How to Start Homeschooling in Michigan
Ready to start homeschooling in MI?
The first step is getting familiar with your state’s homeschooling laws. Each state has its own laws and requirements when it comes to homeschooling. Luckily for you, homeschooling in Michigan is fairly straightforward and simple. Home educators in the Wolverine State have two options to choose from when beginning their home education journey, which we’ll cover here.
Homeschooling in Michigan at a Glance
Michigan – The Wolverine State
| Option | Non-Public School | Homeschool Statute |
| Age | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required | Not required |
| Subjects | 7 subjects, plus more in high school | 9 subjects, plus more in high school |
| Time Requirements | None | None |
| Graduation Requirements | Decided by parent or nonpublic school coordinator | Decided by parent |
| Special Requirements | Instructors must be certified, and parents are required to submit records to the superintendent if they request. | None |
| Financial Resources Available | None | None |
Every family has different needs, lifestyles, and priorities, and these should all factor in when deciding how you will homeschool. There are two options for homeschooling in Michigan:
Option 1: Non-Public School
This option has more requirements than homeschooling under the homeschool statute, but it can be a great choice for families who aren’t interested in choosing their own curriculum or providing instruction themselves. Many families who want to hire a professional to teach their children at home choose this option.
Option 2: Michigan’s Homeschool Statute
Under Michigan’s homeschool statute, parents have the right to educate their children at home without notifying their local school district. You are free to begin homeschooling your child when you are ready to do so.
Parent Qualifications
If you choose to homeschool as a nonpublic school, you will have to find an instructor who has a teaching certificate, teaching permit, or bachelor’s degree.
Parents who choose to homeschool under the homeschool statute are not required to have any qualifications.
Notice of Intent
Parents who homeschool as a nonpublic school will have to notify their local superintendent annually. You can request a form from your local district or send a letter with the following information:
- Names and ages of each student enrolled
- Name of the school district, city, and county where the parent lives
- Name and address of the parent
- Names and ages of the children who are enrolled in the nonpublic school but who do not attend regularly
The homeschool statute does not require parents to give notice of their intent to homeschool. However, if your child has previously attended a public school or if you are making the switch to homeschool during the school year, it’s a good idea to formally withdraw them to avoid truancy issues.
Attendance
There are no attendance requirements for students of both nonpublic schools and homeschools in Michigan. Homeschooling families are able to choose a schedule that works best for them.
Homeschool Curriculum
The curriculum for nonpublic schools should be comparable to what is taught in Michigan public schools. Nonpublic school students are required to learn the following:
| Math | Social Studies |
| Reading | Health |
| English | Physical Education |
| Science |
High school students are also required to study the United States Constitution, the Michigan Constitution, and the history of civil government in both the U.S. and Michigan.
Parents who choose the homeschool statute route should be prepared to teach these required subjects:
| Reading | Spelling |
| History | Civics |
| Literature | Writing |
| Grammar | Math |
| Science |
As with the nonpublic school option, high school students must follow the additional subject requirements.
Accredited Homeschool Programs in Michigan
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschool students under both options do not have to participate in state standardized testing. However, students are still able to take state standardized tests, if they would like to.
To do this, you’ll have to make arrangements with your local school district. Your student’s scores will be reported individually. Testing arrangements will likely take place when the rest of the public schools are testing. For more information about standardized testing for homeschoolers, click here.
In addition, students are still strongly encouraged to take college readiness exams, such as the SAT. The State of Michigan has offered free SAT testing to public schools since 2016. To claim your free test, be sure to contact your local school district for more information.
Record Keeping
State law doesn’t require parents to submit records, but record keeping is still a good idea! Especially if you are homeschooling as a nonpublic school, it’s important to know that your local superintendent can request academic records at any time.
Things such as attendance records, courses taken, final course grades, and test scores are all perfect to put into a homeschool portfolio for safe keeping. Having a portfolio available can also be a source of motivation and accomplishment for students.
Transcripts
If your student has plans to go to college, it’s likely that they’ll need a high school transcript. Keeping a list of courses, credit hours, and final grades can ensure that you’ll be able to provide a transcript for your student. Click to find out how to make your own transcripts, or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
According to Michigan’s homeschool laws, students must be in school until they are 18. However, there are no graduation requirements. Your student is eligible to graduate from high school whenever you feel that they are ready.
Some parents find it helpful to look to their state’s diploma requirements for guidance. The Michigan Merit Curriculum requires students to earn:
- 4 Mathematics credits
- 4 English Language Arts credits
- 3 Science credits
- 3 Social Studies credits
- 1 Physical Education credit
- 1 Visual, Performing, and Applied Arts credit
- 2 Foreign Language credits
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no financial resources for homeschoolers from the State of Michigan at this time.
More Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Michigan, check out:
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, please reach out to our customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you need.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Michigan homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
How do I start homeschooling in Michigan?
To start homeschooling in Michigan, you will need to find a qualified instructor, send a Notice of Intent, and teach the required subjects.
How does a homeschooler get a diploma in Michigan?
In Michigan, diplomas may be issued by parents whenever they feel that their student is ready to graduate high school.
Is unschooling legal in Michigan?
Yes! In Michigan, homeschooling parents may instruct their children however they see fit.
Information accurate as of: 06/24/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only. Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.