Mike grew up in Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and served for three years before attending law school at the University of San Diego. He graduated in 1972 and was admitted to practice law in the state of California shortly thereafter. He is licensed in Virginia, California, and Washington, D.C.

In 1981, Mike’s life changed drastically when he heard a radio program that introduced him to the idea of homeschooling. Mike and his wife, Elizabeth, began homeschooling one year at a time to meet the academic and social needs of their children. After several years, however, it became obvious that God had exposed the Smith family to homeschooling for many other benefits, including spiritual development and family integrity. All of Mike’s children are now grown, and three of the four were homeschooled.

As co-founder of HSLDA, Mike began defending homeschooling in California both in court and before the legislature. In 1987, he came to HSLDA full-time. He faithfully served as vice president until 2000 and then as president until 2022. During his tenure as president, he was also HSLDA’s lawyer for California, Nevada, and Puerto Rico. Mike continues to work part-time as HSLDA’s major donor relations officer under the title of President Emeritus.