Michigan Homeschool Funding
Shared-time funding and dual enrollment.
MI
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: Shared-Time (Part-Time Enrollment) & Dual Enrollment
Admin: Local school districts & ISDs (overseen by Michigan Department of Education)
Typical award
Amount: No direct cash to families. Districts receive pro-rated state aid for part-time FTE and cover approved course costs. Dual enrollment tuition/fees/books are covered up to a state/district cap per course.
Disbursement: District pays providers (K-12 classes, CTE centers, or colleges). Families generally do not receive reimbursements.
Who qualifies
- Residency: Michigan resident
- Age/grade: K–12; dual enrollment typically grades 9–12
- Other: Enrollment with a public district for the specific class(es) you take (part-time). Dual enrollment requires college readiness and counselor/parent approvals.
Timeline
- Shared-time class signup: District windows each semester (summer for fall; Nov–Dec for spring)
- Dual enrollment: College add/drop & payment authorization deadlines each term
- Online (21f) requests: Before each semester per district policy
Overview
Michigan does not offer an ESA or voucher for independent homeschool. Instead, homeschool families commonly access district-funded classes through Shared-Time (part-time enrollment), career-tech center (CTE) courses, dual enrollment at colleges, and online courses under Section 21f—all of which are financed by the district using a share of per-pupil state aid. You remain a homeschooler, but you enroll with a public district only for the course(s) you take.
Programs
Shared-Time / Part-Time Enrollment (K–12)
- Type: District-funded course access for homeschoolers and nonpublic students
- Award: District covers the cost of approved classes (in-person or district-run virtual); no cash to families
- Uses: Electives & specials (art, music, PE), world languages, some academics, labs, and CTE “exploratory” depending on district
- Admin: Your local public school district or an ISD partner program
Postsecondary Dual Enrollment (PA 160 & 258)
- Type: College courses for high-school students with eligible readiness
- Award: Tuition, required fees, and books covered up to a per-course cap when taken through a public district
- Uses: General education, world language, STEM, and CTE courses that are not a “personal enrichment” duplicate of high school offerings
- Admin: Local district (payment authorization) + college (admissions/registration)
Section 21f — Statewide Online Course Access (Grades 6–12)
- Type: District-approved online courses via the statewide catalog
- Award: District funds up to two online courses per term (policy varies)
- Uses: Accredited online classes listed in the state catalog (core, electives, AP)
- Admin: Enroll part-time with a public district; district submits 21f request
CTE / ISD Programs
- Type: Career and technical education centers (part-time seats)
- Award: District covers program tuition/fees for approved pathways (auto tech, health sciences, IT, trades)
- Uses: Lab-based courses leading to certifications and work-based learning
- Admin: Your resident district or ISD; space-available placement
Special Education & Related Services (equitable services)
- Type: Limited services for parentally-placed private/homeschool students via district proportionate share
- Award: Services provided directly (not cash); availability varies by district plan
- Uses: Speech, OT, PT, consults, and supports determined through district process
- Admin: Local district special education office
Eligibility
- Residency: Student resides in Michigan (districts may prioritize resident students)
- Shared-Time: Part-time enrollment paperwork with the district; immunization/records per district policy
- Dual Enrollment: High-school status, college readiness (placement or test scores), counselor/parent approvals, and course eligibility rules
- 21f Online: Grades 6–12; request through the district within posted timelines
- CTE: Grade/age requirements, prerequisites, seat availability, and safety paperwork
How to apply
- Contact your resident district (or a district that offers shared-time) and request part-time enrollment for homeschoolers.
- Complete enrollment forms and submit documents (proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization/waiver, prior coursework if needed).
- Select classes (in-person, virtual/21f, CTE). Get a written schedule and confirmation of costs covered by the district.
- For dual enrollment: apply to the college, complete placement/testing, secure district payment authorization before registering.
- Attend orientation, pick up textbooks if provided, and follow district/college calendars. Keep all communications and syllabi for your records.
Covered expenses
- K–12 course tuition/fees at the district (shared-time)
- Required textbooks/workbooks provided or loaned by the district/college
- College tuition/required fees/books for approved dual-enrollment courses (up to cap)
- CTE program fees, equipment, and certifications (as approved)
- 21f online course tuition through the catalog (as approved)
- Typically not covered: transportation, parking, optional supplies/uniforms, lost/damaged book fees
- Extracurriculars and athletics depend on district & MHSAA policy
- Personal devices may be loaned but are not always purchased for students
- Keep receipts and course confirmations for your homeschool records
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared-time fall signup | June–August | District registration window; earlier improves placement |
| Shared-time spring signup | Nov–Dec | Confirm course list and any 21f requests |
| Dual enrollment — fall | College deadlines (Apr–Aug) | Placement & payment authorization required before registration |
| Dual enrollment — spring | College deadlines (Oct–Dec) | Check add/drop timelines |
| 21f online request | Per district calendar | Usually prior to each semester start |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Do I lose homeschool status if I take a district class?
No. You remain a homeschooler but are part-time enrolled for the specific course(s). The district counts a fraction of FTE and covers approved costs.
Will the district pay for any college class I want?
Only eligible courses (non-religious, non-hobby, and not a duplicate of the high-school curriculum) and only up to a funding cap. Get written approval in advance.
Can my student take sports or extracurriculars?
Possibly. Access depends on district policy and MHSAA eligibility rules. Ask your athletic director about part-time participant requirements.
Can I use 21f online courses as a homeschooler?
Yes, by enrolling part-time with a public district and requesting up to the allowed number of online courses each term.
Contacts
Your resident school district
Ask for: Pupil Accounting or Homeschool/Shared-Time coordinator
What to request: Part-time enrollment packet, course list, and dual-enrollment authorization form
Michigan Department of Education (MDE)
Law & regulations
- Section 21f — Statewide Online Course Access — online courses via district.
- Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act (PA 160 of 1996) & Career and Technical Preparation Act (PA 258) — dual enrollment framework.
- State School Aid Act of 1979 (MCL 388.1601 et seq.) — part-time FTE & pupil accounting (Shared-Time).