Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Michigan - two compliance paths, no testing required, and access to public school elective courses including AP classes. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Michigan is a low-regulation homeschool state that offers two distinct legal pathways. The most popular path (Option 1) requires no notification, no registration, no testing, no minimum hours, and no parent qualifications - you simply teach 9 required subjects.
Michigan homeschool law is governed by MCL §380.1561 (Compulsory Attendance). Option 1 operates under subsection (3)(f) (the homeschool statute), while Option 2 operates under subsection (3)(a) (the nonpublic school provision). The landmark case People v. DeJonge (1993) provides a religious exemption from the degree requirement under Option 2.
Michigan also offers excellent public school access for homeschoolers. Under MCL §388.1766b, homeschool students can enroll in nonessential elective courses at their local public school - including Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Under Option 1 (the most common path), Michigan requires absolutely no notification to any government agency. You do not need to tell the school district, the state, or anyone else. Simply teach the 9 required subjects and you are in compliance.
Michigan offers two legal ways to homeschool. The paths have very different requirements, so it is important to understand which one you are using.
| Requirement | Option 1: Homeschool Statute | Option 2: Nonpublic School |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | MCL §380.1561(3)(f) | MCL §380.1561(3)(a) |
| Notification | None required | Annual to superintendent |
| Parent Qualification | None required | Bachelor's degree (or religious exemption) |
| Required Subjects | 9 specified subjects | Comparable to public schools + civics |
| Testing | None required | None required |
| Hours/Days | None required | None required |
| Records | None required | Basic records |
| Special Ed Access | Testing only | Full services available |
| Best For | Most families | Families needing special ed services |
Under MCL §380.1561(3)(f), you provide an "organized educational program" in 9 required subjects. No notification, no registration, no testing, no hours, and no parent qualifications. This is the simplest homeschool option in Michigan and is used by the vast majority of families.
Under MCL §380.1561(3)(a), you operate as a nonpublic school. The instructor must have a bachelor's degree (with a religious exemption available under People v. DeJonge, 1993). You must send annual notification to the local superintendent. This path provides access to special education services and auxiliary services not available under Option 1.
Choose Option 1 if you want maximum simplicity and freedom - no paperwork, no notifications, no qualifications. Choose Option 2 if your child needs special education services, speech therapy, or other auxiliary services from the public school district.
How you start homeschooling in Michigan depends on which option you choose.
If withdrawing from public school, it is recommended (but not legally required) to send a withdrawal letter. Keep a copy for your records.
If you are withdrawing your child from public school, send a withdrawal letter even though it is not legally required under Option 1. Without it, the school may mark your child as absent or truant, which can trigger unwanted contacts from attendance officers.
Blue Folder can generate a withdrawal letter and an Option 2 notification letter pre-filled with your information. Try it free →
Blue Folder handles this for you
Generate your notification letter, track all 9 subjects, and stay compliant automatically.
Michigan does not require a minimum number of school days or instructional hours for homeschoolers under either option. You set your own schedule and teach at whatever pace works for your family.
There is no requirement to follow the public school calendar, and you can school year-round, take breaks whenever you want, or adjust your schedule as needed.
Even though Michigan does not require attendance tracking, keeping a simple log of instructional days is a smart practice. It provides documentation if you ever need to demonstrate consistent instruction (for re-enrollment in public school or college applications). Most experienced Michigan homeschool families log between 170-180 days per year.
Note that Michigan's compulsory education age extends to 18, which is higher than most states (many end at 16 or 17). This means you must continue providing education until your child turns 18 or graduates.
Under Option 1, Michigan does not legally require any specific recordkeeping. Under Option 2, basic records of enrollment, courses, and teacher qualifications may be requested by the Michigan Department of Education (though compliance is voluntary).
Use Blue Folder to track your subjects, upload work samples, and build transcripts. Even in a low-regulation state like Michigan, organized records make college applications, re-enrollment, and employment verification much easier. Try it free →
Even though records are not legally required under Option 1, high school records are critical for college admissions. Michigan universities (University of Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan) accept homeschool applicants but expect parent-created transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and course descriptions. Start building these records early.
