How to homeschool in Michigan

Children in Michigan must attend school from age 6 to 18 and there are two primary legal options for homeschooling to satisfy compulsory education in Michigan:

1. Homeschooling as a nonpublic school. Parents can opt to establish their homeschool as a nonpublic school, which requires providing instruction in specific subjects (detailed below). You do not need to submit paperwork to the state unless specifically requested.
2. Homeschooling under Michigan’s exemption. This exemption allows parents to homeschool without officially registering as a school. Instead, parents are responsible for ensuring that the education provided aligns with state requirements for compulsory subjects.

Michigan does not impose any specific educational requirements for parents who choose to homeschool their children. Regardless of the pathway selected, parents are not required to hold a teaching certificate or meet formal education standards to provide instruction at home.

Homeschoolers in Michigan need to teach key subjects required by the state, including reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and grammar. Parents can create their own curriculum but must make sure it meets the required educational standards.

For more detailed information about homeschooling laws, visit Michigan’s Department of Education website.

One of the unique benefits of homeschooling in Michigan is the ability to create a customized graduation path for your student. Homeschooling parents issue their own diploma upon the completion of the curriculum they establish for their high schooler. Unlike traditional schools, there are no state-mandated graduation requirements for homeschoolers in Michigan.

However, to prepare your student for post-secondary opportunities, it’s a good idea to include courses commonly required in high school, such as:

• English/language arts (4 years) 
• Math (4 years, including Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, etc.) 
• Science (3 years, including Biology and Chemistry) 
• Social Studies (3 years, including U.S. History and Government) 
• Electives aligned with the student’s interests (e.g., art, computer science)

Michigan does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers. However, many families opt to use them as a way to measure their student’s academic progress and strengthen their educational transcripts. Common standardized tests used by Michigan homeschoolers include the ACT, SAT, and MAP Growth tests. 

If your child is using Time4Learning, you’ll have access to tools that help prepare them for many standardized tests with aligned content and practice exercises.

Homeschoolers in Michigan are well-equipped to apply for college using their unique educational experiences as an asset. Most colleges and universities, including those in Michigan, accept applications from homeschooling students. Here’s a quick guide to ensure a smooth college application process:

• Create a transcript: Document subjects, grades, standardized test scores, and extracurriculars on a high school transcript.  
• Prepare recommendation letters: Identify tutors, co-op teachers, or other mentors who can provide objective insights about your student’s abilities. 
• Submit an academic portfolio: Include examples of work, projects, and any certifications earned during their homeschooling years. 

Ace those tests: Many colleges strongly consider SAT or ACT scores during admissions, even for homeschooled applicants.

Michigan does not currently have an Education Savings Account (ESA) program specifically for homeschooling families. However, you can still find financial support through programs like grants for homeschoolers and discounts on curriculum resources. 

Subscribers to Time4Learning benefit from an affordable, transparent pricing model to maximize savings while providing an excellent education.