The average cost of homeschooling one child per year might fall within the following ranges.
- Curriculum: $350-$750
- Materials: $150-$300
- Field Trips: $100-$250
- Extracurriculars: $100-$500
- Approximate total cost per year per student: $700-$1800
The Average Cost of Homeschooling
Is homeschooling expensive? If you are just beginning the journey of homeschooling, that’s a question that is probably front and center of your concerns. It’s also one of the toughest questions to answer, mostly because what is “expensive” to one family is quite reasonable for another. But what I think new homeschoolers really want to know is exactly what types of things they will be responsible for purchasing if they take their child’s education into their own hands. Although it isn’t something you think about too much when you are sending your child to public school, you’ll be interested to know that your costs for homeschooling will fall into three main categories:
- curriculum (online or offline)
- general books and education supplies
- extracurricular activities (including local classes, athletics, field trips, etc.)
Here’s where things get especially tricky, though. One of the reasons it can be so hard to pin down average costs of homeschooling is because every family has a unique homeschool situation. For example, if you’ve chosen to homeschool your son with dyslexia because his needs aren’t being met at his current school, then you may need to factor the addition of remedial reading programs or even specialized instructors into your costs. On the other hand, a family who lives in a large city with access to multiple free museum programs, extensive libraries, and a strong homeschool co-operative may be able to homeschool for only a few hundred dollars a year!
“I had expected homeschooling to break the bank. Our family had to drop to one income to be able to teach our daughter at home. I was very surprised that we could cover most of the core subjects for less than $20 with an online curriculum. Our biggest cost turned out to be the weekly horseback riding lessons she wants to take now that she has the time. But she’s never enjoyed ‘P.E.’ more!”
The Hidden Costs of Homeschooling
Sure, traditional schooling has plenty of “fees” associated with it, but you are usually warned at least somewhat in advance when those are involved. Homeschooling, on the other hand, can add to your monthly expenses in ways you might not have considered yet. It’s important to foresee some of the hidden ways that homeschooling may affect your pocketbook so you can begin to budget accordingly. For example, homeschooling can mean:
- additional gas money for field trips, outings, classes, homeschool group activities, etc.
- a slight increase in your grocery bill just because being at home all day often means more snacking.
- additional supplies costs (especially in the beginning) to cover science projects, crafts, and hands-on activities you’ll be doing at home.
How to Save Money on Homeschooling
How much does it cost to homeschool? That depends on how resourceful you are! And the longer you homeschool, the more clever you tend to become about cutting costs. Some creative ways to keep down your homeschool expenses include:
- taking advantage of tax-free shopping days to purchase school supplies.
- using your local library liberally, including the online educational subscriptions they often offer.
- attending used book sales and homeschool curriculum fairs.
- keeping an eye out for free educational events and programs for children offered in your area.
- researching stores and venues that offer homeschool discounts.
- reading homeschool curriculum reviews before purchasing so that you don’t waste money on programs that aren’t right for your student.
Does homeschooling cost money? Yes, of course, but by taking advantage of free resources through your library, local homeschool co-operative, and free educational offerings online and in your local area, you can significantly reduce your overall expenses and keep your expenses within budget.
“I admit that I way overspent on curriculum our first year. By year two, we had switched to an affordable monthly curriculum, bought all our other supplies either on sale or used, and found out that our local science museum has free classes for homeschoolers twice a month. Even so, no matter what we spend, the chance to get to spend this much time with my kids is priceless to me!”
Leave a comment below to let other families know how you keep your homeschool expenses in check.
how can I enroll
Hi Jessica! Time4Learning is a curriculum, not a school. There is no enrollment process, so you can just sign up and start using our curriculum whenever you’re ready! 🙂 https://www.time4learning.com/signup/step1.aspx
I manage to spend about $150-250 per kid per year through middle school (13 children). I use disposable books for most language arts so that is one of my biggest expenses, although sites such as homeschoolclassifieds.com and Amazon help keep my costs down. Science is my next biggest investment – supplies add up fast but it’s our favorite subject so well worth the money. Middle school is relatively inexpensive as most of the books we use are not consumable. Then we hit high school. Non-consumable texts are a one-time investment but the supplies…whew!!! We budget a huge chunk of money for those last 4 years. Thankfully, a good friend had prepared me for the potential expenses so when I shelled out $1500 for a full Chemistry lab and $3500 for a simply fantastic Physics lab (such fun!) I didn’t experience too much sticker shock. Personally, I think investing money in high school is worth it and I wouldn’t try to skimp on those grades, especially the sciences. When we see our kids delight-learning with Wimshurst generators and other Physics goodies, that is priceless. That being said, I budget $1000 per kid per year in high school which includes supplies (always more science stuff to buy!) and activities.
