Michigan

Michigan offers two distinct legal pathways for homeschooling, both with minimal oversight.

Key Statute: MCL § 380.1561

Exemption (f) — Home Education: Child is being educated at home by parent/guardian in an organized educational program in 9 subject areas.

Exemption (a) — Nonpublic School: Child is attending regularly and being taught in a state approved nonpublic school.

The 1996 Parental Rights Act (MCL § 380.10)

"It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children."

This statute established strong parental authority in Michigan.

Choose Your Legal Option

Most Michigan Homeschoolers Choose Option 1

Steps for Option 1:

1. Understand the law — cover 9 required subjects
2. Withdraw from public school (if applicable)
3. Begin teaching — no approval or notification needed

If You Choose Option 2

1. Meet teacher qualifications (bachelor's degree OR religious exemption per People v. DeJonge)
2. Notify local superintendent annually
3. Optional: Complete MDE Form SM-4325 for special education services

Option 1: Home Education — MCL § 380.1561(3)(f)

The most common and simplest option.

Required Subjects (9): Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Science, History, Civics, Literature, Writing, English grammar

Option 2: Nonpublic School — MCL § 380.1561(3)(a)

You can use both options simultaneously per MCL § 380.1561(4).

What Michigan Requires

Compulsory Attendance Ages

Ages 6 to 18 — Child turning 6 before December 1 must enroll that school year.

Early Exit: Parent may exempt child at least age 16 by providing written notice.

What Michigan Does NOT Require (Option 1)

No notice of intent, no state registration, no testing, no portfolio, no curriculum approval, no teacher qualifications, no specific hours.

Nonessential Elective Courses (MCL § 388.1766b)

Homeschool students can enroll in nonessential elective courses at their resident public school:

• Band, Drama, Art, Physical education, Music, Computer classes, AP courses

Sports & Interscholastic Athletics

Current Status: Sports access is at district discretion.

Michigan does NOT have a statewide law guaranteeing homeschool sports access. MHSAA allows participation under certain conditions, but local school boards decide.

Alternative: Michigan Home School Sports Association (MHSSA) — Provides organized sports competition for homeschoolers across Michigan. Website: mhssa.org

Dual Enrollment

To have state pay for dual enrollment: must be enrolled in at least one class at a public or state-approved nonpublic school.

No State Requirements

Michigan has no state graduation requirements for homeschoolers. Parents determine required courses, credits, grading standards, and diploma issuance.

Parent-Issued Diplomas Are Valid For

• FAFSA/financial aid
• Most colleges
• Employment purposes
• Driver's license (with parent statement)

Michigan Merit Curriculum (Reference Only)

While not required, consider: English (4 credits), Mathematics (4 credits including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II), Science (3 credits), Social Studies (3 credits), PE (1 credit), Health (0.5 credit), Arts (1 credit), World Language (2 credits).

University of Michigan

Requires: full transcript documenting homeschool experience, ACT with Writing OR SAT scores. Strongly recommended: Subject test scores, AP exam scores, OR grades from accredited institution.

Michigan State University

Welcomes homeschool applicants. Required: application, transcript with all courses (9th-12th), essay. May be requested: additional information about curriculum.

Tips for Michigan College Applicants

1. Start early — contact admissions during junior year
2. Create detailed transcripts with grades
3. Take ACT/SAT
4. Consider dual enrollment
5. Get recommendations from tutors, co-op teachers, employers

Special Education Services

Option 1: Public school services NOT available. Option 2: If registered with MDE, students may be eligible for Nonpublic School Service Plan, evaluation, and services through local school or ISD.

Auxiliary Services (MCL § 380.1296)

Students in registered nonpublic schools (Option 2) may access: health/nursing services, speech/language services, social work, school psychological services, remedial reading.

Driver's License

Requires proof of school enrollment or graduation for applicants under 18. Homeschoolers: parent-signed statement of enrollment or homeschool diploma.

Michigan offers significant homeschool freedom with two flexible legal pathways.

Key Advantages:

1. Two Legal Options — Choose the path that fits your needs
2. No Notification (Option 1) — Simply start homeschooling
3. No Testing — No mandatory standardized tests
4. Strong Parental Rights — MCL § 380.10 protects parents
5. Elective Access — Can take classes at public school
6. Special Ed Option — Available through Option 2
7. Religious Exemption — Waives all teacher qualifications

Comparison Table

*Texas requires notification only when withdrawing from public school