Are you new to homeschooling and wondering ‘how much does homeschooling cost?’ Well the answer can vary. Homeschooling can cost quite a bit if you prefer to buy premade curriculums with no prep work, but it can also cost very little if anything.

It just takes a little time, effort, and creativity. In this post I’m going to give you six great tips for saving money on homeschool supplies and how to homeschool for free!

And if you’re interested in my family’s journey to homeschool, check out this article: How and Why We Started to Homeschool.

1. Explore Free Online Resources

There are numerous online resources available for free worksheets, activities, and more. One way to access these fantastic activities (as long as you don’t mind getting a lot of emails) is by subscribing to homeschool blogger newsletters.

They often give out freebies and share ideas for activities. Additionally, Pinterest is a fantastic online resource for finding specific printables or worksheets.

I used to spend hours searching on Google without success, feeling hopeless. However, when someone recommended Pinterest to me, I reluctantly gave it a try.

To my surprise, I found a plethora of free printables. The majority of them were absolutely free!

AmblesideOnline is a completely free curriculum that follows the Charlotte Mason Method. To make the most of this curriculum, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Charlotte Mason’s principles.

Nevertheless, it’s an exceptional booklist, and most of the books can be accessed for free through various links provided on the website. You’ll only need to purchase a few books.

Some other helpful (and free!) websites include WorksheetWorks.com and DadsWorksheets.com. You can print off plenty of useful worksheets through these websites.

These online resources combined make it super easy to homeschool for free.

2. Embrace Affordable Curricula

You don’t always have to follow every aspect of the curriculum you’ve purchased or chosen. Feel free to skip certain parts or add elements of your own choosing.

Remember, as a homeschooling parent, you are the leader in your child’s education. You don’t need to spend a fortune to find the perfect curriculum.

Of course, if you come across one that has everything you want, that’s a great bonus! And if you have the funds to invest in it, that’s fantastic too.

However, it’s not necessary. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry; there are cheaper curricula available. I promise it’s okay!

3. The Good and the Beautiful

The Good and the Beautiful offers free PDF versions of their Language Arts (K-8) and Math (K-6) curricula. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a good printer since these materials often contain many colorful pages.

Also, if you prefer physical copies, they offer reasonably priced options. They also have other curricula such as history and science, which are very affordable.

4. Utilize Your Local Library

Books, books, and more books! Reading is one of the strongest foundations for learning. Not only can you find books on science and history, but you can also get storybooks to read aloud to your little ones, and your older kids can indulge in their own reading adventures.

Best of all, it’s all free! So, if you haven’t already, make sure to check out your local library as soon as possible!

5. Explore Used Book Stores & eBay

If you prefer to own the books rather than borrowing them from the library, you can always try a used book store in your area. Personally, I haven’t had to go down that route yet, but I’ve heard from many other homeschoolers that used book stores are amazing!

Another excellent resource is eBay. Whenever I need a specific book and I prefer to own it, I always check eBay first (then Amazon).

You can find a range of prices depending on the condition of the book. I’m a bit picky, so I try to look for books in great condition at a reasonable price.

However, as long as the content is readable, you can certainly opt for the cheapest option.

6. Embrace the World Around You

Cooking, cleaning, working on cars, gardening, grocery shopping—engage in these daily activities together with your children. They will learn valuable skills such as counting, measuring, organization, time management, observation, and much more.

Plus, it’s additional quality time spent with your children, which is always a bonus! By participating in your daily activities, they will not only acquire numerous skills but also gain a deeper understanding of how the world around them works.

Isn’t that what kids complain about in public schools these days? I can’t count how many times I’ve heard kids say “We’re never going to use this in real life!”

It’s Not Necessary to Break the Bank!

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With these six strategies, you can unlock the path to free and affordable homeschooling while providing your children with a rich and empowering education.

By utilizing the abundance of free online resources, exploring affordable curricula, taking advantage of library resources, and embracing the world around you, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment without breaking the bank.

Remember, as a homeschooling parent, you have the freedom to tailor your child’s education to their individual needs and interests. So, embrace the journey of homeschooling, and enjoy the countless opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection that await you and your children.

Happy homeschooling! And if you have any additional tips on how to homeschool for free, go ahead and share them in the comments below.

If you found this post helpful or want to reference it later, be sure to save this pin to your Pinterest Homeschool Board!