How to Homeschool for Free (Or Close Enough to It!)

Are you dissatisfied with the educational system but feel unable to do anything about it because you’re on a tight budget?

Have you ever considered homeschooling? I know what you may be thinking, but hear me out on this…

One of the most popular misconceptions about homeschooling is that it is extremely expensive and, therefore, not very practical for those who may not have much disposable income. While there are certainly some pricey curriculums and homeschooling tools, the fact is that many, many people homeschool on a tight budget, and it is possible to homeschool practically for free.

Being the mom of an extra-large family with a single income has increased my ability to be resourceful in many areas, and homeschooling is one of them! You don’t need lots of money to homeschool- just a heaping amount of creativity and determination.

Today I’m going to share with you some of the best resources I have come across that will enable you to competently homeschool your children without putting out much more money than is necessary for basic supplies, such as paper, pencils, ink, etc. and any other must-haves you feel will benefit your child’s learning environment.

It is possible to homeschool for free (or pretty close to it!), and here are some great ideas for you to start with:

– The library

One of the most imperative things to learn as a homeschooler is that textbooks are not necessary for an education. In fact, for most kids, they’re a horrible idea. The library is filled with books for just about every subject under the sun. If your library is on a smaller scale, get a library card for a larger library in a neighboring city. There is usually a small fee, but it sure beats spending hundreds of dollars on homeschool curriculum.

It is entirely possible to homeschool using library materials as your primary resources. Keep in mind that libraries are no longer just about books. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities afforded by most decent-sized libraries!

– Free online resources

While I am no lover of technology, I do love Google. It’s one of my dearest friends. 😉 Finding free stuff is literally at your fingertips. One thing I’ve discovered about my fellow homeschoolers is that they sure are generous. There are so many free unit studies online that I’m positive you could get through all 12 years of homeschool with them! Here are some great places to find no-cost homeschool curriculum, resources, and unit studies:

This is just a small sampling of what is available. All you have to do is look for it!

– Visual Media

I don’t think people give enough credit to the valuable learning that can happen while watching worthwhile videos on YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. I realize that none of these are free, but if you are reading this, it’s safe to assume that you do have online access for YouTube, and I’m going to venture a guess that most people do have some sort of streaming service in their home already. Why not put them to good use and educate your children with them?

– Learning from life

No matter how much learning people assume happens in a classroom setting, the fact is that the most powerful and significant learning happens in a real life setting. Unschooling is a fabulous option for those who are unwilling or unable to spend a fortune on curriculum. Giving your child the opportunity to learn from life is bound to be more of an education than that which comes from dull textbooks and endless busywork.

A word of warning:

I do want you to be wary of “free”online charter and cyber schooling programs. If you’re choosing to homeschool because you want freedom in your child’s education, these may not be for you (and are not legally considered “homeschooling” to begin with). They may sound enticing with assets such as free internet and computers, but the price you pay in needing to submit to their rules and regulations is simply not worth it.

Homeschooling your children is such a rewarding experience to choose for your family. Don’t let the affordability issue keep you from doing what you think is best for your children. It IS possible to homeschool for little to no money, so get out there and figure out how you’re going to do it!

(If you know of any other free homeschooling resources, I would love for you to share them in the comments. We’re all in this together!)

Author: Shelly Sangrey

I'm Shelly, a Christ-following, homeschooling Mom of eleven children ( okay, not ALL children. My oldest is 23.) I met my husband right after graduation, and we've been together ever since. Though my life can be hectic at times... okay, ALL the time, I wouldn't change it for anything. View all posts by Shelly Sangrey