Homeschool Costs

The cost to homeschool can be as little or as much as you choose.
Q
How much does it cost to homeschool?
A
The cost to homeschool can be as little or as much as you choose. New homeschooling parents often purchase a whole curriculum package, which can run several hundred dollars. After a few months, however, they realize they don't need to follow everything in the curriculum and begin to experiment and incorporate different learning tools into their teaching. By the second or third year, most homeschooling families are able to pick and choose from a wide variety of sources, and the actual cost to homeschool becomes minimal.

There are two things you might want to do as you begin your homeschooling journey. First, read at least one good book about homeschooling so you have a better understanding of what you hope to accomplish. The Homeschooling Book of Answers by Linda Dobson is a good choice. John Holt was the originator of today's homeschooling movement. Two of his books, How Children Learn and Learning All the Time will give you a better understanding of homeschooling. Second, speak and meet with other homeschooling families. They are a great source of information, and will help you make the transition from school to learning at home. Use these links to meet other homeschooling families and to find out the homeschooling laws in your state:
www.midnightbeach.com/hs/listlist.f.html
www.homeschoolnewslink.com
www.homefires.com

We also have a wealth of free information. Visit our homeschooling channel.

Isabel Shaw is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom of 15 years. She and her husband Ray homeschool their two daughters, Jessica and Amanda. Besides being a contributor to FamilyEducation.com, Shaw has written for Home Education Magazine, The Link, Homeschooling Horizons Magazine, The Homeschool Gazette, and other publications.

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