Homeschooling is an appealing alternative to traditional school systems for many families today. As parents become more aware of the options available to them, they tend to lean towards homeschooling as it has a number of benefits.
The most important is that it allows parents to control exactly what their children are learning. However, homeschooling can be expensive, particularly when it comes to the supplies required to support the educational programs. In this article, we will discuss how much you need to spend on supplies for homeschooling.
Part 1 – Costs of Books and Curriculum
When it comes to homeschooling, the biggest expense is likely to be the cost of books and curriculum. Depending on the age of your children and the number of subjects you plan on teaching, you could be looking at several hundred dollars in costs. You can reduce these costs significantly by purchasing used books from online vendors such as Amazon or eBay, or searching your local used book stores.
Most homeschool parents opt for creating their own curriculum, which helps to reduce costs. You can also purchase online courses from websites such as Khan Academy, which can help you to supplement your curriculum without breaking the bank.
Part 2 – Other Costs to Consider
In addition to the cost of books and curriculum, you will also need to consider other costs such as those associated with the materials you need for hands-on activities. These materials might include items such as art supplies, LEGOs, modelling clay, and a variety of other items. You will also need to factor in the cost of additional equipment such as a computer or tablets to access educational websites, a printer, and other hardware.
These items can be expensive, so doing your research to find the best deals is essential.
Part 3 – Other Factors to Consider
When budgeting for homeschooling, you also need to consider additional expenses such as the cost of field trips and outings. If you are planning to take your children on learning trips that require an overnight accommodation, then you will need to factor in the cost of that as well.
Another cost you need to consider is that of a tutor. Hiring a professional tutor can help to ensure your child is receiving the best education possible, but this can be expensive. You also need to consider if your child will need test taking and exam prep courses, and the cost associated with those.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding experience for parents and children alike, but it can also be an expensive one. Before settling on a homeschooling option, make sure you research the costs associated with the books, curriculum, materials, equipment, activities, and tutors. Purchasing used books and creating your own curriculum can help to reduce the costs considerably.
Knowing what costs you can expect and budgeting accordingly will help you to make the most of homeschooling experience.