Homeschool Owl

Michigan Homeschool Requirements

No Notice Required

Michigan has two legal pathways: the common "home education exemption" (MCL 380.1561(3)(f)), where MDE has zero involvement and no notification, testing, or approval is required, and a less-common "nonpublic school" registration (MCL 380.1561(3)(a)) with annual reporting, generally used to satisfy the certified-teacher requirement unless a religious exemption applies (People v. DeJonge, 1993). This page describes the common exemption. Michigan sets NO minimum instructional days. MDE recommends a calendar comparable to the local public district (~180 days), but that is a recommendation only, not a legal requirement.

No Minimum

180 days is a recommendation

Not required

notification

Not required

testing

Public schools in Michigan typically start school on Aug 24, 2026. Each district sets its own date, so yours may differ.

Ready to start? See the step-by-step guide to withdrawing your child and homeschooling in Michigan.Get started →

Triple-Checked

This data was last checked against official sources on August 4, 2026. Laws change, so if something looks off or your state updated its requirements since then, confirm current details on your state's official homeschool page or use the correction form below.

Notification

Not required

Testing

Not required

Required Subjects

  • Reading
  • Spelling
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • History
  • Civics
  • Literature
  • Writing
  • English Grammar

Instructional Days

No Minimum

Michigan does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown here as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.

Report Frequency

none

Submission Method

none (MDE has no role in the default home-education exemption)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the homeschool requirements in Michigan?+
Michigan has two legal pathways: the common "home education exemption" (MCL 380.1561(3)(f)), where MDE has zero involvement and no notification, testing, or approval is required, and a less-common "nonpublic school" registration (MCL 380.1561(3)(a)) with annual reporting, generally used to satisfy the certified-teacher requirement unless a religious exemption applies (People v. DeJonge, 1993). This page describes the common exemption. Michigan sets NO minimum instructional days. MDE recommends a calendar comparable to the local public district (~180 days), but that is a recommendation only, not a legal requirement.
How many instructional days are required for homeschooling in Michigan?+
Michigan does not set a minimum number of instructional days or hours by law. 180 days is shown as a general planning recommendation only, not a legal requirement.
Does Michigan require notification to homeschool?+
No, Michigan does not require notification to homeschool.
Does Michigan require standardized testing for homeschoolers?+
No, Michigan does not require standardized testing for homeschool students.
What subjects are required for homeschooling in Michigan?+
Michigan requires the following subjects to be taught: Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, Science, History, Civics, Literature, Writing, English Grammar.
How to start homeschooling in Michigan →Portfolio reviews explained →Required subjects by state →Free homeschool tools →All state guides →

Track Michigan compliance automatically

Log instructional days and generate Michigan compliance reports with Homeschool Owl, Michigan sets no minimum, so we'll track toward a 180-day recommendation as a helpful reference.

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Michigan homeschool requirements, verified by Homeschool Owl
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