Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in the last decade, with many families choosing to educate their children at home. One of the basics of homeschooling is purchasing educational materials, including books, which can be expensive.
How much do people spend on books for homeschool? Let’s take a look.
What Are People Buying?
The types of books and materials that parents purchase for homeschool depend on the particular curriculum they have chosen, as well as the age of their children. Common items purchased by homeschooling families include: textbooks, workbooks, reading materials, historical documents and records, science books, educational games, craft supplies, and computers or tablets.
Textbooks, workbooks, and craft supplies are generally the most expensive items for families to purchase. Textbooks are typically necessary for a student to follow the course of study, and may include math, geography, science, and history. Workbooks are often not required but can be helpful for practicing and reinforcing what’s been learned.
Craft supplies, such as crayons, markers, paint, and paper, can also add up quickly when purchasing for multiple children.
How Much Are Parents Spending?
The amount that parents spending on books and materials for homeschool vary drastically. The biggest factors affecting parents’ costs are their chosen curriculum and the age of their child. For those using well-known and established curriculum, prices can range anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year.
The actual cost per year depends on how many subjects a student takes, what level of coursework is required, and how many grade levels are being covered. For families choosing to use free or open-source materials, such as Khan Academy and Easy Peasy, costs are generally lower as these materials are freely available on the web for use.
The downside to these materials is that it may require more work on the parents’ part to use their resources effectively. However, for families on a tight budget, these materials provide a viable way to access excellent educational content.
Other Costs Associated with Homeschooling
In addition to the cost of books and supplies, there are a variety of other costs associated with homeschooling. Field trips, online courses, tutoring, membership in a homeschool cooperative, and extracurricular activities all cost money and should be factored into a family’s budget.
Families may also choose to purchase educational software, such as online interactive writing and math programs, which offer an interactive and engaging learning experience. These programs may require an upfront fee but can be a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Conclusion
As with any educational choice, there are costs associated with homeschooling. While textbooks, workbooks, and other educational materials can be expensive, there are ways for parents to keep their expenses down. By taking advantage of free or open-source materials, budgeting for other related expenses, and investing in interactive educational software, homeschooling families can save money and still provide their children with a quality education.