Worried Homeschooling Is Too Expensive? Here’s Your Defense Over the Costs
Yes, homeschooling has costs — but so does public school. The difference? You control what you spend and why.
I hear from parents considering homeschooling all the time…
“I want to start homeschooling… but what if I just can’t afford it?”
It’s a fair question. And while homeschooling does cost money — for curriculum, field trips, and supplies — I think it’s time we talk honestly about something people don’t always mention:
? Public school isn’t free.
The truth is, both paths have costs. But with homeschooling, you get to decide what you buy and how much you spend, based on your values and your child’s needs — not what’s written on a school form or fundraiser sheet.
Let’s break it down.
? How Much We Spend on Homeschooling
If you’ve met me, and a lot of you have, you probably know I’m an incurable Type-A planner. We also homeschooled our two kids on one income, as I know many of you are as well. For several years I tracked everything that was homeschool related, so I knew exactly how much we were spending on:
- Curriculum
- Field trips
- Supplies
- Anything we wouldn’t have spent otherwise if they were in school
But here’s the kicker…
vs. What We Spent in Public School (Hint: It Was More)
This spending tracking didn’t begin with homeschooling though- back when my kids were in public school, I also tracked our spending. Those years?
We spent almost $100 more per child — for free public school.
Here’s where that money went:
- Back-to-school supplies (the specific ones required)
- Indoor shoes, gym clothes, weather gear – and clothing replacements when they are lost and stolen
- School events: BBQs, fairs, pizza day, candy cane day, milkshake day…
- Valentines, classroom parties, book fairs, teacher gifts
- Hot lunches and fundraiser purchases
- Fad items and brand names your kids have to have in order to not be bullied
We weren’t even high-participation parents! We did just enough that our kids didn’t feel left out, but not every event or lunch or fundraiser.
And still? It added up.
? The Big Difference with Homeschooling: You’re in Control Now
Homeschooling gives you something public school doesn’t:
Control over what you spend — and what you get for it.
You decide:
- Which curriculum to invest in (or whether to build your own)
- How often you take field trips
- Whether you spend more time or more money — whichever fits your family
- What supplies, tools, or extras actually matter in your homeschool
You’re not just handing money over for a pizza party you didn’t ask for.
You’re choosing what best supports your child’s growth — and your family’s goals.
? Homeschooling Can Work on a Budget
You’ll spend either money or time — or some combination of both.
The beauty is: you get to choose what’s worth it.
Whether you’re middle-of-the-road spenders, doing things ultra-minimally with free resources and DIY everything, or have some room to buy back more time — there’s no one “right” budget for homeschooling.
But don’t let the myth of free public school fool you. The costs are real.
The difference is, with homeschooling, you’re investing with intention.
Lindsey
Certified Special Ed Educator & Co-Founder, Schoolio