Homeschooling does not have to be expensive. The families who spend the most are not necessarily the ones whose children learn the most. A public library card, some basic materials, and intentional use of free resources can cover a large portion of a child’s education at very low cost.
Free and near-free resources by category
The public library
A library card is the single most valuable homeschool resource. Beyond books, most library systems now provide:
- Digital lending (ebooks and audiobooks via Libby/OverDrive)
- Streaming services (Kanopy for films and documentaries)
- Research databases (usually free with a card: Britannica, newspaper archives)
- Interlibrary loan for books not in the local collection
- Programme and activity spaces
Free online curriculum and resources
- Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) — free, comprehensive maths from early years through calculus; also covers science, history, economics
- CK-12 (ck12.org) — free flexbooks and practice in science and maths
- Ambleside Online (amblesideonline.org) — free Charlotte Mason curriculum with reading lists and weekly schedules
- Mystery of History samples and Story of the World activity guide samples — available free as previews
- NASA Education (nasa.gov/education) — free lesson plans, activities, and resources
- PBS LearningMedia (pbslearningmedia.org) — free video and interactive resources across subjects
Low-cost curriculum and materials
- Used curriculum sales — Facebook homeschool groups, local co-ops, and curriculum fairs. Most structured curricula retain value and can be bought used for a fraction of retail.
- Thrift stores — activity books, reference books, educational games, art supplies
- Dollar stores — craft and science experiment supplies
- Teachers Pay Teachers (teacherspayteachers.com) — many free resources alongside paid ones
Documentaries and educational video
- YouTube channels: Crash Course (all ages, all subjects), SciShow Kids, National Geographic Kids, TED-Ed, Art for Kids Hub
- Kanopy (free with most library cards) — extensive documentary library
- Smithsonian Channel and PBS Frontline are available online with many free episodes
Museums and cultural institutions
Many museums offer free or discounted homeschool days, homeschool memberships, or free entry on specific days. A family membership to one science museum or children’s museum typically pays for itself in two or three visits.
What is worth paying for
Not everything should be free. Some paid resources offer significant value:
- A structured maths curriculum (Saxon, Math-U-See, RightStart) if your child needs sequential instruction
- One or two outside classes per year in a subject where the child’s interest exceeds what you can provide at home
- A co-op membership if one is available and suits your child’s learning style
What is usually not worth paying for
- Complete boxed curriculum programmes that replicate school at home — expensive and often replaced within a year
- Multiple subscriptions to learning apps when free alternatives exist
- Formal workbooks for subjects that can be learned through living (geography, general science for young children)
FAQ
- How much should I budget for homeschooling? Many families manage well on $300–600 per year per child, with free library use doing most of the heavy lifting. Families using formal curricula typically spend $800–1,500 per child per year.
- Can I homeschool effectively on a very limited budget? Yes. Library + Khan Academy + outdoor time + read-aloud covers a great deal, especially for younger children.
- Are there subsidies or tax benefits for homeschooling costs? In the US, there is no federal tax deduction for homeschool expenses. Some states offer education savings accounts (ESAs) or tax credits — check your specific state’s Department of Education for current rules, as these change regularly.
- What is the most cost-effective purchase for most families? A library card, used books, and basic art and science supplies. After that, an annual subscription to one good curriculum in your weakest area.
Related reading: Starting homeschool: the first steps · Record-keeping without the overwhelm