Curious if there is a review test to study in the Spring to see if they are ready for the final test to see if ready to move to next grade?
The library at the local university has a department where you can check out like any other books a complete teacher’s set of books for the different subjects at all levels from K through 12. These sets include the student’s book, any work books, as well as the teacher’s editions with all the correct answers. These can be obtained for free like any other book you would check out from a library. Only draw back is they need to be renewed every few weeks and you can not write directly in any of the books. Still if willing to deal with the extra inconvenience they are FREE to use. So if you have a local university or college whose library is open to the public it may be worth checking out.
Hi! I’m a sophomore in high school and I really think homeschooling would be a good choice for me. Is there any information that I could possibly get for some help with deciding? Specifically information about expenses and stuff like that. Thank you!
Hey there, Olena. Thanks for reaching out. Here is our page on high school homeschool curriculum: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/high_school.html
You can also find a lot of resources at Let’s Homeschool High School: https://letshomeschoolhighschool.com
If you want to speak with one of our customer support team members, you can contact us here: https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/contact_us.php
Trying to get my son in home school for January 2019. Just to finish out the school year. Need to know how to go about getting him started and how much. I live in Mississippi
Hi Jodie! Here is some information on homeschooling in Mississippi: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschooling/mississippi/
Many students round out/finish up a school year at home and re-enter public school, but those requirements for re-entry do vary by state and/or school districts. If you want your son to go back next year, definitely reach out to your local school before starting so you know what their expectations are. 🙂
Good luck! Please do let us know if you have other questions. You can reach our member support team here: https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/contact_us.php
I have been homeschooling for a long time. I use a unit study for high school, and a history one for 6th through 8th. Initially it was expensive, but I have 6 kids, and expect to use it for most of them. It did not work for my adhd 10yo. I made a different choice based on my large family. I use excellent workbooks for my 4 youngest. Hardcover books tend to get beat up. I only get math, grammar and phonics for younger grades. I have 2 books on character building, lots of books on experiments. I get a basic science kit to use for4 young ones. We don’t have tv, so all of my kids read for fun. We are not doing field trips this year. My husband became very ill, and we fighting for disability. Anytrip money is being used for appts to specialists. This will change, but for now we are grateful for the ability to be home together. I spend what I consider to be a large amount, with the plan to stock future books and reach a point of done. This does not mean I will stop adding to our library. We live a long way from town, and our libraries are short of resources. For me, having the books at home works better. I buy our books at tax time, and work on my list for months. Obviously one doesn’t start out that way. Do make a list of resource books you want on hand, such as a dictionary, an atlas or globe, a number of picture books of the world, and culture books. Get these at used bookstores, Savers, yard sales- emphasis on cheap. Get workbooks for the basics. There is an excellent online homeschooling supply with ppl to advise. They can help you avoid money waste. I would not recommend a curriculum for a starter package. Too much money tied to an unknown resource. I know it’s school all packed for you, but if it’s wrong for your child it’s a huge waste. Oh, and I never said my cost. It’s roughly $ 1000.00 per year for 6 kids, one of whom is in high school.
Thanks for the taking the time to comment, Tina! We agree that new homeschoolers shouldn’t lock themselves into any long-term curriculum choices right away. Some publishers charge upwards of a $1,000 a year (or more!) for a grade level’s worth of material, and many online providers require annual subscriptions or contracts. When parents are trying to figure out the best way their children learn, the “trial and error” phase of new homeschooling could get expensive! That’s what makes Time4Learning a great option for so many families. We offer parents a month-to-month membership, with no contract. They can start, stop, or pause any time. 🙂
Can you homeschool your child free or low cost with receiving state assistance?
I use a charter school and the school actually gives me $1200 per semester per child for supplies and extracurricular activities. For us this covers all their books, piano lessons, PE equipment, and art supplies. Are only real expense is gas money for field trips
That’s excellent! What city are you in ? I’m in Los Angeles and thinking about pulling my 8 yr out to homeschool again and seeking financial guidance.
Can you give me more information on the charter that you use? We don’t have a lot of money but my son is on the spectrum and I am worried about his anxiety and him starting high school next year.
Hi Shannon! There are many resources available for affordably homeschooling! You can learn more about building a homeschool curriculum here: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschool-curriculum.htm
This is also a great tool for learning more about homeschooling on a budget: https://a2zhomeschooling.com/materials/curriculum_shop/livelihood_issues_budget_homeschooling/
As far as financial assistance goes, that is going to be up to each state. We would recommend getting in touch with your local school district if you need to.
