Starting a Private School in Michigan
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Our team has curated the best resources and information available about starting a private school in Michigan. Enjoy!
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Starting a School Guide
See what else you need to know about starting a private school. From your curriculum to your marketing, and everything in-between.
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Michigan State Regulations
General Regulations
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Michigan does not require registration, and only boarding schools are required to be licensed. Accreditation is optional, but all nonpublic schools must be approved by the state.
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The Michigan Department of Education has assembled a page of detailed requirements for private schools.
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Homeschools can operate as nonpublic schools but must follow all of the same regulations as nonpublic schools.
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The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools operating in Michigan.
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The Michigan DOE has no published requirements for school insurance — consult a professional for guidance in this area.
State Funding Sources & Support
Michigan does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
Nonpublic schools must provide courses of mathematics, reading, English, science, and social studies, in every grade. The successful completion of a one-semester course in civics is required prior to graduation. English must be the basic language of instruction in any nonpublic school.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Teacher certification is optional.
Food Services / Lunch
In Michigan, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
There are no regulations on the length of the school year of nonpublic schools.
Recordkeeping & Reports
The Michigan Department of Education annually requests information from nonpublic schools on the number of students in each grade, teacher qualifications, and courses of study offered.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must provide proof of vision testing and immunizations upon enrolling or a documented exemption based on medical or religious beliefs.
Transportation
Local school districts that provide transportation to resident pupils must provide free transportation to nonpublic school students with some limitations.
Testing
State testing is optional for nonpublic school students.
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Michigan State Resources
State & Regional Associations
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Association of Independent Michigan Schools: AIMS is anot-for-profit organization whose purpose is to support and advance independent education in Michigan.
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Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools: Through advocacy, professional development, accreditation and innovation, the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools (MANS) ensures high-quality educational choice for Michigan’s parents.
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Independent Schools Association of the Central States: ISACS leads schools to pursue exemplary independent education.
Government Websites
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Guide Quick-Nav
Introduction
We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.
School Identity
There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.
Curriculum
Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.
Legal & Operating Requirements
You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.
Funding & Finance
Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.
Business Plan & Budget
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Facilities
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.
Staffing
How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?
Policies & Procedures
Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures
Marketing & Online Presence
Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.
Associations
What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.