Education in Michigan is overseen by the Michigan Department of Education, which sets policies and standards for public schools. The state has a mix of traditional public schools, charter schools, and private institutions. Michigan's K-12 education system serves over 1.4 million students and emphasizes a curriculum that includes core subjects like math, science, and language arts. Higher education in Michigan is robust, featuring several well-known institutions such as the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. The state offers a variety of community colleges and vocational programs, providing pathways for students to pursue further education and career training.