I’m a freshman in highschool and I want to be homeschooled next year but I do t know if we can afford it. Also do I need to participate in field trips and other activities?
Hi Justin! Here is page that might give you a little more info: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/high_school.shtml It will also link out to other resources as well. Time4Learning’s monthly membership has proven affordable for many. As far as field trips and other activities, that’s going to depend on your state’s homeschooling laws and graduation requirements, as well as your college plans (so you’ll know what you need on your high school transcripts). Let’s Homeschool High School (https://letshomeschoolhighschool.com/) is a great site for even more information all about homeschooling through high school. Definitely check that one out. Good luck! 🙂
I have a 9 yr old granddaughter that was born with a congenital heart defect and since her last heart surgery in 2016 her processing is slower and it takes her 3x longer to complete assignments and tests than before. She is struggling and failing class work and tests and the thought of homeschooling is the answer at this time. She has been enrolled in the 504 plan but the school doesn’t seem to want to help us and say they don’t have time to help individually but put them in smaller groups so those students can help each other. What is the first step after pulling her out of her present school to get her enrolled and to begin homeschool work. We do not want to get in trouble delaying her learning. is it possible to start online classes and learning immediately? Thank you for your help.
Hi Sharon. We’re sorry to hear that your daughter is struggling. Time4Learning is a curriculum, not a school, so you wouldn’t enroll per se. You sign up when you’re ready and our curriculum is an educational resource in your homeschool, one that you can begin and complete at the pace that works best for you and your daughter. A good place to start, would be to make sure you understand and can meet your state’s homeschooling requirements. Find your state here: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/state_homeschooling_info.shtml
Good luck! Please do feel free to reach out to our member support team if you need! https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/contact_us.php
I’ve been thinking about being home schooled… why because people make rumours about me and talk bad about me and going to an actual school doesn’t make me happy …. I just need my literacy course to get my diploma..
Hi Savana. Sorry to hear you’re struggling with school. You can take a look at our high school curriculum information here: https://www.time4learning.com/homeschool/high_school.html
Let’s Homeschool High School (https://letshomeschoolhighschool.com) is also a great resource for homeschooling through high school. You can find info about getting started, curriculum info and reviews, and more.
Good luck!
I’ve been thinking of trying to be homeschooled but my main concern is where do I take the regents at the end of the semester, is it on the program or is it in a nearby high school just like the SHSAT??
Hi Nick! Time4Learning does have chapter quizzes and tests throughout the curriculum, but we don’t do any state or standardized testing. A great resource for homeschooling through high school is http://www.letshomeschoolhighschool.com. You can find homeschooling ideas and resources, but you’ll also find info on state laws and exams. Good luck!
I need information about the cost of the currÃculum AND how often I have ti pay ir.
Hi Avigail! Thanks for your interest. Time4Learning is a monthly membership. PreK – 8th grade is $19.95 per month for the first child, $14.95 per month for each additional child. High school is $30 per month per child for 4 courses, $5 for each additional course. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer support team! https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/contact_us.php
Does this system comply with AdvacED/ NCA? As I’m looking into enrolling and need to know if my state will let me.
Hi, Ella! Accreditation applies to institutions like virtual schools or a brick-and-mortar school. Since Time4Learning is a curriculum, and not a school, accreditation does not apply to us.
Homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, and we have homeschool families from all over the country that use our curriculum. If you’d like to connect with other members, to chat about how they use Time4Learning in their homeschool, we have a parent forum (https://www.time4learning.net) or a Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Time4LearningFamilies/) that you can join.
If you need additional help or information, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team: https://www.time4learning.com/curriculum/contact_us.php
I’m looking into homeschooling and I wanted to know how do I do the standardized testing? Do you guys provide it or do I have to go somewhere and pay for it?
Hi Amber. Time4Learning does not provide standardized testing, but we do have some test prep guides that vary by state: https://www.time4learning.com/testprep/
Often, you’ll find test providers through your state homeschool association or local homeschool group. We would recommend that you start there.
So I’m a freshman that is only thinking of being homeschooled my jonior year because I honestly feel like my school takes that year a bit more serious and I want to take it 10 times more seriously than them but I don’t know if it’s a good idea
Hi Jennifer! The first thing we would recommend is get to know your state homeschooling laws, so you understand what their expectations and requirements are. We have some very informative state homeschooling info pages, that would be a good starting point for you.
While this is usually geared towards parents, this page on building a homeschool curriculum could be a great resource for you as well.
If you want to speak with someone, or want your parents to get more information, please feel free to contact us via phone or email!
Yes! The library is the best money saver…well as long as you remember to get everything back on time 😛