Family Life in Ann Arbor

U-M and the City of Ann Arbor have many resources and activities to support the needs of families. Build community with other parents and caregivers, seek guidance for the unique challenges or questions you may have, and find study/work spaces on campus designed for you to bring infants and children. Navigate below to learn more.

Resources for Caregiving Students and Scholars

Support for Spouses and Partners

Childcare

  • U-M’s Work-Life Resource Center maintains a database of local childcare providers. Daycare facilities in the area often fill quickly. Be sure to research your options early and request to be added to waitlists. 
  • Campus Child Care Homes Network - licensed, independent Ann Arbor area home childcare providers who serve U-M families. 
  • Family Helpers - online profiles of U-M students and retirees who offer child care and other family support.
  • Kids Kare at Home - occasional back-up childcare.
  • U-M Childcare Subsidy - financial assistance for childcare. (Please review all eligibility requirements. For international students with spouses/partners, your spouse/ partner must also be enrolled in school at least part time or be employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week to be eligible for the subsidy.)

Schooling (Young 5/Kindergarten through high school)

  • Public Schools in the U.S. are publicly funded and free to all children from kindergarten through high school. Admission is based on address, so children within designated areas attend school together and are guaranteed a place at their neighborhood school. The two public school systems nearest to U-M are:
  • Charter Schools are publicly funded independent schools established by teachers, parents, or community groups under the terms of a charter with a local or national authority.
  • Private Schools are not publicly funded and charge tuition fees to students' families. Independence from government funding allows private schools to follow whatever curriculum they choose. Private schools can be religious or secular.
  • Washtenaw Intermediate School District - serves the public school districts and public school academies of Washtenaw County providing support for students of color, students with disabilities, and students experiencing poverty. 

Elder Care Resources

View these resources to help you as you care for your aging relative, counseling services and support groups for caregivers, and housing search resources. 

Recreation and Activities for Families

Ann Arbor Community Free & Lower Cost Necessities

Ann Arbor Community Free & Lower Cost Necessities – Living in Ann Arbor with a family can quickly become expensive. There are many local resources available to assist families in attaining needs like food, household items, and clothing.

 

Many International Center programs and events are open to family members! Sign up for the International Center’s Newsletter for International Families to learn about these programs each month.

Email Subscription for Int'l Families

Click Here to Sign Up for our Newsletter for International Families