How Much Does Homeschooling Really Cost?

How Much Does Homeschooling Really Cost?

You've started pricing curriculum, and the numbers are making you nervous. That all-in-one program costs $600. Math alone is $150. Everyone's recommending different things, and the total keeps climbing. You're wondering: Can we actually afford this?

Here's the reality: Homeschooling costs whatever you decide to spend. Some families spend $200 per child annually using free resources and the library. Others spend $3,000+ on premium curriculum, online classes, and enrichment programs. Most land somewhere in between. The average, according to HSLDA surveys, is around $600-$1,200 per child per year—dramatically less than private school and often less than the hidden costs of public school.

The more important question isn't "What does homeschooling cost?" It's "What does it cost at the level that works for our family?" Let's break that down.

What Homeschool Families Actually Spend

A 2024 survey by HSLDA found that homeschool families spend an average of $1,295 per year for elementary students, with costs increasing slightly for middle and high school. But that average masks a wide range.

Budget Breakdown by Category

Curriculum: $200-$1,500+

This is your biggest variable. Free options (Easy Peasy, Khan Academy, Ambleside Online) cost nothing. Pieced-together curriculum from various sources typically runs $300-$600. All-in-one boxed programs range from $400-$1,500 depending on the provider and grade level.

Supplies: $50-$200

Paper, pencils, art supplies, notebooks, printer ink. Most families have much of this already. Annual restocking is minimal.

Books and Resources: $100-$500

Library cards are free and cover most needs. Families who purchase books for home libraries or need specific titles not available locally spend more. Used books significantly reduce this cost.

Activities and Enrichment: $100-$1,000+

Co-op fees, sports leagues, music lessons, art classes, field trips. This varies enormously based on what you choose to participate in. Many activities are free or low-cost; others (competitive sports, private music instruction) are expensive.

Technology: $0-$500

Many families already own computers and have internet access. Online curriculum or apps may have subscription costs. If you need to purchase devices specifically for homeschool, budget accordingly.

Testing (if required or chosen): $0-$100

Some states require standardized testing; others don't. When required, tests typically cost $25-$75. Optional testing for your own information costs similarly.

How Homeschool Costs Compare

vs. Private School

Average private school tuition in the U.S. runs $9,000-$15,000 annually for elementary, with high schools often exceeding $20,000. Even the most expensive homeschool approach costs a fraction of private school—while often providing more individualized attention and flexibility.

vs. Public School

Public school is "free," but hidden costs add up:

  • School supplies (often $100-$300 per child)
  • Fundraisers and activity fees
  • Field trip costs
  • School photos, yearbooks, spirit wear
  • Before/after school care (if needed): $300-$1,000+ monthly
  • Summer childcare: potentially thousands
  • Clothing appropriate for school setting
  • Transportation costs (if driving)

When you add these up, public school often costs $1,500-$4,000+ annually per child—not counting childcare. Homeschooling isn't always more expensive than public school, especially for families who would otherwise need childcare.

The Childcare Factor

This is the biggest financial consideration for many families. If you're currently paying for after-school care, summer camps, and school-break childcare, those costs disappear with homeschooling (assuming a parent is home). For some families, this savings alone offsets curriculum costs and then some.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Beyond curriculum and supplies, these expenses catch some families off guard:

Lost Income

The biggest "cost" of homeschooling is often opportunity cost. If a parent reduces work hours or leaves the workforce to homeschool, that lost income dwarfs any curriculum purchase. This is a real cost—but it's also a choice about priorities, not a homeschool-specific expense. Many families find ways to homeschool while both parents work (flexible schedules, tag-team parenting, older children working independently).

Printer Costs

If you use PDF curriculum or print-heavy resources, ink and paper add up. A laser printer (around $150 upfront) saves money over inkjet in the long run. Some families do all printing at the library for free.

Field Trips and Experiences

Homeschoolers often do more field trips than traditional students—and those admission fees, transportation costs, and packed lunches accumulate. Budget for them or find free alternatives (many museums have free days; nature is free).

