Please note, this is not intended as legal advice. This is for informational purposes only and should you choose to Homeschool in Michigan then you need to double check the Michigan Department of Education website for current regulations.
According to homeschooling authorities, Michigan families have two options to legally educate their child at home:
- Operate as a non-public school: this requires that all instruction be handled by a state certified teacher
- As a home education program: this option has almost no regulations except that families include instruction in the specific subjects of Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Science, History, Civics, Literature, Writing and English Grammar.
By law, homeschoolers in Michigan have access to certain services provided by the public school system, even while they are not enrolled in those schools. For example, homeschoolers may participate in yearly state testing at their local school for no cost. Some local school boards in the state also allow homeschoolers to participate in athletics, but you must contact the school board in the area where you reside to confirm availability. Extracurricular activities such as band, physical education, and drivers ed may also be available to homeschoolers in specific regions, if approved by the local school board. (Note: If using the non-public school option, homeschoolers are also eligible for special education services from their local school system.)
The best way to stay on top of changes in homeschool regulations is to connect with other local homeschoolers in Michigan.
Michigan Secular Homeschool Groups
Battle Creek Secular Homeschoolers
“This secular group is for sharing local and secular resources with local homeschoolers from Battle Creek, Marshall, and surrounding area. Spiritual families are welcome, as long as you choose to homeschool using secular materials.”
Homeschoolers of Ann Arbor (HAA)
“We are a family-oriented, inclusive, secular, member-driven, 4-H group for homeschooling families in and around Ann Arbor. Our group is committed to building a close-knit, diverse community dedicated to raising and educating our children.”
Lansing Area Homeschool Families
“We are an inclusive group made up of both religious and secular homeschoolers. We strongly encourage respect for all of our members, regardless of beliefs and/or methods.”
Michigan Secular Homeschoolers
“This group is for secular homeschoolers in Michigan, it was not designed for online public school/distance or remote learning. We gladly welcome those using co-ops or partnerships but teaching their children the core subjects themselves.”
“We are a diverse and inclusive support group open to all families that homeschool. With this in mind, we actively promote the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a culture that is welcoming and respectful to all. As a homeschool group, we value and respect our different educational philosophies and we expect all members of Reach to respect each family’s chosen homeschool method.” Facebook group.
