Do Michigan Schools Have to Make Up Snow Days? Here's the Policy

Yes, Michigan public schools are legally required to make up days lost to inclement weather. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) mandates a minimum of 180 instructional days per school year. When a district cancels school due to snow or other emergencies, it must recover the lost time through an approved plan.

Common Make-Up Strategies

• Adding days to the end of the school year
• Shortening spring break or other scheduled vacations
• Holding classes on days originally designated as holidays (e.g., Presidents Day, Memorial Day)
• Implementing "blizzard bags" or online learning days with at-home assignments
• Scheduling make-up days on Saturdays
• Early dismissal on severe weather days (counts as a partial day)

The specific approach is determined by the local school board, but the district must submit its make-up plan to the MDE for approval. This ensures compliance with the 180-day requirement while allowing flexibility for local conditions.