Michigan Homeschooling Laws and Resources

Homeschooling in Michigan Overview 

Notice of Intent Required: No

2 Options for Homeschooling: At home education, registered non public school

Subject or Curriculum Requirements: Yes

Attendance Age Requirements: 6-18

Record-Keeping Requirements: No

Assessments or Evaluations Required: No

Proof of Immunization Required: No

How to Start Homeschooling in Michigan

There are a few steps families in Michigan should take when they’re ready to start homeschooling.

Families are only required to register with the state if they operate as a non-public school. However, you should consider letting your local district know you’ll homeschool your child to avoid triggering an accidental truancy investigation. 

TIP: If your child has been attending public school, ask the school if you need to take any special actions to withdraw them.

Michigan requires all children to begin school by the age of 6. You may start your homeschool instruction earlier than this, but you must begin by the time your child turns 6.

Qualifications to Homeschool in Michigan

Michigan law states that only a parent or legal guardian may homeschool their child. They do not need to hold any certifications or meet any other requirements.  Learn more about homeschool teacher requirements here.

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Options for Homeschooling in Michigan

Michigan offers two homeschool options. 

1. Parents and guardians may teach their children at home, following an organized educational program that includes the required subjects. 
2. Families may register as a non-public school, which reports to the Michigan Department of Education and has many more requirements. 

TIP: In general, the non-public school option is only used when families plan to request special education services from the state. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the non-public school option, you’ll find all the information you need to get started here.

Mandatory School Age in Michigan

Michigan law requires students to attend school or receive instruction at home from the age of 6 until they turn 18.

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Michigan Homeschool Subject Requirements

Michigan requires families to use an “organized educational program” that teaches multiple required subjects. The law does not provide specifics for the program or curriculum itself. Families may purchase curriculum programs that suit their needs or use online courses that teach the required subjects. 

At all ages, homeschooled children must receive instruction in the following:

• Mathematics
• Reading
• English
• Science
• Social studies

Homeschool students at the high school level (grades 10–12) must take courses in:

• The Constitution of the United States
• The Constitution of Michigan
• The history and present form of the civil government of the United States, the State of Michigan, and the political subdivisions and municipalities of the State of Michigan

Michigan Homeschool Attendance Requirements  

The law does not require a minimum number of days or hours per day for Michigan homeschools. Public schools provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction per year, and home educators may wish to do the same but are not required to.

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Michigan Homeschool Record-Keeping Requirements 

In Michigan, families hold sole responsibility for keeping their own school records. You don’t need to submit these records to the state or your local district. However, it’s advantageous to keep thorough school records for each homeschooled child, including attendance, courses taken, assessments and evaluations, and a portfolio of work samples. These can be helpful when preparing transcripts or if you choose to transition your child to public school.

Michigan Homeschool Assessments and Evaluations 

Homeschool students in Michigan are not required to take any standardized assessments. However, they are entitled to take standardized tests at their local public school at no cost. 

TIP: If you want your homeschool student to participate in standardized testing, contact your local school district for more details.

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Required Immunizations for Homeschoolers in Michigan

Michigan has immunization requirements for public, private, and parochial school students. Homeschool students are not required to be immunized. However, homeschooled students who wish to take elective classes or participate in sports at public schools might need to comply with immunization or exemption requirements.

Homeschool Organizations and Associations

Homeschooling families often seek opportunities to enhance their children’s education, promote socialization, and empower their homeschooling journey. 

Families can achieve this by joining homeschool groups, co-ops, or larger associations. These connections can provide valuable resources and opportunities for homeschooling families to engage with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and learn from each other.

Check out these groups for Michigan homeschoolers:

• Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (MiCHN): This group for Christian homeschool families offers resources, local groups, activities and social events, and an annual conference.
• Homeschooling in Michigan: This private Facebook group offers advice and support for homeschooled families throughout the state.
• Homeschooling in Detroit: Find curriculum reviews, lesson plans, social and learning activities, and more for Detroit and SE Michigan homeschoolers.

The Homeschool Mom has even more options for local homeschool groups in Michigan.

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Sports Opportunities for Homeschoolers in Michigan

Each local district may decide whether homeschool students are eligible to participate in interscholastic sports. Contact them directly to learn about opportunities for your students.

Many homeschool groups and co-ops have sports leagues or offer physical education classes. Talk to your local group to learn what’s available. Homeschoolers can also participate in community youth sports programs. Here are some to consider:

Michigan Homeschool Field Trips 

Michigan offers many field trip opportunities. Families can explore independently or join other homeschoolers to qualify for the group discounts and special programs many sites offer. We’re sharing a few Michigan field trip ideas to get you started.

Michigan is full of beautiful national and state parks, like Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and Belle Isle Park. Cities offer cultural opportunities like museums and historic sites. Consider the Henry Ford Museum at Greenfield Village, the Michigan Science Center, or the Motown Museum in Detroit. The Michigan History Center has museums and sites across the state. Mackinac Island is full of interesting local history, too.

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Special Education Homeschoolers

Michigan’s public school districts support homeschool students with special needs when they’re classified as nonpublic school students. This is a pathway to much-needed special education services for many homeschool families.

The Michigan Department of Education takes the stance that all public and nonpublic students within a district’s jurisdiction must be provided with what they term “auxiliary services.” These services include special education and other supports, like school-appropriate health and nursing services. They take their stance based on Act 451, which was passed in 1976.

Michigan’s tradition of providing for all students within a district’s boundaries gives homeschool students with special needs more services than most states.

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Michigan Homeschool FAQ

Is Michigan a homeschool-friendly state?

While Michigan does require certain subjects in homeschool curriculum, it otherwise has very few requirements. There are no required records to submit, and families do not need to register with the state. They can choose their own curriculum as long as it includes the mandated subjects.

Michigan homeschoolers may be able to play sports or take electives at their local public school. However, they cannot take public school classes in required subjects. Families are entirely responsible for all education costs when homeschooling. Overall, Michigan is generally a homeschool-friendly state with many local groups to support your educational choices.

How do Michigan homeschool students receive diplomas or transcripts?

Parents or guardians are responsible for issuing diplomas and transcripts for homeschooled children. Keeping detailed academic records can help home educators create transcripts for higher education needs.

How can Michigan homeschoolers get a work permit?

Minors under 18 must obtain a work permit before starting a job in Michigan. Homeschoolers should talk to their local public school to get a work permit.

Is unschooling legal in Michigan?

Unschooling is legal in all 50 states, including Michigan.

How do you enroll in public school after homeschooling? 

If your family decides to stop homeschooling for any reason, contact your local district directly to learn how to enroll in public school. The school may request copies of any academic records you’ve kept. They may also use testing and other forms of evaluation to determine proper grade placement and courses.