How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Michigan

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Michigan requires to start

   Nothing is required by law. The Michigan Department of Education says it has no role with an exemption (f) home school family, and registering with MDE is voluntary unless the family wants special education services or other programming from the public school.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   MDE says informing the current school is suggested and not required, and a written note can be placed in the student's school record. MDE materials note that if the school is not informed, the child may be marked absent. No exit meeting, district form or waiting period was found in the sources.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   No deadline in the statute and no annual filing. The only recurring item is the optional MDE registration, for families who choose it or need services.

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   MDE says districts set their own policy on parent access to and copies of the student file. FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and review the child's education records (34 CFR 99.10), and the school must respond within a reasonable time, not more than 45 days.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   MDE says a homeschooled child does not receive an IEP from the public school, though the local district may offer a nonpublic school service plan for registered nonpublic or home schools. Under 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4), a parent can revoke consent to special education services in writing, which ends the services after the district gives prior written notice.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Michigan: it goes to your child's current school to withdraw, and the state filing described above is a separate step. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The principal of my child's current school [name and address]

Re: Withdrawal from school and home education, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Please accept this letter as notice that I am withdrawing my child from [name of current school], effective [start date]. I will be providing a home education program under MCL 380.1561(3)(f).

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Michigan

Michigan Department of Education, Office of Nonpublic Education, last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions