Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to the current health crisis. For many parents, the idea of teaching their kids at home is much more appealing, than sending them to a traditional school.
But, of course, there are certain costs that accompany homeschooling, and parents should be aware of the associated costs before deciding to take the plunge. In this article we will discuss how much it costs to homeschool in the United States, including the cost of curriculum, supplies, and extracurricular activities.
What is the Average Cost of Homeschooling in the United States?
The cost of homeschooling will vary depending on the needs of the family. However, on average, it costs an estimated about $500 to $800 a year for each student to homeschool. Depending on the scope of the curriculum and extracurricular activities, however, that cost can range from as low as $500 to as high as $5000 or more a year.
What Are the Cost Considerations for Planning Homeschooling?
When planning for homeschooling, it is important for parents to think about their budget and the cost of the curriculum, supplies, and extracurricular activities that they may need. The following are some of the considerations that parents should keep in mind when budgeting for homeschooling:
- • Cost of the curriculum- Parents may choose to purchase a curriculum online or in a store. The cost of the curriculum can vary widely, depending on the type of curriculum and the materials included.
- • Cost of supplies- Homeschooling usually requires a variety of supplies, such as textbooks, workbooks, manipulatives, art supplies, etc. The cost of supplies can add up quickly, and parents should factor this into their homeschooling budget.
- • Cost of extracurricular activities- Many homeschooled students choose to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or music classes. It is important to factor in the cost of any extracurricular activities into the budget.
- • Cost of tuition or testing fees- Some families may choose to enroll their children in a virtual school or to pay for testing fees for standardized tests, such as the SAT or ACT. These fees should also be factored into the budget.
How Can Parents Limit the Cost of Homeschooling?
Limiting the cost of homeschooling can be a challenge, however, there are several ways to keep costs down. The following are some of the ways parents can reduce the cost of homeschooling:
- • Use coupons or discounts- Parents can find coupons or discounts on the curriculum or supplies they need. For example, many online homeschooling curriculum providers offer discounts.
- • Utilize library resources- One of the great things about homeschooling is that parents can make use of the local library resources to supplement their curriculum. Many libraries offer free or low-cost educational programs and materials.
- • Reuse materials- Parents can reuse materials that may already have, such as workbooks, textbooks, and manipulatives. They can also buy used materials from second-hand stores or online.
- • Take advantage of free resources- There are a number of free, online educational resources that parents can use to supplement the curriculum. Many of these resources can be readily found online.
What are Some Examples of Homeschooling Curriculum and Supplies?
The curriculum and supplies needed for homeschooling will depend on the individual child and their educational goals. There are many different types of homeschooling curriculum and supplies available on the market, some of which include:
- • Textbooks- Textbooks are probably the most common type of curriculum and can be purchased from bookstores, online, or from the publisher.
- • Workbooks- Workbooks provide extra practice for students and can be found in a variety of subject areas. These can be purchased online or in a bookstore.
- • Manipulatives- Manipulatives, such as blocks and counters, can be used to help students understand key concepts.
These can be purchased online or in a store.
- • Art supplies- Art supplies, such as pencils, paints, and clay, can be used to create art projects. These are usually available in stores or online.
- • Technology- Technology can be used to supplement the curriculum, as well as to track student progress. Computers, tablets, and other devices can be purchased online or in a store.
- • Extracurricular activities- Many families choose to enroll their children in extracurricular activities, such as music lessons, sports teams, or clubs. These activities usually require a fee.
Conclusion
Homeschooling can be a great way to give your children an education tailored to their individual needs. It can also be very cost-effective if parents are able to make wise decisions when choosing curriculum, supplies, and extracurricular activities. However, it is important for parents to think about the cost before making a decision, as the cost of homeschooling can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year.
With careful planning and budgeting, parents can ensure they are able to provide their children with an excellent homeschooling experience, at an affordable price.