Homeschooling is skyrocketing in popularity due to more flexible learning schedules and the ability to customize learning for each individual child. Many parents consider homeschooling over traditional schooling for numerous reasons and to get “the best” education for their child; however, it can be daunting to think of how expensive it may be. How much does it cost to homeschool your child from middle school to high school?
The cost to homeschool your child from middle through high school can look vastly different from family to family due to numerous variables. From materials needed for learning, to outside activities and tutoring, to the kind of education you want to provide for your child, the costs can really add up.
To determine exactly how much it will cost you to homeschool your child through high school, we have to look at the different factors involved, including:
1. Start Up Costs
When it comes to start up costs, this is basically a one time payment that you have to make to be able to begin homeschooling. This will include curriculum cost (purchase of books, online programs, and materials), computer and keeping up on technology updates, training costs, and any other start up costs.
In terms of curriculum, depending on what program you choose, this can include anything from $50 for a few books, to well over $1000 for a subscription to an online learning program. Training costs could easily range between $1,000 to $3000 depending on the type of help you need and how much one-on-one attention you require to help you get started.
2. Ongoing Costs
Ongoing costs might include items like software and teaching tools, books, field trips, outside courses and tutoring, music lessons, and more. Depending on how much outside of the home education activities you choose for your child, this could range significantly.
Activities like field trips may be free or cost just a couple of dollars, while tutoring and music lessons can add up. Tutoring prices can start at $20/hour and can climb to over $100/hour; music lessons may cost between $25/hour and $100/hour.
3. Resources and Supplies
Resource and supply costs can include such items as science experiment supplies, lab fees, art supplies and materials, computer supplies, special aids and tools, and more. Science experiments and supplies can range from a couple of dollars, to hundreds of dollars for specialized equipment.
Computer supplies can be minimal, or quite expensive if you need special tools or higher-end technology. When it comes to specialized tools or aids for different subjects, disability accommodations, and more, costs can vary.
4. Extracurriculars and Other Costs
Extracurriculars and other costs can include physical education, outside classes and tutoring, music lessons, sporting activities and sports teams, and more. Physical education membership fees and class costs can range from $50/year to over $500/year, depending on what you choose.
Sports teams have registration fees and participation fees, which can range from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Private tutoring and music lessons also have costs that can vary greatly.
5. Time Investment
Finally, the biggest cost of all is the time investment. Homeschooling a child can take anywhere from 10-20 hours per week, and depending on your work schedule and family situation you may need to hire someone to help with the day-to-day activities.
This is definitely something to plan for and take into consideration when making the decision to homeschool. ConclusionWhen you take all these costs into consideration, it’s easy to understand why some parents may hesitate to homeschool their children. The cost of homeschooling your child can add up quickly; however, fortunately there are a lot of ways to reduce the costs, such as joining certain programs, buying used supplies, and signing up for unique opportunities.
Education is an investment in your child’s future, and it is worth every penny. With careful planning, you can make it possible to provide the best possible education for your child while staying within your budget.