Michigan Laws and Requirements for Homeschool

In Michigan, parents have the legal right to homeschool their children, provided they adhere to state requirements.

1. Compulsory Attendance Age: Children aged 6 to 18 are required to attend school. However, parents may choose to homeschool to fulfill this obligation.

2. Homeschooling Options: Michigan offers two primary avenues for homeschooling:

  • **Option 1: Homeschooling under the Homeschool Statute (Exemption F):**

    • Notification: No formal notification to the state or local school district is required.
    • Teacher Qualifications: No specific qualifications are mandated for parents.
    • Subjects: Instruction must include reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.

 

  • **Option 2: Homeschooling as a Nonpublic School:**

    • Notification: Parents must report to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) if they seek special education services from the local public school or intermediate school district.
    • Teacher Qualifications: Parents must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or claim a sincerely held religious belief against teacher certification.
    • Subjects: Instruction should include mathematics, reading, English, science, and social studies for all grades; additionally, high school grades must cover the U.S. Constitution, Michigan Constitution, and the history and present form of civil government of the U.S., Michigan, and its subdivisions. 

3. Recordkeeping: While Michigan law doesn't mandate specific recordkeeping for homeschoolers, maintaining detailed records—such as attendance, coursework, and assessments—is advisable, especially if the student transitions back to public or private schooling.

4. Special Education Services: Homeschooled students may be eligible for special education services through a Nonpublic School Service Plan. To access these services, the homeschool must be registered and approved by the MDE.

5. Extracurricular Activities: Homeschooled students may enroll in nonessential elective classes at their local public school, subject to the district's enrollment policies.

6. Graduation Requirements: Michigan doesn't impose specific graduation requirements for homeschoolers. Parents determine when their student has met the criteria for graduation and may issue a homeschool diploma accordingly.

7. Homeschool Support Organizations: Connecting with local homeschool organizations can provide valuable resources and support:

  • Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (MiCHN)

  • Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)


Michigan Department of Education