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Homeschooling can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the things I’ve learned as a homeschooling mom is that you have to look for the discount before you pay full price. I didn’t know these resources existed when I first started homeschooling, so we paid a lot out of pocket for everything. I was more than just a little happy when I found that there were discounts. There are homeschool discounts, educator programs, grants, free resources, and memberships that can help stretch your homeschool budget much further. And sometimes the savings are hiding in places you wouldn’t expect.
Start With Your Homeschool ID
Before you start shopping, make sure you have some type of homeschool identification. Depending on the business, you may be asked for proof that you homeschool. A homeschool association membership, umbrella-school documentation, homeschool ID, or other proof of educational status may help. Always check the current requirements because discounts and eligibility can change. And most of the time, your state registration is your ID.
Books, Books & More Books
If there is one thing homeschool families can never seem to have enough of, it’s books! I know these books will be a big part of our lives for years to come. Check out Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and ThriftBooks before paying full price for curriculum, chapter books, reference books, and required reading. Don’t forget to check used-book sections and clearance areas. A book that costs $20 new may be only a few dollars used. And if you are building a homeschool library, don’t feel like you have to buy everything at once. I love the idea of creating your library slowly throughout the year.
Michaels: Supplies Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune
Art supplies, poster boards, notebooks, craft supplies, science-project materials, storage containers—you can spend a LOT of money at a craft store. We didn’t use this for arts and crafts; we really used this for the businesses that girls opened during the time we homeschooled. That’s why homeschool families should check Michaels for educator-related savings and current promotions. Also, don’t automatically assume you need the expensive version of something. Sometimes the basic supplies work just as well for a homeschool project.
Adobe & Microsoft
Technology is a major part of homeschooling today. Programs from Adobe can be helpful for older students working on graphic design, photography, video, PDFs, and creative projects. Taught my children how to edit and video record using Adobe. And don’t overlook Microsoft. Depending on eligibility and current programs, students and educators may have access to Microsoft products and services at reduced prices or even at no cost. If your child is in high school, learning programs like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other productivity tools can also become valuable career skills.
Apple Computers
If your homeschool needs a computer, check Apple’s education pricing before purchasing. A MacBook or iPad can be a major investment, so even a modest education discount can help. But here’s my biggest piece of advice: stick with quality products. Buy what your student actually needs. A refurbished computer or a less expensive model may be perfectly adequate for your homeschool.
OfficeMax/Office Depot
Before buying your next printer, paper, notebooks, binders, ink, or school supplies, check Office Depot/OfficeMax for educator and back-to-school promotions. Homeschoolers can go through paper and printer ink FAST! Especially if you’re mostly technology-free. I recommend watching for sales instead of buying everything when you first begin homeschooling.
Great Wolf Lodge Can Become a Field Trip
I’m serious!
Homeschooling isn’t just about sitting at a desk. Places such as Great Wolf Lodge can sometimes offer special homeschool or educational promotions. When you’re looking at these offers, remember that educational experiences can be part of your child’s learning too. Field trips can turn into lessons in science, geography, budgeting, writing, communication, and even entrepreneurship. Just make sure you check the current offer and eligibility before planning your trip around a discount.
National Parks, Zoos & Museums
This is one of my favorite homeschool hacks:
Look for educational admission programs before buying regular tickets.
National parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, historical sites, science centers, and children’s museums frequently have educational programs, free days, discounted admission, or special events.
And don’t forget your local museums! Sometimes the best field trip isn’t three hours away. It may be right down the road.
Before visiting, search the organization’s website for:
- Homeschool days
- Educator discounts
- Student discounts
- Free admission days
- Family memberships
- Educational programs
- Group rates
A family membership can sometimes pay for itself after only a few visits.
Target & Other Stores
Don’t forget stores like Target when you’re shopping for school supplies. And I know what you’re thinking: if you don’t shop there, don’t. Target frequently runs seasonal school-supply promotions, and their school-shopping deals can be especially helpful when you have multiple children. The key is to shop strategically. You don’t have to buy an entire classroom. You are creating a homeschool. There’s a difference.
Tutor.com
If your child gets stuck on a difficult math problem at 9 p.m., sometimes you need help! Tutor.com can be another resource worth checking, especially for families who may qualify through participating libraries, schools, military programs, or other organizations. Before paying for tutoring, check your local library and community resources. You may already have access to tutoring services that are included with your membership.
Don’t Sleep on FREE Curriculum!
FREE DOES NOT MEAN BAD.
One of my favorite free resources is Khan Academy. Khan Academy offers lessons and practice in subjects such as math, science, economics, history, grammar, and more.
For many homeschool families, free online resources can supplement a curriculum beautifully. Other places worth checking include your local library, public-library digital resources, educational YouTube channels, teacher-created resources, and open educational resources. Sometimes you don’t need another curriculum. You need a resource that explains the concept your child doesn’t understand yet. That’s a big difference.
What About Homeschool Grants?
Now let’s talk about something many homeschool parents don’t realize: There are grants and education funds that may help families with educational expenses—but eligibility varies tremendously.
Some programs are state-specific. Others are connected to scholarships, educational savings accounts, special programs, nonprofits, private organizations, or specific student circumstances.
If you’re looking for funding, start by checking:
- Your state’s homeschool or education-funding programs
- Local foundations
- Community organizations
- Homeschool associations
- Private scholarships
- Educational nonprofits
- School-choice programs
- Libraries and community centers
And please read the requirements carefully. Some grants can only be used for specific educational expenses, while others may have income, location, age, or enrollment requirements. Don’t assume you won’t qualify. Research it.
My Biggest Homeschool Money-Saving Rule
Here’s what I would tell any homeschool parent: Research, then buy.
Before you purchase a computer, curriculum, books, museum membership, software, or field trip, ask: “Is there a homeschool, educator, student, military, library, or educational discount?” Then check for: Coupons + memberships + sales + used resources + free resources. Stacking savings can make a huge difference. Homeschooling gives us the freedom to create an education that works for our individual children. That doesn’t mean we have to spend thousands of dollars creating it. You can homeschool beautifully on a budget. You can use library books. You can visit free museums. You can explore national parks. You can use free online curriculum. You can buy used books. You can take advantage of educator discounts. You can apply for programs and grants when you qualify. And sometimes, the best homeschool resource costs nothing at all. So before you pull out your credit card, do a little digging.
Your homeschool budget will thank you.
BasicallyTesha
