Homeschooling is a great option for parents who want to take control of their children’s education, but it can also be a bit of a challenge for those that are considering taking this route. So how much does K-12 homeschooling cost? This article will answer that question and provide more insight into the financial side of K-12 homeschooling.
What is the Cost of K-12 Homeschooling?
The cost of K-12 homeschooling will depend on the specific curriculum and resources that a parent or family chooses to purchase. Generally, the cost of homeschooling is around $500 to $800 per year for most curriculum, although this can vary drastically depending on the program and the resources used. Higher-end programs can cost upwards of $2,000 per year.
In addition to curriculum, there are also costs associated with books, materials, technology, field trips, and other resources that may be used throughout the school year. Most homeschooling families also incur additional costs for extracurricular activities that supplement their child’s education, such as music lessons, athletic programs, and educational trips.
These costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year, depending on the level of involvement and whether they are private, group, or online programs.
What Is Included in Most K-12 Homeschool Curriculum?
Most K-12 homeschool curriculums include materials and resources necessary to teach the core subjects of mathematics, English/language arts, science, history/social studies, and any other electives. Many programs also include additional resources such as materials for art and music, worksheets and activities, and videos to supplement the lessons.
Parents can select programs that are customized to their child’s specific learning needs and goals. Some programs even allow for customized lesson plans and materials. Some K-12 homeschooling programs also provide additional resources such as guidance from experienced homeschool teachers, webinars, and conferences.
Parents can also choose to join online communities to connect with other homeschoolers from around the world and collaborate on projects that enhance their child’s education.
What Extras are Needed to Supplement K-12 Homeschool Curriculum?
In addition to materials and resources associated with the K-12 homeschool curriculum, parents usually need to purchase additional supplies such as books, paper, pens and pencils, and other consumable materials. Technology such as computers, tablets, and software may also be needed if parents opt for online classes or online learning activities. Many families also choose to supplement their curriculum with extracurricular activities and subject-related classes.
These activities include music lessons, private tutoring, educational field trips, and more. Parents should factor these costs into their K-12 homeschool budget.
How Much Assistance Does K-12 Homeschool Curriculum Offer?
Most K-12 homeschool curriculums offer help to families in the form of webinars, conferences, and guidance from experienced homeschool teachers and advisors. Parents usually have access to lesson plans, materials, and resources that are created for each subject, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to teach the materials and carry out the lessons.
Additionally, many programs offer support forums for parents to ask questions or get help if they run into any issues.
Are There Any Cost Savings to Consider When Choosing a K-12 Homeschool Program?
Yes! Although the cost of homeschooling can add up quickly, there are many ways to reduce overall spending. Many online programs are less expensive than traditional homeschool resources, and some parents choose to purchase used materials or participate in book swaps with other families in the homeschooling community.
Additionally, many public libraries offer free materials, classes, and other resources that can be used in the homeschool program.
What are Some Other Resources Available For K-12 Homeschoolers?
There are a variety of other resources available to homeschool families, depending on their location. Many states provide tax breaks for homeschoolers, and some even offer educational credit for the costs of materials used in a homeschool program.
Additionally, there are numerous organizations and networks that provide homeschoolers with helpful information and support. The internet also provides a wealth of resources for homeschoolers, from peer-to-peer discussion forums to lesson plans, resources, and activities that can be used in the program. Homeschoolers can also take advantage of online classes and tutoring, which can further reduce the cost of homeschooling.
Are There Any Other Costs to Consider for K-12 Homeschooling?
Yes. Depending on the state, there may be additional costs associated with evaluation tests (for ensuring student proficiency) or necessary paperwork. Parents may also need to bear the cost of any supplies or materials they cannot find online or at their local library.
Lastly, there may be additional costs associated with participating in field trips or educational events (such as science camps) that enhance the homeschool experience.
Conclusion
K-12 homeschooling is a great option for families that want to customize their child’s learning environment and provide an education tailored to their needs. While the cost of homeschooling can be expensive, there are several ways to reduce costs and ensure that the program is within budget. With careful planning and budgeting, homeschooling can be an affordable and rewarding option for families.