Co-op Fees and Materials

Co-ops often charge modest fees ($50-$200 per semester) plus material costs for classes. These vary widely by group.

Curriculum Mistakes

Almost every homeschool family buys something that doesn't work. You'll probably spend money on at least one curriculum you don't end up using. The used curriculum market helps recoup some of this, but factor in some trial-and-error cost, especially in your first year or two.

Strategies for Any Budget

If Money Is Tight

  • Use free curriculum: Easy Peasy, Khan Academy, Ambleside Online, and others provide complete, quality education at no cost
  • Maximize your library: Books, audiobooks, DVDs, digital resources, museum passes—libraries are homeschool gold
  • Buy used: Homeschool Classifieds, Facebook groups, and local sales offer curriculum at 50-70% off retail
  • Sell what you finish: Resell curriculum when you're done to fund next year's purchases
  • Choose free activities: Park days, nature exploration, free community events, library programs
  • Skip what you don't need: You don't need curriculum for every subject, especially in early years

If You Have Moderate Resources

  • Invest strategically: Spend on math and language arts (where curriculum matters most); use free resources for other subjects
  • Mix new and used: Buy consumable workbooks new; buy hardcover books and teacher guides used
  • Choose one or two paid activities: Rather than spreading thin across many, invest in a couple that matter most
  • Consider multi-year curriculum: Some programs span multiple years, reducing per-year cost

If Budget Isn't a Constraint

  • Don't overspend just because you can: More expensive doesn't mean better. Match spending to actual need.
  • Invest in experiences: Travel, workshops, special programs, private instruction in areas of passion
  • Outsource where it helps: Online classes, tutors, co-op classes for subjects you'd rather not teach
  • Build a quality home library: Books are never wasted

Your First Year: A Realistic Budget

First-year homeschoolers often overspend on curriculum they don't end up using. Here's a conservative approach:

Start Minimal

  • Math: One solid curriculum ($50-$150 new, less used)
  • Language Arts: One program or approach ($50-$150, or free with library + copywork)
  • Everything else: Library books, free resources, life experience
  • Supplies: Basics you likely already have ($30-$50 if you need to purchase)

Total first-year minimum: $150-$400

You can always add more. Starting simple lets you learn what your family actually needs before investing heavily.

What to Avoid First Year

  • Buying curriculum for multiple years in advance
  • Premium online programs before you know if your child learns well that way
  • Expensive manipulatives and materials you're not sure you'll use
  • Multiple curricula for the same subject "just in case"

Common Questions

Can we homeschool on a single income?

Many families do. It requires budgeting, often adjusting lifestyle expectations, and being intentional about homeschool spending. The actual cost of curriculum and supplies is manageable on most budgets—the real question is whether your family can function on one income (or one full income plus one part-time). That's a broader family finance question, not a homeschool-specific one.

Are there scholarships or financial assistance for homeschoolers?

Some curriculum providers offer scholarships or payment plans. A few states have programs that provide funds to homeschoolers. Some churches and organizations help member families with homeschool costs. These are worth researching, but options are more limited than for traditional schools. The best "assistance" is usually learning to homeschool affordably rather than seeking funds for expensive programs.

What if I can't afford any curriculum right now?

You can still homeschool. Free curriculum options (Easy Peasy, Khan Academy, Ambleside Online) are complete and quality. Your library provides unlimited books at no cost. YouTube offers educational content across every subject. Homeschooling existed long before the curriculum industry—parents taught children to read, write, and think using whatever books they owned. You can too.

Your Next Move

If cost has been holding you back, take this step: Set a realistic first-year budget and research what you can get within it.

  1. Determine what you can reasonably spend (be honest)
  2. Research free and low-cost curriculum options
  3. Check your library's resources
  4. Search Facebook Marketplace and homeschool sale groups for used options

You might discover that quality homeschooling costs far less than you feared. Money is a real constraint, but it's rarely an insurmountable barrier. Families with very limited budgets homeschool successfully every day. The most important resources—your time, attention, and commitment—cost nothing to give.