Homeschooling has grown over the years and become more popular. Many parents are choosing to homeschool their children and provide them with a high quality and personalized education. Just like in public and private schools, homeschoolers need to have a curriculum and resources to teach the material.
But, aside from the cost of materials, how much do parents need to spend to give their children an effective homeschool education?This article will help individuals who are considering homeschooling their children by outlining the costs associated with homeschool as well as tips to save money while homeschooling.
What Are the Different Types of Homeschool Curricula?
Homeschool curricula come in a variety of shapes and forms. The most common types of homeschool curricula includes traditional textbooks, online, printed workbooks, activity-based, and unit studies.
Traditional textbooks are the most common type of homeschool curriculum and will likely contain reading material and other coursework. Online curricula, typically more expensive than a traditional textbook, often includes audio and video material for a more immersive experience. Printed workbooks provide structured activities and problems for your children to work on throughout the day.
Activity-based curricula are best for kinesthetic learners and allow your child to make projects and build things. Lastly, unit studies involve your child completing activities related to a particular topic and can be used to integrate multiple subjects.
What Are The Average Costs Associated With Homeschooling?
The average cost of homeschooling in the U. S.
can range anywhere from $300 to $2,000 per year. This amount will vary depending on the type of curriculum being used and the number of subjects that are being taught. An online curriculum is usually more expensive than a traditional textbook or workbook and prices can range anywhere from $50 to $300 per subject.
Activity-based curricula and unit studies are often the most expensive as they require additional materials such as art supplies and craft kits. On top of the cost of the curriculum, parents will likely need to pay for additional resources such as books, lab kits, and supplies for the various activities.
Some parents may choose to purchase these resources separately, while others may opt for a homeschool curriculum that includes all of the necessary materials. Depending on your financial situation, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of homeschooling with certain strategies.
How Can I Save Money While Homeschooling?
One of the most common ways to save money while homeschooling is to buy used materials. Used textbooks and workbooks can save you a considerable amount of money, especially if you’re homeschooling more than one child. Used materials can be found on online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Amazon, or at local yard sales and used bookstores.
Purchasing online homeschool curricula for multiple children can also be significantly cheaper than buying new textbooks and workbooks, as online programs will often provide discounts for multiple users. Additionally, you can save money by taking advantage of free resources.
Free resources can be found online and include a variety of options such as websites and apps. Look for subject-specific websites or general educational sites that provide engaging activities and lesson plans that align with your child’s learning style.
Having access to a library or school can also be beneficial, as they often provide a variety of resources that can supplement your child’s learning. Finally, there are several programs and grants available to help parents save money while homeschooling. Some states provide funds or tax credits to those who homeschool while other programs offer discount prices on certain materials.
Additionally, local non-profit or faith-based organizations may offer additional discounts or financial aid.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is a great way to provide your children with a personalized, quality education. As homeschooling becomes more popular, there are more resources and options available, but the cost can still be a considerable expense.
While the cost of homeschooling varies depending on the curriculum and materials you choose, parents can save money by taking advantage of used and free resources, as well as programs and grants.