LANSING, Mich. — Proposed legislation in Michigan could significantly alter the state’s kindergarten enrollment and attendance requirements, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. The bills, which have already passed the Senate, now await consideration in the House, where lawmakers will decide their fate.
Proposed Kindergarten Enrollment Changes
Under the proposed legislation, children would need to be 5 years old by September 1 of the school year to enroll in kindergarten. Parents of children turning 5 between September 2 and December 1 could still opt for early enrollment by providing written notification to their school district. While districts may recommend against early enrollment if they believe the child is not ready, the final decision would rest with the parents.
The legislation would not mandate districts to offer kindergarten if they currently do not, ensuring flexibility for local educational systems.
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Senator Dayna Polehanki said during a hearing on the legislation that this legislation has nothing to do with a homeschool registry.
Revisions to Compulsory Attendance
The bills also propose making attendance mandatory for children starting at age 5 if enrolled in kindergarten, or at age 6 if not. Attendance would remain compulsory until the student turns 18, unless they graduate early or meet specific exemptions.
Exemptions include:
- Attendance at state-approved nonpublic schools with comparable instruction.
- Home education by parents or guardians covering core academic subjects.
- Early graduation or fulfillment of all high school requirements.
Additional exemptions may apply for children living far from schools without provided transportation and those participating in religious or confirmation classes.
Impact on School Districts
If enacted, the legislation would require districts to track and report early kindergarten enrollments to the Michigan Department of Education. Schools would retain the authority to recommend against early enrollment but would have to defer to parental decisions.
Districts acting solely as geographic entities without operating schools would not be required to implement the new provisions.
Legislative Timeline
The legislation passed in the Senate and now awaits action in the House. If approved, the changes would take effect 90 days after being signed into law and would apply beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Proponents argue the changes would create greater consistency in enrollment and attendance requirements across the state, while critics question the potential impact on parental choice and school district autonomy. The upcoming House decision will determine whether these measures become law.
