Easy.Compulsory ages: 6 to 18.

Homeschooling in Michigan

Low Regulation, High Freedom

Michigan offers two paths: homeschooling under the statutory exemption (most popular) or organizing as a nonpublic school. The exemption option is incredibly flexible, requiring only that you teach specific subjects in an organized way.

Quick Reference

School Days

No minimum

Hours Required

No minimum

Subjects

required

Notification

none

Key Requirements at a Glance

No notification required for Exemption option
Compulsory attendance ages 6-18
Must teach Reading, Spelling, Math, Science, History, Civics, Literature, Writing, and Grammar
No standardized testing mandated

Legal Framework

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 380.1561(3)(f) provides the exemption for children being educated at home in an organized educational program.

Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Michigan

The Waldorf Map lists 2 schools and 1 kindergarten in Michigan, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.

Detroit Waldorf School, Detroit
Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor
Acorn KinderHouse, Clarkston

See all of them on the map

Required Subjects

Instruction must be organized.

Reading

Spelling

Mathematics

Science

History

Civics

Literature

Writing

English Grammar

US and Michigan Constitutions (High School)

Filing Requirements

**NO notification required** for this option (Exemption/Option F). Simply educate at home with 9 required subjects. If withdrawing from public school, send a courtesy withdrawal letter. For Auxiliary Services/sports, consider Nonpublic School Option A instead (requires bachelor's degree or religious exemption + annual filing).

Testing Requirements

Required: No

Frequency: N/A

Grades: N/A

None required.

How to Get Started

1
Develop a Curriculum Plan
Select curriculum that covers the required subjects: Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Science, History, Civics, Literature, Writing, and English Grammar.
- •Ensure all 9 required subjects are covered
Tip: You do not need to submit this plan to anyone.
2
Withdraw from Public School
If your child is currently enrolled, formally withdraw them to avoid truancy issues.
- •Send a withdrawal letter to the school principal
- •State that you are homeschooling under MCL 380.1561(3)(f)
Before stopping attendance

Pros & Cons

Pros

✓Zero reporting required
✓No testing
✓Complete privacy

Cons

•Burden of proof is on parent if challenged (rare)
•No official state diploma (parent-issued only)

Sports & Activities

**Discretionary**. Access is up to the local district (MHSAA rules apply). Being a "Nonpublic School" might help but doesn't guarantee access.

Questions about homeschooling in Michigan

Do I need to notify the school district?

Not if you choose the Exemption option (starting fresh). If withdrawing, it's smart to notify them to avoid truancy confusion, but not strictly 'registering'.

Is testing required?

No. Michigan does not mandate standardized testing for homeschoolers.

Does the state pay for curriculum?

No. Homeschooling is privately funded. However, some districts offer 'partnership' programs where homeschoolers can take elective classes.

Get Michigan’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Michigan page changes

Leave your email and you’ll get the checklist link straight away. You’ll also be on the list for news when our Michigan page changes. You can stop the emails any time.

Print the Michigan checklist

Learning at home?

Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.