Do Michigan schools have to make up snow days?

Michigan public schools are required by law to make up snow days. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requires that schools must be in session for at least 180 days each year. If a school district cancels school due to inclement weather, it must make up the day by adding an additional day to the school year or by holding school on a day that was originally scheduled as a holiday.

To make up snow days, in general, school districts can:

- Add days to the end of the school year.

- Shortens spring break or other vacations during the school year.

- Hold school on days that were originally scheduled as holidays, such as Presidents Day or Memorial Day.

- Use "blizzard bags" or online learning days. These are days when students are given assignments to complete at home instead of attending school in person.

- Hold makeup days on Saturdays.

- Close school early on days when the weather is bad.

The specific way that a school district makes up snow days is up to the local school board. However, the district must develop a plan for making up snow days and submit it to the MDE for approval.