Homeschooling in Michigan: the law and how to start

Yes. Michigan's compulsory attendance law, Michigan Compiled Laws § 380.1561, lists situations in which a child doesn't have to attend public school. Two of them cover homeschooling:

• Exemption (f) – home school. Your child is educated at home by a parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the nine subjects listed in the law. This is the route most Michigan families use. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) says it has no role with these families, and they do not report to it.
• Exemption (a) – nonpublic school. A home school can instead operate as a nonpublic school under Michigan's private school law. These families report to MDE each year and must teach subjects comparable to those in public schools. MDE guidance has said the parent needs at least a bachelor's degree or a sincerely held religious objection to teacher certification — confirm the current rule with MDE before choosing this route.

Because exemption (f) needs no paperwork, Michigan is usually grouped with the states that place the fewest requirements on homeschooling families.

• Decide on your route. Most families homeschool under exemption (f). Choose exemption (a) only if you want to operate as a reporting nonpublic school — for example, to qualify for certain auxiliary services.
• If your child is enrolled in school, withdraw in writing. Michigan law doesn't set a withdrawal form for exemption (f), but a short, dated letter to the school saying your child is withdrawing to be home schooled under MCL 380.1561(3)(f) helps prevent attendance or truancy follow-up. Keep a copy.
• Voluntary reports. Some intermediate school districts offer a voluntary home school report. Under exemption (f) it isn't required.
• Plan your program around the nine required subjects and start keeping simple records.

Under exemption (f), your organized educational program must cover reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing and English grammar.

Michigan's home school exemption doesn't set a minimum number of days or hours, require approval of your curriculum, or require a particular teaching method. You choose the materials and schedule that suit your child.

There is no state testing or evaluation requirement for families homeschooling under exemption (f), and nothing has to be submitted to MDE or your district.

Even so, it's sensible to keep records: a list of materials used, samples of your child's work, and a brief log or attendance record. These show you are running an organized program if your homeschool is ever questioned, and they make it easier to build a high school transcript or re-enroll your child in school later.

Exemption (f) home school students don't receive a public school diploma. As the parent, you decide when your teen has finished high school and you can issue your own diploma and transcript. Keep course descriptions, grades and credits as you go.

Michigan's dual enrollment program lets eligible high school students take college courses. For homeschoolers, colleges generally require the student to also be enrolled in at least one course at a public or state-approved nonpublic school, so check with the college and your local district early.

Classes: MDE says home-schooled students may enroll in nonessential elective classes at their resident public school, subject to the district's enrollment policy. These shared-time classes are taught by certified public school teachers. Ask your district which classes are offered and how to enroll.

Sports: Michigan has no law giving homeschoolers access to public school sports. Member schools of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) follow its enrollment rules, which require students to carry a substantial share of their courses through the school, so full-time homeschoolers generally can't play. A 2025 bill to change this was reported in the news, but we did not find that it became law.

Special education: Under the federal IDEA, districts must locate and evaluate children who may have a disability, including homeschoolers. MDE says a nonpublic or home school must file the annual Nonpublic School Membership Report (due October 31) to be eligible for auxiliary services, so talk to your district and intermediate school district about what is available.

In 2025, Michigan's State Superintendent asked lawmakers to require families to register homeschooled children, and a registration bill was discussed. As of our research in October 2026, we did not find that any registration requirement had become law — under exemption (f), notifying the state remains optional. Check the Michigan Legislature website for current bills.

Michigan has statewide homeschool organizations, regional support groups and many local co-ops. Public libraries, nature centers and museums often run programs for homeschoolers.

For questions about nonpublic school reporting or auxiliary services, contact MDE's nonpublic and home school staff or your intermediate school district.