Homeschooling a child in Kentucky offers a tradeoff between the freedom to create your own educational environment and the responsibility to provide that atmosphere and materials. This article covers the cost of homeschooling in Kentucky, with an overview of the requirements, the costs involved, and tips for keeping costs low while still providing a quality education.
Overview of Homeschooling Requirements in Kentucky
Kentucky has a relatively lax homeschooling law, as is the case in most U. S.
states. In Kentucky, parental notification to the school district that homeschooling will take place is required, as well as maintaining records for the duration of the homeschool year. Additional requirements include the use of a curriculum that is “capable of meeting basic educational goals,” teaching for a minimum of 175 days each year, and testing the child at the end of their 8th grade year.
What Are the Costs of Homeschooling in Kentucky?
The cost of homeschooling your child in Kentucky depends largely on the materials and resources you use, as well as the educational ideals you uphold. Generally speaking, the cost of homeschooling can range quite a bit. Here is an estimate of the cost of homeschooling based on the needs of the student:Books and materials: At a minimum, most homeschoolers will need to purchase curriculum materials for their child.
Depending on the style of homeschooling, this could range from $100 to $1,000 a year, or more. For example, a boxed curriculum like Abeka orSonlight might cost $300-$600, while a more eclectic curriculum can easily cost upwards of $1,000.
Testing: Homeschoolers in Kentucky must test their children in their 8th grade year. This can cost anywhere from $20-$50, depending on what type of assessment one chooses.
Field Trips and Activities: While not required, field trips and activities can be educational and fun, and are often recommended for homeschoolers. Costs of these trips will depend on the destination and frequency, but can range from $50-$200. Other expenses: Other expenses, such as technology and tutoring, may become necessary depending on the student’s individual needs.
Costs of these can range from $100-$500, or more. In total, a conservative estimate for the cost of homeschooling in Kentucky would be around $500-$1,500 per year, with the possibility of higher costs for more specialized curricula or activities.
Tips for Keeping Costs Low
Fortunately, there are ways to keep costs low while still providing a quality education. Here are a few tips for homeschoolers in Kentucky:• Take advantage of used resources: Homeschoolers often purchase their curriculum materials and use them only once, meaning that more affordable used versions can be found.
Look for used books and materials through local homeschooling groups, used book stores, and online resale sites. • Utilize free or low-cost resources: There are plenty of free or low-cost resources available online andlibrary. Websites like Khan Academy, Easy Peasy, and Ted-Ed offer free curriculum materials, and some librariesprovide free access to educational materials as well.
• Share resources with other homeschoolers: Don’t want to buy every material you need? Ask another homeschooler if you can borrow a resource rather than purchase one. • Visit local museums: Museums often offer discounted or free admission for homeschoolers, and can be an exciting and educational way to spend the day.
• Invest in reusable resources: Some resources, such as sets of textbooks, can be used multiple times by different children. Purchasing these materials just once can save money in the long run.
Conclusion
The cost of homeschooling in Kentucky can range from $500-$1,500 per year, depending on the materials and activities used. However, with a little resourcefulness, homeschoolers in Kentucky can save money while still providing their children with an engaging and quality education.