Homeschool Requirements in Michigan
Michigan is one of the lighter states for homeschoolers. The law asks that you teach your child at home in an organized program covering nine subjects. It doesn't ask for a notice, tests, or set hours. Here's how it works, in plain English.
Homeschool mom of two and co-founder of Packet Day
✓ Last verified against the Michigan Compiled Laws on legislature.mi.gov
The short answer ⚡
Michigan's home education exemption (MCL 380.1561) asks for an organized educational program at home, taught by a parent or legal guardian, covering reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. The exemption doesn't name a notice, testing, hours, or records. School is required from age 6 to the 18th birthday.
Michigan at a glance 📋
- Notify the state
- Not in the law
- The exemption doesn't ask for a notice or approval
- Approval
- Not named
- The exemption doesn't mention approval
- Parent qualifications
- Not listed
- The exemption lists no teaching qualification. See the certification note below.
- Subjects
- Nine areas
- Reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, English grammar
- Testing
- Not named
- The exemption doesn't ask for tests
- Hours
- Not set
- The exemption doesn't set hours or days
- Ages
- 6 to 18
- School is required from age 6 to the child's 18th birthday
Pick your path 🛤️
Michigan's compulsory attendance law lets a child skip public school in a few ways. These are the two that matter to homeschoolers. A home educated child may fall under either one, or both.
At home
1. Home education
Your child is educated at home by a parent or legal guardian, in an organized educational program that covers reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. The law doesn't say what counts as organized, so a plan you can describe is a good idea.
Less common
2. State approved nonpublic school
The other exemption covers a child who attends regularly and is taught in a state approved nonpublic school that teaches subjects comparable to the public schools. The exemption doesn't explain how a school becomes state approved, so ask the school how it qualifies.
Want this as a printable? Get the free Michigan checklist.
Records to keep 🗂️
Michigan's home education exemption doesn't mention records. You can still keep a few simple things. They'll help if a school or district ever asks what your program looks like:
- A simple plan for the year listing how you cover the nine subjectsOur suggestion
- A written note to the school office if you are leaving public school, with the dateOur suggestion
- Work samples or a simple log a few per subject is plentyOur suggestion
- Books and curriculum list so you can show how the program is organizedOur suggestion
None of this is required by the exemption. A folder is a calm way to be ready.
Testing: what Michigan actually requires 🧪
The home education exemption doesn't ask for standardized tests, evaluations, or portfolio reviews.
You're free to test on your own if it helps you plan. Some families use a yearly test just to see how things are going.
What to teach 📚
The exemption asks for an organized educational program in these nine subject areas:
- Language arts: reading, spelling, literature, writing, and English grammar
- Math and science: mathematics and science
- Social studies: history and civics
The exemption doesn't set hours or days, and it doesn't pick a curriculum. You choose how to cover each subject. Families often fold several into one themed day.
Good to know about Michigan 💡
Teacher certification. Michigan's home education exemption lists no teaching qualification. A separate, older law, MCL 388.553, speaks of certificates for teachers in private, denominational, and parochial schools. The home education exemption doesn't say how that law applies to a home school, so ask your district or the Michigan Department of Education if you are unsure.
Part time classes. MCL 388.1766b does not prohibit a parent from enrolling a home schooled child in a district class available to that grade or age group. State aid for it is limited to nonessential electives, and the section doesn't require the district to agree.
5 mistakes new Michigan homeschoolers make ⚠️
1. Skipping a subject.
The exemption names nine subject areas. Spelling, civics, and English grammar are easy to forget when you teach through reading and projects.
2. Waiting for permission.
The exemption doesn't mention approval from the district or the state.
3. Forgetting the age range.
School is required from age 6 to the child's 18th birthday, and home education is one way to meet that.
4. Mixing up the two exemptions.
Home education and a state approved nonpublic school are separate. A child may fall under either one, or both.
5. Assuming the district will tell you what to do.
The law is silent on how to leave public school. A short written note to the school office is a smart habit, though the law doesn't require one.
Michigan homeschool FAQ 💬
Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Michigan?
The home education exemption in MCL 380.1561 doesn't name a notice, registration, or approval. If you are leaving public school, a short written note to the school office is a smart habit. For anything beyond the statute, ask your district or the Michigan Department of Education.
What subjects do I have to teach in Michigan?
The exemption asks for an organized educational program in reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. The law doesn't say how much time each gets or which books to use. You choose the curriculum and the schedule that fits your family.
Does Michigan require testing for homeschoolers?
The home education exemption doesn't ask for standardized tests, evaluations, or portfolios. The exemption doesn't mention testing at all. You're welcome to test on your own if it helps you plan, but nothing in the exemption asks you to send results anywhere.
How many hours or days do Michigan homeschoolers need?
The exemption doesn't set hours or days. It asks for an organized educational program in nine subjects. The school year requirement in the same section is about attending public school, not about home education. Many families pick a steady rhythm that keeps all nine subjects moving through the year.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Michigan?
The home education exemption lists no teaching qualification. Michigan has a separate law about teacher certificates in private and parochial schools, MCL 388.553, and the exemption doesn't say how it applies to a home school. If you are unsure, ask your district or the Michigan Department of Education.
What ages does Michigan's attendance law cover?
School is required from age 6 to the child's 18th birthday. A child who turns 6 before December 1 enrolls the first school day of that school year. A child who turns 6 on or after December 1 enrolls the next school year. Home education is one way to meet this.
Can my homeschooled child take classes at a public school?
Possibly. Michigan's School Aid Act doesn't prohibit a parent from enrolling a home schooled child in a district class available to that grade or age. State aid for it covers only nonessential electives. The law doesn't require the district to say yes, so ask your district.
Does Michigan require homeschool records?
The home education exemption doesn't mention records. Keeping a simple plan, a book list, and a few work samples is still a calm habit. It helps you show what an organized program looks like, if a school or district ever asks. Most families keep it all in one folder.
Get your free Michigan checklist ✅
We turned this whole page into a 1 page printable checklist: every required subject, what to keep on file, questions to ask. Stick it in your homeschool binder and you're covered.
Plus, make your first learning packet free. 11 to 17 pages, generated around your kiddo in a minute or two.
Sources 📖
- MCL 380.1561: Compulsory attendance and exemptions (checked )
- MCL 388.553: Teacher certificates in private and parochial schools (checked )
- MCL 388.1766b: Part time enrollment of nonpublic and home schooled pupils (checked )
Last verified October 2026. Requirements are summarized from the sources above.
This page summarizes public information for general reference. It is not legal advice. Laws change; confirm current requirements with your school district, the Michigan Department of Education, or a qualified attorney before making decisions for your family.
Explore more states 🗺️
More state guides
- Ohio homeschool requirementsHow to homeschool legally in Ohio under the 2023 law: send a short notice to your superintendent within 5 days of starting and by August 30 each year.
- Illinois homeschool requirementsHow to homeschool legally in Illinois: no registration or testing, six required subjects taught in English, and the one letter to your child's school.
- Texas homeschool requirementsHow to homeschool legally in Texas: withdraw from public school in writing, teach five required subjects, skip registering with the state. Checked against TEA.
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