Michigan Homeschool Laws
Michigan has a dedicated homeschool statute. Families can use it, run a nonpublic school, or rely on both. First, the homeschool statute lets parents teach their own children at home. Second, the nonpublic school option lets a parent or qualified instructor operate a school. School is required for children who turn 6 before December 1 until age 18. However, parents may let a child stop as early as the 16th birthday by notifying the district in writing. The homeschool statute requires no notice to anyone.
Day to day, the homeschool statute asks for an organized educational program. It must cover reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. There is no state testing. The statute also sets no attendance records or minimum school days. Parents need no teaching credential under the homeschool statute. Still, the nonpublic school option has its own notice and teacher rules. Homeschoolers may take some public school classes, such as art, music, and physical education. In addition, they may take the Michigan Merit Examination at the local school. Sports access is up to each school. For full details on each topic, open the sections below.
Every child who is 6 before December 1 and under 18 must attend school or comply with the homeschool law. A parent may notify the district in writing that the child has permission to stop as early as the 16th birthday. A child who has graduated or met all graduation requirements is exempt (HSLDA: Compulsory School Age in Michigan; MCL 380.1561).
Two options exist, and a family may use either or both (MCL 380.1561(4)):
- Option 1: Homeschool statute, a parent or legal guardian teaching an organized educational program at home (MCL 380.1561(3)(f)).
- Option 2: Nonpublic school, a state-approved nonpublic school teaching subjects comparable to public schools (MCL 380.1561(3)(a)). HSLDA does not generally recommend this option (HSLDA).
None (HSLDA: Michigan Homeschool Laws). Homeschool students have the right to take the Michigan Merit Examination at the local public school (HSLDA: Public School Access in Michigan).
An organized educational program in reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar (MCL 380.1561(3)(f)).
Option 1: None. The statute does not require parents to notify local government or education authorities (HSLDA: How to Comply with Michigan’s Homeschool Law). Option 2: Notification is required (HSLDA).
The homeschool statute does not require attendance records (MCL 380.1561). HSLDA recommends keeping records of compliance for later needs such as a driver’s license, military enlistment, or college applications (HSLDA).
None (HSLDA).
A public school may let a homeschool student join interscholastic sports, but homeschoolers have no right to participate (HSLDA).
Classes: Public schools must offer “nonessential elective” courses to homeschool students, such as physical education, art, music, foreign language, career and technical education, driver’s education, and computer science. Core courses in the required homeschool subjects and remedial courses are excluded. To join the Postsecondary Enrollment Options program, a student must be enrolled in at least one class in the resident public school (HSLDA).
None for homeschoolers, according to HSLDA (HSLDA).
HSLDA recommends continuing to follow a home education option until graduation, even past compulsory age, so you can show compliance if asked (HSLDA).
- HSLDA: Michigan Homeschool Laws, How to Comply with Michigan’s Homeschool Law, Compulsory School Age in Michigan, and Public School Access for Homeschoolers in Michigan
- Michigan Compiled Laws 380.1561 (compulsory attendance and home education)
Last reviewed: November 8, 2026
*The information on this page is for general use only. It should not be taken as legal advice. It is believed to be accurate however state and federal laws change every year. Homeschool.net recommends joining an organization such as the Home School Legal Defense Association before your homeschooling adventure begins. HSLDA can provide complete, accurate, legal advice and services for homeschooling families.
Update History
No changes in law noted since this page was first published.