Homeschool benefits and savings in Cedar Springs
Cedar Springs Public Schools' Homeschool Partnership lets homeschooled students in grades K-12 take one or more district electives, such as art, music, PE, and career and technical education, while you keep full control of core learning. Most electives can be paired with an approved community partner class, which the district pays through a stipend once your child finishes the elective's coursework; enrollment for 2026-27 is open.
Who qualifies
Homeschools your child
Students who are homeschooled or enrolled in a private school can take non-essential elective courses through the Cedar Springs Virtual Academy (CSVA) partnership.
Completes the enrollment steps
Finish a Learner Inventory, the virtual and homeschool Enrollment Request Form, and the Virtual Course Enrollment Parent Consent Form.
Enrolls at a term start
Enrollment opens before the school year and at semester break. For the second semester, which starts in mid-January, the district suggests requesting by early December.
Has home internet
Online courses come with a district computer and, on request, a hotspot, but the student needs an internet connection at home.
What the partnership gives you
The terms come from the Cedar Springs Virtual Academy and Homeschool Program pages and FAQ.
- District electives
- One class or several, K-12
- Community partners with 1-3 electives
- 1 per semester
- Community partners with 4 electives
- 2 per semester
- Middle and high school athletics
- 4 or more courses
- District computer
- Provided
- State testing
- Not required for elective-only students
The district does not post the stipend amount or partner prices, and partners can change offerings or prices, so ask the partner and the Director of Homeschool Partnerships what you will owe.
How to join
- Before the term
Enroll
Complete the Learner Inventory, Enrollment Request Form, and parent consent form for the 2026-27 school year or the January semester.
- After enrolling
Pick a community partner
Choose from the district's approved partner list and register directly with the partner, saying your student is affiliated with the Cedar Springs Homeschool Partnership.
- Each semester
Report the partner
Send the Director of Homeschool Partnerships your student's name and enrolled partners.
What it includes
Included
- Community partner classes paired with an elective
- A district computer, with a hotspot on request
- Band or choir in person at Cedar Springs Public Schools
Not included
- Core subjects, which stay with your homeschool
- Partner stipends when coursework is not completed
- Transportation to in-person band or choir
The stipend goes from the district to the community partner, not to your family.
Who to contact about the partnership
Kimberly Morden, Director of Extended Learning and Engagement, runs the Homeschool Partnership and adds community partners to the approved list.
kimberly.morden@csredhawks.org 616-696-1204 Virtual Academy FAQ
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
- Does the Cedar Springs Homeschool Partnership pay our family for outside classes?
- No. The district pays a stipend to the approved community partner, and only when your student completes the elective's required coursework.
- Can my child play Cedar Springs sports?
- Yes, if your student enrolls in four or more courses, which makes them eligible for middle and high school athletics.
- Does my homeschooler have to take state tests?
- No. Homeschooled or private school students who take only non-essential electives are not required to take state tests.
- What curriculum do the online courses use?
- Lincoln Learning for grades K-5 and Edmentum for grades 6-12, which the district describes as aligned with Michigan standards.
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.
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