Homeschool benefits: Jenison Public Schools
Jenison Innovation Academy (JIA) gives homeschooled students in grades K-12 up to three free online elective courses a semester and pays up to $375 per course each semester toward an approved in-person partner class. Any Michigan resident can apply, but 2026-27 enrollment closed on January 5, 2026 because the program is full, so your only route this year is the waitlist.
Who qualifies
Lives in Michigan
Statewide residency is the rule. JIA says courses are free to West Michigan families, mainly in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties.
Meets the age limits
Younger students must be 5 by September 1, 2026. High schoolers must be under 20 on that date, have no GED or diploma, and have spent no more than four years in high school.
Is homeschooled only
Your child may not be enrolled in or taking part in any other public or private school program, and you teach English, math, science, and social studies at home.
Keeps a 60% score
Your child must finish each course with at least 60% of available points every semester. A student who falls short is permanently dismissed and cannot re-enroll.
What the program gives you
The limits come from JIA's 2026-27 Homeschool Partnership Program Guidelines and its program FAQ.
- JIA online elective course
- Free
- Courses per semester
- Up to 3
- Partner class fees JIA pays
- Up to $375 per course per semester
- College dual enrollment courses per semester
- Up to 2
- Registration, material, and costume fees
- You pay
- Summer partner funding
- None
If your child misses the October or February count requirements, JIA bills your family for any partner class costs.
From the waitlist to finishing a semester
- Now
Join the waitlist
Complete the Homeschool Partnership Waitlist Form on JIA's part-time homeschool page to be considered for an opening.
- At open enrollment
Apply and register
Fill out the JIA application and the Jenison Public Schools registration. Siblings who are new to the program get priority.
- After enrollment
Sign up with a partner
If you want an in-person partner class, register directly with the partner, say your child is in the Jenison Homeschool Partnership so the partner bills JIA, and tell the Director of School Partnerships.
- October and February
Meet count day
Your child submits an assignment in every course on count day. Otherwise, weekly in-person check-ins with the mentor teacher are required for four weeks, or your child is removed.
- Each semester
Finish every course
Complete all coursework between the semester's start and end dates. A score of 60% or higher keeps your child in the program.
What it includes
Included
- Online elective courses taught by JIA teachers
- Partner class lesson fees up to $375 per course
- Dual enrollment college courses for eligible high schoolers
- A completion record for each course
Not included
- Core classes in English, math, science, and social studies
- Partner registration, material, and costume fees
- Jenison Public Schools credit
- Jenison sports and other formal extracurriculars
- Cash reimbursement to families
Good to know
The waitlist is the only way in this year
JIA closed 2026-27 enrollment on January 5, 2026 because demand exceeded capacity. It directs families to the waitlist form when the program is full.
Your child earns grades, not credit
Jenison Public Schools does not issue credit. High schoolers get a letter grade and percentage and younger students a percentage, which you can record on your homeschool transcript.
Who to contact about the program
Kristin Cox, the Director of School Partnerships, answers questions about the waitlist, partner classes, and which partner fees are fully covered.
kristincox@jpsonline.org 616-457-8477 Part-time homeschool page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Michigan
No state report under the parent-led homeschool exemption, MCL 380.1561(3)(f). The nonpublic-school route has separate reporting; an annual membership report is required for eligibility for auxiliary services.
Michigan sets these rules:
- Subjects: Under exemption (f), provide an organized program in reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. The nonpublic-school route requires subjects comparable to local public schools.
- Testing: Michigan does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: No prescribed homeschool portfolio or attendance-record format under exemption (f). Keep progress records for transfers; the nonpublic-school route has separate reporting requirements.
- Teachers: Under exemption (f), the instructor must be the child’s parent or legal guardian; no degree or teaching credential is required. MDE requires a reporting nonpublic homeschool parent to have at least a bachelor’s degree unless a sincerely held religious objection applies.
Read the Michigan homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Michigan
Questions parents ask
- How much time do the courses take?
- JIA suggests 30 to 60 minutes per course each week. High school courses may need an hour or more each weekday, and younger children need a parent's help with the weekly work.
- What electives can my child choose?
- Subjects include art, music, physical education, STEM and technology, world language, and on-campus elective experiences. High schoolers may also have Dual Enrollment and Michigan Virtual language courses.
- Can my child play on Jenison sports teams?
- No. Partnership students are not eligible for Jenison Public Schools sports or other formal extracurricular activities; that option comes with full-time JIA enrollment.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Local classes cover the subjects they offer. We teach the remaining subjects, so a local class can stay part of the year without becoming the whole curriculum.
$149/month per child after the trial.
Find benefits for your ZIP code