Michigan Shared Time Services
Michigan Shared Time Services is a unique program that allows private school students and homeschoolers to enroll part-time in their local Michigan public school to take specific elective courses completely free.
Program Type: Part-time public school enrollment for non-public students
Who It Serves:
- Private school students
- Homeschool students
What Is Covered – Non-Core Electives ONLY:
- Music
- Art
- Foreign Language
- Computer Science
- Physical Education (PE)
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Other elective courses as determined by district
What Is NOT Covered – Core Subjects Excluded:
- Mathematics – Must be taken at private school or home
- Science – Must be taken at private school or home
- English/Language Arts – Must be taken at private school or home
- Social Studies/History – Must be taken at private school or home
Tuition: $0 – Completely FREE. The public school claims a portion of state aid for the student’s attendance in these specific classes.
How It Works:
- Contact your local public school district to inquire about Shared Time availability
- Discuss which elective courses are available
- Enroll part-time for specific courses (typically 1-2 classes per day)
- Student attends public school for those courses, then returns to private school or home for core subjects
- Public school receives partial state funding for the student’s enrollment in these classes
Common Arrangements:
- Half-day programs: Students attend public school mornings for electives, private school/home afternoons for core subjects (or vice versa)
- Specific class periods: Students attend public school for 1-3 specific class periods per day
- 1-2 days per week: Many districts offer “Homeschool Partnership” programs where students attend public school 1-2 days/week for electives like gym, art, robotics, band, etc.
Extracurricular Activities and Sports:
Yes, homeschoolers can participate. Michigan allows homeschoolers to participate in non-essential elective courses and extracurricular activities (including athletics) at their resident district, subject to the district’s specific policies.
Benefits:
- Free access to high-quality elective courses and specialized equipment (art studios, science labs, music rooms, athletic facilities)
- Professional instruction in elective subjects
- Socialization opportunities with public school peers
- Access to AP courses and college prep programs
- Maintains flexibility of private school or homeschool for core academics
District Policies Vary: Not all districts offer Shared Time, and available courses vary significantly. Contact your local school district to ask about:
- Whether they offer Shared Time programs
- Which courses are available
- Application procedures and deadlines
- Transportation options
- Eligibility requirements