Alliance for Excellent Education calculates that dropouts from the class of 2008 could cost Hawaii almost $1.4 billion in lost wages over their lifetimes.

Distance learning may be a solution for some individuals. Online high schools in Hawaii, typically charter or private institutions, provide a range of choices, including combined virtual and on-campus studies for a hybrid learning model.

Out of 255 Hawaii state-sponsored schools in Hawaii, 31 are charter schools. A single school district administers all public schools in Hawaii along with some 30 high school learning centers that offer business, technology and vocational studies. More students are opting for charter schools -- public school enrollment for 2011-2012 rose 1.7 percent from the previous year's total, while charter schools showed 11 percent growth.

Public and private online high schools in Hawaii

A public online K-12 school serves students on islands such as Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui and Hawaii. The program evolved from the state-run E-School begun in the 1990s. Courses are tuition-free for residents, and students have the use of a loaner computer and subsidized broadband Internet access. Learning is self-paced, but students must meet academic and online attendance requirements.

In addition, parents and students can choose from a variety of private, for-pay Hawaii online high schools. These tuition-based programs generally feature 24/7 access to course materials, lectures, email and discussion groups. Students can find full-time virtual studies if they prefer that model over the hybrid/blended approach.