Homeschooling isn’t new. Families have been teaching their children at home for generations, long before public schools became the norm. The modern version—where parents intentionally design or curate a child’s education—started gaining momentum in the 1970s and has continued to grow steadily ever since. Today, homeschooling shows up in nearly every corner of Michigan, including right here in Washtenaw County.
Why homeschooling?
Local families choose this path for flexibility, learning differences, health needs, academic customization or simply wanting more time in nature, museums or community settings.
Whatever the motivation, this area is an exceptional place to homeschool. There are thriving support groups, long-running co-ops, hybrid programs, outdoor schools, university-run museums, arts organizations, makerspaces and youth sports programs that welcome homeschoolers.
Homeschooler support
Michigan’s homeschooling laws give parents a lot of freedom, but families here aren’t doing it alone.
Washtenaw County has an unusually robust network of community partners—libraries, nonprofits, parks, cultural institutions and faith-based organizations—that round out a child’s educational life. Many places offer daytime programs specifically because homeschoolers can attend when schools can’t.
Washtenaw County Homeschooling Resources
Homeschool support groups and networks
Homeschoolers of Ann Arbor
Local Facebook group for homeschool families in Ann Arbor; strong social and meet-up orientation.
Homeschoolers of Washtenaw (HOW)
Inclusive, non-religious group for homeschoolers and unschoolers across Washtenaw County.
Michigan Christian Homeschool Network (MiCHN)
Statewide Christian homeschool network with local activity in southeast Michigan…