By the HOME Team
We get it. Many families make significant sacrifices to homeschool. Not only are you paying for your own curriculum and supplies, but you may also be giving up one parent's full-time career. Homeschooling doesn't have to be expensive, though. There are many ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Consider implementing some of the following money-saving strategies to create an affordable homeschooling lifestyle for your family.
- Utilize Free Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy, PBS LearningMedia, Audible, and National Geographic Kids offer free lessons and activities across various subjects.
- Cook from Scratch: It's healthier and saves money. Cooking can also be integrated with other subject areas to teach nutrition, math skills, social studies, and language arts.
- Shop Back-to-School Sales: Take advantage of back-to-school sales, dollar stores, and second-hand options for savings.
- Create Your Own Learning Resources: Make your own flashcards, worksheets, games, and science experiments using basic household items.
- Buy Used Curriculum and Materials: HOME's Inventory Clearance Sales offer gently used books and curriculum at greatly reduced prices. (Tip: look for the curriculum "bundles" for even more savings!)
- Incorporate Unit Studies: HOME Unit Studies are inexpensive and cover a broad range of subjects (including all those required by Maine's homeschool statute) to provide an engaging learning experience.
- Join Local Homeschooling Groups: Share materials and resources with other homeschoolers to spread out costs.
- Use Your Local Library: Many libraries have a "Library of Things," including telescopes, coding kits, educational tablets, board games, hot spots, craft kits, movies, audiobooks, and magazines, museum passes, and social events.
- Barter: What valuable resources are available in your community and what goods, skills or services can you offer others in trade?
- Explore Community Resources and Museums: Many offer discounted or free programs for homeschoolers.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a homeschooling experience that provides your child with excellent social and academic curriculum and enrichment at a fraction of the cost!