Homeschooling in Michigan

by Mary Ann Kelley

Michigan Homeschool Laws & Information

Michigan Homeschool Laws

Homeschooling is regulated at the state level and changes may be made to the relevant statutes at any time. Always consult the actual state code, which is usually online at your state's official website, for the most up to date and accurate legal information with regard to homeschooling. Also keep in mind that interpretations of the code -- whether provided by school districts or homeschool groups -- may or may not be an accurate reflection of the law. Always combine interpretations with your own reading of the statute itself.

Although we try to keep our links up to date, state laws change regurlarly. The information at the links provided below contain information that may or may not be current.

The "Show Me" Letter - Many an uninformed (or informed but overzealous) school administration official has asked local homeschoolers for more documentation than the state homeschool law requires. In The "Show Me" Letter, Shay Seaborne relates her experience with an overzealous official and how knowing the law and being polite but firm is often all it takes to educate local officials. A "must read" for new homeschoolers!

5E - Non-Public Part-Time Pupils and Home Schooled Pupils

Michigan Department of Education Pupil Accounting Manual. A nonpublic pupil who attends a private, denominational or a parochial school or a pupil that is home schooled may be enrolled on a part-time basis in grades 1-12 in nonessential elective courses provided by a public school.

Compulsory School Attendance, Attendance Policies and Grades

From the Michigan Department of Education. Age of Attendance: The law in Michigan governing compulsory attendance requires a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child age six to sixteen to send the child to school during the entire school year, except under the limited circumstances specified in subsection (3) of section 380.1561. The exceptions include, but are not limited to, sending the child to a state-approved, nonpublic school or educating the child at home in an organized educational program.Attendance Exceptions: A child is not required to attend a public school in the following cases: A child who is being educated at the child's home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.