Really? Do All Michigan Children Have To Go To School?

Are all children in Michigan required to attend school?

That is an interesting question. You would think so, right? After all, we do need to read, write and be able to do math.

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This question came up on Reddit.com/Grand Rapids. The contributor sadly wrote:

"I really didn't know where else to go with this info. I have a friend who I've known since middle school, she had a daughter who I believe is a out 7 now. Come to find out her daughters never been to school and isn't being home schooled. And from the sounds of it she had no intention of enrolling her daughter at all in school. I don't think she can even read or write. I'm at a loss for what to do and could really use some guidance."

People jumped all over this saying CALL CPS IMEDIATELY! That is Child Protective Services, and as scary as that seems, the welfare of the child is the most important thing here. Also, a call to 211 could help if you are unsure what to do. This the Heart of West Michigan United Way. It is 24/7, free, and a confidential helpline that connects people across West Michigan to local resources that offer real help, right now!

To answer the question of children having to go to school in Michigan, THE ANSWER IS YES!

The Michigan Compulsory School Attendance Policy is a lot to read, but boiled down, it says:

"The law in Michigan governing compulsory attendance requires a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child age six to sixteen to send the child to school during the entire school year, except under the limited circumstances specified in subsection (3) of section 380.1561. The exceptions include, but are not limited to, sending the child to a state-approved, nonpublic school or educating the child at home in an organized educational program."

Let's hope that the child the Reddit contributor spoke of gets the help she needs!