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Michigan homeschool requirements

Last checked October 2026. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Your local and intermediate school districts enforce the attendance law.

Ways to homeschool in Michigan

Most families homeschool under MCL 380.1561(3)(f): a parent or legal guardian teaches the child at home in an organized educational program. Some families instead use section 1561(3)(a), the nonpublic school option, which has its own rules.

What you file, and when

Nothing is required. Under (3)(f), you don't report to the Michigan Department of Education. The department offers a voluntary home school registration form. Reporting is needed only if you want special education services for your child through your public school.

If your child is enrolled in a public school, let the school know you are withdrawing them.

Subjects

Reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing and English grammar.

Days or hours

Michigan law doesn't set days or hours for home school.

Teacher

The parent or legal guardian teaches. Under (3)(f), there are no minimum qualifications.

Records and testing

Michigan doesn't require records or tests for home school. The Department of Education encourages parents to keep records of progress through the year, since a school your child enrolls in later decides credits and grade placement.

Where Gallop fits

Gallop's Records report prints, for each child and any date range, the days and minutes they worked, the subjects covered, each skill mastered with its date, and sample questions your child answered correctly. Minutes count time in Gallop only, not all of your teaching. Most parents add it to their own records rather than using it as their only record.

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FAQ

Do I have to register my homeschool in Michigan?

No. Registering with the Michigan Department of Education is voluntary, unless you want special education services through your public school.

Does Michigan require testing?

No. Your child can take state tests at your local public school if you choose to.

Why keep records if they aren't required?

They help if your child enrolls in school later, because that school decides credits and placement. A printed Gallop Records report can be part of your own records.

Can I try it first?

Yes. Try 7 sample questions, or start the 7-day free trial. No card needed.

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