Homeschooling in Michigan

Legal Framework

Michigan homeschooling is governed by MCL 380.1561, the state's compulsory attendance law. The law provides two distinct pathways for legal homeschooling, each with different levels of regulation. Understanding the difference is critical because it determines what paperwork you need and what qualifications (if any) you must hold.

Option 1: Home Education Exemption -- Section 1561(3)(f)

This is the simpler and more popular option. Under this exemption, a child is excused from compulsory attendance if the child is being educated at home by a parent or legal guardian in an "organized educational program" in the required subject areas.

Key features of Option 1:

• No notification required. You are not legally required to inform your school district that you are homeschooling. However, the Michigan Department of Education suggests notifying the district with a phone call or written note to avoid truancy flags and unnecessary contact.
• No teacher qualifications. You do not need a degree or teaching certificate.
• No record-keeping mandated by law. Though keeping records is strongly recommended.
• No testing required. There are no mandatory assessments.

Option 2: Nonpublic School Registration -- Section 1561(3)(a)

Under this option, your homeschool operates as a registered nonpublic school. This pathway has more requirements but offers certain advantages, such as easier access to dual enrollment programs.

Key features of Option 2:

• Annual notification required. At the beginning of each school year, you must provide the local or intermediate superintendent with: each enrolled child's name and age, the school district where you operate, the parent's name and address, and information about any child not in regular attendance.
• Teacher qualifications required. The parent-teacher must hold at least a bachelor's degree or a current Michigan teaching certificate. However, this requirement is waived if you have a religious objection to teacher certification.
• Comparable subjects. You must provide instruction in subjects comparable to those taught in the public schools.
• Basic record-keeping. You should maintain attendance and enrollment records.

Required Subjects (Both Options)

Michigan law requires instruction in the following subject areas:

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

How to Start

1. Choose your option. Most Michigan families choose Option 1 for its simplicity. Choose Option 2 if you hold a degree and want the benefits of nonpublic school registration (such as easier dual enrollment access).
2. Withdraw your child (if enrolled). Contact the school office and formally withdraw your child. Keep a copy of the withdrawal documentation.
3. Notify (Option 2 only). If you choose Option 2, submit the required information to your local or intermediate superintendent.
4. Notify informally (Option 1 recommended). While not required, a brief written note or phone call to the district prevents truancy officers from showing up at your door.
5. Begin teaching. Cover the required subjects using your chosen curriculum or approach.

Michigan State Programs

Michigan currently has no state-level tax credit, voucher, or ESA program specifically for homeschoolers. The Michigan Constitution includes a provision (Article VIII, Section 2) that restricts public funds from being used for private education, which has been a barrier to school choice legislation.

However, homeschool graduates may qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship for college if the institution accepts homeschool documents as proof of high school completion and the student meets all other eligibility requirements.

Proposed Legislation

The Let MI Kids Learn proposal has been an ongoing legislative effort to create tax-credit-funded education savings accounts for Michigan families, including homeschoolers. Additionally, Senate Bill 320 (2025-2026 session) proposes Student Opportunity Scholarships. As of February 2026, neither has been enacted into law.

Federal Programs

• Coverdell ESAs: Save up to $2,000 per year per child with tax-free growth and withdrawals for educational expenses including curriculum, tutoring, and supplies.
• 529 Plans: As of 2026, up to $20,000 in annual withdrawals for K-12 education expenses. Michigan's MI 529 Advisor Plan offers a state tax deduction for contributions.
• Educational Choice for Children Act (2025): Federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Michigan families can benefit if the state opts into the program.

Free Resources

Michigan public libraries provide extensive free resources for homeschoolers, including digital lending platforms and educational databases. The Michigan Department of Education also provides curriculum frameworks and educational standards online that homeschool families can reference when planning instruction.