Michigan does not require any annual evaluation, testing, or assessment for homeschooled students under either option. There is no standardized test requirement, no portfolio review, and no progress report to submit.
While not required, homeschooled students can participate in state assessments if desired:
Michigan is one of the most testing-friendly states for homeschoolers - meaning no testing is required at all. If you choose to test, there are no minimum score requirements, no probation periods, and no consequences for low scores. Testing is entirely optional and for your own informational purposes.
Parents issue the diploma. Michigan law allows homeschool parents to determine their own graduation requirements and issue diplomas when the student completes them. There are no state-mandated graduation requirements for homeschools.
For college-bound students, consider aligning with Michigan's public high school requirements (18 credits) to strengthen applications:
The required subjects differ depending on which option you choose.
Under MCL §380.1561(3)(f), Michigan requires an "organized educational program" in these 9 subjects:
Subjects must be comparable to those taught in public schools, plus additional civics requirements at the high school level:
High school additional requirements (Option 2): U.S. Constitution, Michigan Constitution, U.S. Government (history and present form), Michigan Government, and Local Government. A one-semester civics course is required for graduation.
You choose the curriculum, schedule, and teaching methods for all subjects. The law requires an "organized educational program" but does not define how it must be organized. Use whatever approach works for your family - traditional textbooks, unit studies, online programs, project-based learning, or any combination.
Michigan has very few formal deadlines for homeschoolers, especially under Option 1.
| When | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime (Option 1) | Begin homeschooling | No specific start date. No notification needed. Simply begin teaching the 9 required subjects. |
| Beginning of school year (Option 2) | Annual notification | Send notification to local superintendent or ISD superintendent with child and parent information. |
| When withdrawing | Withdrawal letter (recommended) | Not legally required under Option 1, but recommended to avoid truancy issues. Send to current school. |
| Age 18 | Compulsory education ends | Michigan compulsory education extends to 18, higher than most states. Must continue until graduation or age 18. |
Michigan's compulsory education extends to age 18, which is higher than most states (many end at 16 or 17). This means you are legally required to continue providing education until your child turns 18 or graduates from your homeschool program.
Michigan does not currently offer state-funded scholarship, voucher, or ESA programs for homeschool families. The Michigan Constitution (Article 8, Section 2) prohibits public funds from being used to aid nonpublic schools, making state-funded school choice unlikely without a constitutional amendment.
When purchasing textbooks for your homeschool, you are exempt from Michigan's 6% general sales tax. This applies to textbooks sold to students in K-12 programs, including homeschools. Make sure to mention this exemption when purchasing from Michigan retailers.
Michigan offers some of the best public school access for homeschoolers, particularly for elective courses and AP classes.
Under MCL §388.1766b, homeschool students can enroll in nonessential elective courses at their resident public school. Eligible courses include:
Homeschool students may be eligible for dual enrollment in community college or university courses. Check with your local school district for eligibility requirements and procedures.
At district discretion. Michigan does not have a statewide law requiring districts to allow homeschoolers to participate in sports. Access depends entirely on your local district's policies. Contact your district's athletic department to inquire.
Access to special education depends on your compliance path:
If your child has special needs, Option 2 is worth considering despite its additional requirements. The access to auxiliary services - including speech therapy, school psychology, and teacher consultant services - can be invaluable and is not available under Option 1.
Michigan's homeschool laws are straightforward, but new families still encounter some common issues.
If your child needs special education services beyond testing, you must use Option 2 (Nonpublic School). Option 1 only provides access to disability testing, not ongoing services like speech therapy, social work, or remedial reading. Choosing the wrong option can leave your child without needed support.
Don't make these mistakes
Blue Folder tracks every requirement for your chosen Michigan compliance path.
Track Michigan ComplianceDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change. Always verify current requirements with your local school district or the Michigan Department of Education, or consult a qualified attorney. For the full text of the law, see MCL §380.1561. Last updated February 2026.