If you're worried about the cost of buying a curriculum, there are affordable homeschooling programs available. Homeschooling doesn't have to break your budget. Parents who teach their children at home can choose to create their own homeschooling programs and just use parts of other programs available for purchase.
Planning a Curriculum
For those just beginning to homeschool, planning a curriculum may seem overwhelming. It is easy for many parents to just purchase a pre-made curriculum and dispense with trying to figure out what to teach that first year. However, the cost of these curriculums can be prohibitive, especially if there is more than one child. For this reason, many parents opt to just purchase parts of a curriculum or to buy them used from other homeschooling families. This will help save on your homeschooling budget and allow more flexibility when planning the yearly curriculum.
Choosing Affordable Homeschooling Programs
Choosing a curriculum for your children should be done with three thoughts in mind:
- Does it teach the children what I expect it to?
- Does it meet guidelines set forth by the state where I live?
- Does the cost help me to stay within my budget?
If it meets your expectations in terms of methods and moral values and will help you meet any state requirements, you're well on your way to finding the ideal curriculum. However, budgetary concerns are also important.
Low Cost Homeschooling Programs
Everyone has a different budget for homeschooling. While buying all-inclusive curriculum materials may be easier, it may not be inexpensive. If you don't mind buying a used curriculum, the following are places to find inexpensive used materials:
- Homeschooling groups in your area
- Church bulletin boards
- Local newspapers
- eBay
- Regional or state homeschool events
For those looking for affordable homeschooling programs that are new, the Internet has many offerings. The following are some of the many programs offered and their approximate costs:
- Alpha Omega Publications - curriculum options from this publisher include Lifepac, Horizons, Weaver and Switched On Schoolhouse. Prices for these curriculums range from $227 to $350. Parents may also save money by ordering a la carte the subjects that they are most interested in. Prices for single subjects cost approximately $30.
- Bob Jones - mega kits for this familiar curriculum cost around $100 for each grade level. Individual [Bob Jones Homeschool| Bob Jones]] subject kits range in price from $30 to $150.
- Saxon - offers many single subject kits for parents to choose from. Prices range from $50 to $150, depending upon the subject matter. Parents can choose from a variety of subjects including Algebra, Calculus, Physics and Phonics.
- A Beka - A Beka's video curriculum pricing may be higher than a parent-directed curriculum, but the company offers payment options that can fit within many families budgets. For example, a child enrolled in grades 1-6 would pay $1,025 for a full year of tuition. However, the monthly payment would be $111 and a down payment at the beginning of the school year of $425. There are also many discounts offered including those for first time enrollments, early enrollment and multi-child households. A Beka is an accredited institution, which means that children who graduate from their Accredited Program will receive a diploma that is readily accepted at colleges and universities.
Whether you invest in a pre-made curriculum, order a la carte or simply come up with your own is totally up to the individual teacher. Many parents feel that they can create their own, less expensive, curriculum after using a pre-made one the first year that they homeschool. If you're looking for the best deals, shop around and talk with other parents in your area who homeschool. Odds are you'll find the curriculum materials you need at prices you can afford.
