The Compulsory School Attendance laws in the state of Michigan allow for an exemption when it comes to homeschooling. MCL 380.1561 (3)(f) states:
A child shall not be required to attend the public schools in the following cases:
(f) The child is being educated at the child’s home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.
Homeschooling Conditions
If a home school family chooses to operate under exemption (f), the conditions listed below apply:
- The Michigan Department of Education plays no role with the home school family.
- The home school family does not report as a nonpublic school to the Michigan Department of Education.
- Intermediate and local school districts are responsible for interpreting and enforcing the Compulsory School Attendance Law.
- There are no minimum qualifications for teachers except that they must be the parents or legal guardians of the children.
- The home school family must provide "an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar."
Reporting Process
The annual reporting of a home school to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is voluntary. It is not required unless the student is requesting eligible special education services from the local public school or intermediate school district. It is recommended the parent first submit a completed Nonpublic School Membership Report to MDE if special education services will be requested. This form is available on the Michigan home school website - www.michigan.gov/homeschool. Before special education services are established, the school will contact MDE for verification that this process is complete. The home school must register each school year to continue services. A list of registered home schools is provided to the Berrien RESA superintendent each Friday or by emailing [email protected] to request a copy.
It is not required that a parent inform their local school of the decision to home school, however, it is suggested. Failure to do so may result in the student being marked absent and the involvement of the truancy officer. Notification may be a phone call or a written note to the district. Berrien RESA does have a voluntary form called the Home School Report Form that may be filled out and shared between the RESA and district. Keep in mind that a written note can be placed in the student’s school record indicating when the student has withdrawn from the school district.
Financial Responsibility
Home school families are responsible for purchasing the textbooks and instructional materials of their choice. School districts are not required to provide curriculum, textbooks, or materials to home school families.