This information was produced by the staff of the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development (B-BC) at the University of Iowa (belinblank.org). The resources and information listed here are for informational purposes; there is no direct or implied endorsement by the B-BC. Services provided by the B-BC include programs for academically talented K-12 and college students, professional development for teachers, the Assessment and Counseling Clinic, the Acceleration Institute (accelerationinstitute.org), and graduate programs and research in gifted education.

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State Policies in Michigan  

Michigan does not have a state policy on acceleration. Local education agencies (LEAs) determine whether and to what extent acceleration is permitted.

Grade-based Acceleration

Early entrance to kindergarten

Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enroll in kindergarten. Questions about Early Entrance to Kindergarten can be found here. 

Early entrance to 1st gradeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.
Whole-grade accelerationAuthority rests with the local school district. 
Early high school graduationInformation about Michigans graduation requirements can be found here. According to Michigan Merit Curriculum law, student who earn a qualifying score can earn credits in selected subject areas.
Early entrance to collegeIf you know where to find this information, please e-mail us.

Content-based Acceleration

Dual or concurrent enrollment in community college, college, or universityState policy specifically permits. More information is available on the Michigan Department of Education Dual Enrollment page. Michigan additionally offers Early Middle College.  An early middle college (EMC) is a Michigan Department of Education approved five-year program of study.  The EMC is designed to allow a pupil to earn a high school diploma and one of the following; (60 college credits, Associate Degree, or various tech certificates)
Middle school students permitted dual or concurrent enrollment in high school

State policy specifically permits. More information can be found here. 
Advanced Placement®State policy permits. More information is available on the Michigan Department of Education Advanced Placement and information about International Baccalaureat programs can be found here.
Talent Search

There is no in-state Talent Search for Michigan, but gifted students in MI can participate in regional and national talent searches, including those offered by the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center and the Northwestern University Center for Talent Development.

Credit by examination/proficiency-based promotion

State policy specifically permits. In Michigan, this practice is referred to as "testing-out" and more information can be found here. 
Other forms of content-based acceleration

Typically left to LEAs to determine. If you know of state-level code, please e-mail us.

Additional Information


Michigan Department of Education
Michigan Association for Gifted Education

Guidance for Academic Acceleration 2019/20

The information presented on this page was compiled from a variety of resources, including the State of the States in Gifted Education 2020-2021 (a report by the Council of State Directors of Programs for the Gifted and the National Association for Gifted Children), Websites, professional literature, and personal communication. The Acceleration Institute has not verified the accuracy of this information and does not warrant its accuracy or fitness of use for any purpose. Users should verify information prior to taking any action. Furthermore, the appearance of selected programs and/or resources does not imply an endorsement or affiliation. Programs and resources are highlighted for informational purposes only.