Homeschool cost calculator

How much does homeschooling really cost?

Across families, homeschooling commonly runs anywhere from under $100 to over $1,000 per child per year. The range is huge because so much is up to you. The biggest swing factor is curriculum: a complete boxed program costs far more than a library card and free printables — and both can produce a wonderful education.

What goes into the cost

• Curriculum — the single biggest line item. Ranges from free to several hundred dollars per child.
• Supplies & books — paper, pencils, art supplies, and read-alouds (the library helps a lot here).
• Activities & co-ops — classes, sports, music, and co-op fees.
• Field trips & extras — museum passes, outings, and hands-on materials.
• Shared costs — a printer, ink, and any family tech.

How to homeschool on a budget

• Use the library relentlessly. Living books, read-alouds, and reference materials — all free.
• Buy curriculum secondhand. Homeschool resale groups and used-book sales cut curriculum costs dramatically.
• Lean on free printables and resources. There's an abundance of high-quality free material online.
• Share with other families. Co-ops let you split the cost of classes and materials.
• Reuse across children. Non-consumable curriculum can be passed down to younger siblings.

Want my budget-friendly picks? They're on the Resources page. And if you're just getting started, the New to Homeschooling guide walks you through every first step.