Do you find yourself considering homeschooling for your children, yet you’re overwhelmed by all the information available? Is money a factor in deciding whether or not to educate at home?
How much does it typically cost to homeschool a child?In this article, we will cover the cost of homeschooling, including how it compares to the price of public school, what expenses you should plan for, and how to save money while homeschooling.
How Does the Cost of Homeschooling Compare to Public School?
Homeschooling is often less expensive than public school. The primary expense of homeschooling is the cost of curriculum. Curriculum expenses can vary widely depending on the type of curriculum you choose, the grade level and number of students, but the primary expense for public school is general tuition.
While homeschool curriculum can range anywhere from free to up to several hundred dollars per student per subject, tuition for public school can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per student per year. Homeschooling also generally does not include student fees and other costs associated with public school enrollment.
Similarly, homeschool uniforms, locker fees, and other related expenses are typically not needed for homeschooling. Homeschooling also does not normally require the purchase of materials for extracurricular activities that are provided free to public school students (such as yearbooks, music supplies, sports gear, etc.
).
What Material and Other Expenses Can I Expect When Homeschooling?
The cost of homeschooling varies based on your own needs and preferences. The primary cost of homeschooling is the purchase of curriculum materials.
These can range from simple workbooks and library books (which may be free), to costly online options, to a complete packaged curriculum. Some schools of thought on homeschooling also require additional supplies for a more “hands-on” approach such as art supplies, science equipment, math manipulatives, etc. Many homeschooling parents also invest in field trips and educational excursions, which can be expensive.
Reading aloud with audio books can also be a cost factor. In addition to curriculum costs, many families opt to purchase other materials or services to enhance their homeschooling experience.
These services can include items such as a membership to a local homeschooling support group or co-op, a subscription to a magazine or newsletter, or participation in an online learning community. Many parents also use private tutoring or other services to supplement their homeschooling.
How Can I Save Money While Homeschooling?
Fortunately, there are many ways to save money while homeschooling. First of all, you can use free online resources to supplement your curriculum. Both the library and the Internet offer a wealth of free material that can help you teach your children.
You can use free worksheets and activities, find free educational websites and get free access to educational software. In addition, many of the costs associated with homeschooling can be kept low if you look for deals and discounts.
Participating in a homeschooling support group or a cooperative can help you save money by sharing resources and possibly even materials with other homeschooling parents. Many bookstores, educational supply companies, and online merchants offer discounts to homeschoolers. Purchasing used curriculum or used books is another way to save money.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be as expensive or inexpensive as you choose to make it. With careful planning and an eye for discounts and deals, many parents find homeschooling to be a much more cost-effective investment in their children’s education than attending public school.
Time spent researching curriculum and other educational materials can help you compare options and find the best resources that fit your budget. Above all, remember that the primary goal of homeschooling is to provide a quality education for the children and that does not have to always be expensive.