As more parents consider homeschooling their children, one of the first questions they have is “How much will it cost me?”. It’s a valid concern as costs can quickly add up, as one has to not only consider the cost of curriculum, but also the cost of supplies and any other fees associated with the homeschooling experience.
This article will discuss how much money it may cost to homeschool a child and how to save when it comes to materials and curriculum.
Do I Have to Pay for Homeschooling Curriculum?
When considering homeschooling a child, the first step is to decide whether or not to use a purchased curriculum. Generally speaking, most parents purchase a curriculum or adapt one from an online provider.
Purchasing a curriculum can be expensive, especially if you have multiple children to school. The first option is to purchase each subject separately, which can quickly add up if all the recommended books are bought for each subject. The second option is to buy a “package” or curriculum, which can range from around $50-400 or up, depending on the provider and the package.
Package curriculums tend to have more comprehensive and sturdy material and are a complete class or grade year of material. It is important to consider particular curriculums as some curriculums will be more costly than others and may not provide the necessary level of thoroughness or efficiency one needs.
An additional option is to look at the various websites offering free and open source curriculum material. This type of material is in the public domain and is often of the same caliber as more expensive curriculums. Sites like Khan Academy and TED Ed provide lessons, units and activities that are equivalent to a standard curriculum.
What Other Types of Expenses should be Considered?
Homeschooling a child is not free and even when using free and open source material, there are other expenses to consider. One should budget for items such as textbooks, novels, library books, manipulatives, writing supplies, and online materials.
Depending on the chosen curriculums and materials, it is likely to spend a few hundred dollars in addition to the cost of curriculum for each child. Additionally, those who opt for specialized material, such as art classes or science experiments, can expect to incur additional costs. Subscription services are another expense to consider.
These services not only allow one access to dozens of science experiments and digital books, but they also provide additional material such as comprehension tests, quizzes and worksheets. Finally, any unique experiences a parent may want to provide their child such as field trips, musical instruments, or subscriptions to learning websites should also be factored in to the budget.
Are There Ways to Save Money?
The cost of homeschooling doesn’t have to be extreme and there are plenty of ways to save. First and foremost, create a plan and determine the required material before buying anything.
Research curriculums and use of open source materials and textbooks that are freely available. Shop around for textbooks and resources and always have a budget in mind. It may be possible to access used books and materials online.
Educational websites offer used books in good quality and for a fraction of the cost than new home school curriculum materials. Many of these sites also provide additional discounts and free shipping when buying multiple items. Finally, parents should consider the benefits of libraries.
Libraries are often a great source for free reading material, online resources, online audio books and access to activities for the children. Parents can also join a homeschool co-op and borrow materials among other parents in the same circumstances.
Conclusion
Homeschooling a child can be rewarding experience, but it can also come with a hefty cost associated with it. From textbooks and manipulatives to curriculums and field trips, costs can add up quickly.
However, by creating a plan and utilizing the various availability of resources, there are ways to save money and still provide the tools and material necessary for the educator and the student.