How to Start Homeschooling in Michigan

Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Michigan.

Michigan's compulsory attendance law (MCL 380.1561) requires children to attend public school, but section (3)(f) creates a direct exemption for home education. A child is exempt when the child "is being educated at the child's home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar."

You do not apply for this exemption or wait for anyone to grant it. There is no notice to file, no testing, no required records, and no reporting under the home education pathway.

Michigan's compulsory education runs from age 6 to the child's eighteenth birthday (MCL 380.1561). A December 1 birthday cutoff determines when a child first falls under compulsory attendance, and the statute contains other specific exceptions.

Children under 6 have no obligation at all, so you can decide when your child is ready to begin.

Starting your Michigan homeschool takes a few simple steps:

Step 1: If your child is enrolled, withdraw. A withdrawal letter is not required by state law, and there is no waiting period. MDE suggests telling the school that you intend to homeschool, which helps avoid truancy reporting. If your child has never been enrolled, skip this step.

Step 2: Request your child's records. Ask the school for copies of transcripts, test results, and any IEP documents. These records help you plan your program.

Step 3: Choose your curriculum. Michigan lists nine subjects but says nothing about how to teach them. No approved list. No state standards to follow. Commercial, religious, secular, online, or self-designed materials are all your choice.

Step 4: Start teaching. Cover the nine subjects in an organized educational program. No form to file. No notification to send. No approval to wait for.

Michigan law lists nine subject areas under MCL 380.1561(3)(f):

• Reading
• Spelling
• Mathematics
• Science
• History
• Civics
• Literature
• Writing
• English grammar

Many families add PE, health, foreign languages, or the arts, but the statute does not list them.

You choose how to cover these. There is no state-approved curriculum and no required textbook. The statute calls for an "organized educational program" covering these subject areas. You can integrate subjects freely, such as teaching civics inside history or spelling through writing.

Michigan offers two pathways.

Pathway 1: Home Education (MCL 380.1561(3)(f)). No notification. No teacher certification. No testing. No recordkeeping mandate. No reporting. The parent or legal guardian educates the child at home in an organized educational program covering the nine subjects. You can supplement with tutors, online courses, and co-ops.

Pathway 2: Nonpublic School (MCL 380.1561(3)(a)). Your child attends a nonpublic school. The curriculum must be comparable to the public schools, and there is no state testing requirement or set number of hours or days. The nonpublic school, not the family, reports each enrolled child to the local or intermediate superintendent at the start of each school year (MCL 380.1578). Teachers need a teaching certificate (MCL 388.553), except for families whose religious convictions prohibit certified instructors (People v. DeJonge). If your home operates as the nonpublic school, those school duties are yours. Registering with the Michigan Department of Education is optional unless your child will receive public school services.

Your child can take classes at the local public school. Michigan's shared-time provision lets homeschooled students enroll in nonessential elective courses at their local public school, at no cost to the family. Call your local public school and ask: "I would like to enroll my homeschooled child in shared-time classes. What is the process?"

Sports eligibility. Michigan does not have a statewide law granting homeschoolers access to public school sports. Some families gain MHSAA eligibility through shared-time enrollment, subject to MHSAA rules and local policy. Ask the athletic director what applies at your school.

You issue the diploma and transcript. You create both yourself, and there is no state template. Starting a formal transcript in 9th grade, with course titles, credits, and grades, makes college applications easier. Umbrella schools can also provide transcripts and diplomas if you prefer that structure.

Driver's ed must come from an approved provider. Michigan requires a state-approved driver's education course (MCL 257.312e), so parents cannot teach it at home. Your teen can use a licensed driving school or another approved provider.

No state funding for homeschoolers. Michigan does not offer an ESA, voucher, or tax credit program. The Michigan Constitution (Article 8, Section 2) prohibits public funds for nonpublic schools.

Special education services. Homeschooled students do not receive a full IEP while homeschooling, but they may qualify for a service plan with limited services. Michigan also has a Child Find obligation to evaluate children with suspected disabilities. Call your local public school or intermediate school district and ask for a Child Find evaluation and information about a service plan.

You are not alone. Statewide groups such as the Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (formerly INCH) and local co-ops can connect you with other families.