“I wanted to homeschool but when I looked into programs, they all seemed too expensive.” A friend shared this at the park as we discussed our kids’ education. It is a common concern, but it does not have to be the reality.
Parents with children in school spend anywhere between $200 and $1,500 or more per student per year on public school fees and supplies. Home education expenses can seem intimidating at first glance. What is important to remember is that you will also be saving on commute costs, school lunches, classroom party fees, teacher gifts, fundraisers, and more. Most parents are pleasantly surprised to find they spend less in a homeschool year than they did in a public school year.
ShillerLearning’s Top 5 Money-Saving Tips for Homeschoolers
Resell and Buy Second Hand
This looks different for every family. Some families buy new curriculum with the intention of reselling it when their children are done. Others purchase second-hand curriculum or get hand-me-downs from co-op friends. Check your local used bookstore and children’s consignment stores — they often carry second-hand homeschool curriculum in like-new condition. We occasionally have second-hand curriculum available on our website, and our Facebook community is a great place to find ShillerLearning materials from families who have completed them.
Coupon, Especially at Craft Stores
This is not about extreme couponing — just keeping your eyes open. Those 40% and 50% off coupons at craft stores can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over your homeschooling years. Craft stores often carry basic school supplies, organizing supplies, and great shelving for Montessori materials. Check the coupon terms — sometimes you can print multiples and use them on separate trips, or have each child make a separate purchase. Also look into mail-in rebates through the store and directly through manufacturers.
Think Green and Save Green
Buy books second-hand, find free eReader books through Project Gutenberg, host a book swap, or visit the local library to keep your reading fresh without spending much. Join a co-op and swap Montessori shelf materials. Homeschool curriculum can be reused across multiple children in the same family, or resold — curriculum in like-new condition sells at a higher rate. Consider using a job ticket holder and dry-erase markers instead of writing directly in workbooks to preserve them for the next child.
Shop Around and Ask for Price Matches
It pays to do your research. If you have your eye on a curriculum or program, look around before you buy. If you find the same curriculum or a similar program for less, consider asking for a price match — local businesses are often willing to do this. Online vendors can vary in price by up to 10% from one another. A little comparison shopping can go a long way.
Shop After School Starts, and Again in Late Winter
When I started homeschooling, I went to the store the weekend after Labor Day. There was not a lot left, but the basics remained — and they were 75% to 90% off. The employee told me they start marking supplies down the week after school starts and keep clearance items available until they set up for Halloween. We purchased everything we needed for under $25.
Late winter and early spring is also a valuable time to stock up for the following school year. Many curriculum companies attend conventions during this period and offer discounts on orders placed at that time.
Watch: More Homeschool Savings Ideas
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