Homeschooling in Ohio: Grants and Funding Opportunities

Choosing to homeschool is a deeply personal decision centered on a child's unique needs. But as you begin to budget for this journey, a common question arises: Do you get paid to homeschool your child in Ohio? The costs of quality curriculum, art supplies, and hands-on materials can feel like a significant financial commitment.

This guide will walk you through the key financial opportunities available to homeschool in Ohio. From tax credits that can lower your annual expenses to specialized grants, we'll show you how to access the support you need to provide a rich and meaningful education for your child.

Key Takeaways

• No Direct Payments: The state of Ohio does not provide a direct stipend or payment to families for homeschooling.

• Access Financial Aid: You may be eligible for a $250 Home School Expenses Tax Credit and a $1,000 credit per child from the ACE Educational Savings Account program.

• Plan Strategically: Reduce costs by utilizing free community resources like libraries, shopping for second-hand materials, and creating a proactive homeschooling budget.

• TSHA Simplifies Everything: A comprehensive program like The School House Anywhere can help you manage expenses by providing an all-in-one curriculum and support, reducing the need for costly a la carte purchases.

Homeschooling Expenses: What You Can Expect to Pay

The cost of homeschooling is a frequent topic of conversation, as it's an investment in your child's future. A recent analysis by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) found that homeschool families spend an average of about $600 per student annually.

However, your expenses will vary depending on your family's unique approach.

Here are the key areas where your homeschooling funds will likely be used:

• Curriculum Packages: These comprehensive programs can include lesson plans, books, and workbooks for multiple subjects, designed to save you time.

• A la Carte Resources: For families who prefer to build their own curriculum, costs can vary widely. You might purchase individual books, online subscriptions, or physical manipulatives for subjects like math and science.

• Core Supplies: Pens, paper, notebooks, and art materials are the staples that every homeschool needs.

• Enrichment Activities: This category includes everything from museum visits to subscriptions for educational apps, making learning hands-on and engaging.

While $600 is a helpful average, these individual costs can quickly add up, making financial assistance an important consideration for many families. So, it’s natural to wonder whether the state will help cover the costs.

If you’re looking to get all your resources in one place, consider exploring TSHA’s Homeschooling program. This all-in-one membership provides everything you need to manage your homeschooling expenses with confidence.

Does Ohio Offer Direct Funding for Homeschooling?

The state of Ohio does not provide a direct stipend or payment to families for homeschooling. This means you won’t receive a regular check to cover your educational expenses simply for choosing to homeschool.

However, this doesn’t mean you’re on your own financially. While Ohio doesn't offer a traditional "paycheck" for homeschooling, it does provide valuable financial opportunities that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. 

Knowing what's available and how to access it is the key to making your homeschooling journey both enriching and financially sustainable.

Also Read: Getting Paid for Homeschooling Your Child in Illinois

Homeschooling Funding Opportunities in Ohio

Finding financial assistance for your homeschooling journey can feel like navigating a maze of tax forms and program websites. Many funding opportunities are available to Ohio families that can significantly offset your costs. It just takes a little knowledge to know where to look.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the programs that can help you save.

1. Ohio Home Education Tax Credit

This is one of the most direct forms of financial support for homeschooling families in the state. It’s a nonrefundable tax credit of up to $250 per family for qualified educational expenses. A tax credit directly reduces the amount of income tax you owe, which is a significant benefit.

Eligibility

To be eligible to claim this credit, you must meet a few key conditions:

• You must be an Ohio taxpayer who has paid for educational expenses for a dependent student.

• The dependent must have been properly excused from compulsory school attendance. This is done by obtaining a letter from your school district superintendent for the purpose of home instruction.

What Expenses Qualify? 

The Ohio Department of Taxation has a specific list of qualified expenses:

• Curriculum materials (books, workbooks, lesson plans)

• Supplementary materials (science kits, art supplies, manipulatives)

• Computer software and applications used for instruction

• Subscriptions to educational services and publications

What is Not Covered? 

While a wide range of materials are covered, it's equally important to know what the state's tax code does not consider a qualified expense:

• Furniture like desks and chairs

• Computers, tablets, and other electronic devices

• Fees for sports, music lessons, or extracurricular activities

• Non-educational software, applications, or subscriptions

Claiming the Credit

Knowing how to claim the credit is crucial to ensure you get the full benefit you're entitled to.

• Credit Limit: The maximum credit you can claim is the lesser of $250 or the amount you actually paid for qualified expenses.

• One Credit Per Return: Only one credit can be claimed per tax return, regardless of how many children are being homeschooled.

• Nonrefundable: This credit can reduce your Ohio state tax liability to zero, but you will not receive a refund for any excess amount. If your tax liability is already zero, you cannot benefit from the credit.

  
  

2. Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account

This program provides a fantastic opportunity for qualifying families to receive financial assistance for a wide array of educational and enrichment activities. Rather than a direct payment, it functions as an educational savings account with a $1,000 credit per child, which is used to reimburse you for approved expenses.

Eligibility

To qualify for the ACE program, your child must be between the ages of 6 and 18 and meet one of the following criteria:

• Your household’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.

• You live in a school district that has been identified as having a high rate of chronic absenteeism or is an EdChoice-eligible district.

What the ACE Program Covers

The list of approved expenses is extensive and goes beyond a simple curriculum:

• Academic Curriculum and Materials: This is a key category for homeschoolers, as it covers the cost of curriculum, books, and supplementary materials.

• Tutoring Services: One-on-one or group tutoring is a covered expense.

• Day Camps: Funds can be used for academic, music, and art camps.

• Lessons: This includes music lessons, language classes, and other structured educational instruction.

• Field Trips: Admission and program fees for visits to historical landmarks, museums, science centers, and theaters.

How to Use the Funds?

Once your application is approved, you will have access to a digital account with your allotted funds. The process involves spending your own money on approved items and then submitting a claim for reimbursement. It's important to keep all receipts and documentation.

3. Other Scholarships and Financial Programs

While the ACE program and the tax credit are the most relevant for direct expenses, there are other valuable programs you should know about.

• College Credit Plus (CCP): This program allows students in grades 7-12 to earn college and high school credit simultaneously. Homeschoolers can participate, and tuition is free at public colleges and universities. This can save you thousands of dollars in future college tuition.

• Special Needs Scholarships: For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an autism diagnosis, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program can provide significant financial assistance. These funds are for services and therapies from approved providers, not for general homeschooling curriculum.

• EdChoice Scholarship: This is a tuition voucher program for students attending a participating private school. The program only becomes relevant for a homeschool family if you choose to cease home education and enroll your child full-time in a chartered nonpublic school. In that case, your child would be eligible to apply for the scholarship to help cover tuition.

While these scholarships may not apply to every homeschooling family, understanding their specific purpose can help you plan your child’s educational future and take advantage of all the opportunities Ohio has to offer.

Also Read: Free Homeschool Curriculum and Resources

Strategies for Reducing Homeschooling Expenses

Beyond state-funded programs, a few strategies can make a big difference in your homeschooling budget. Maximizing your financial benefits is not just about what you claim; it's also about how you plan and spend.

Here’s how you can stretch your dollars and invest wisely in your child’s education:

1. Utilize Community and Free Resources

Building a strong community is a fundamental way to reduce homeschooling costs. Here are some of the best free resources at your disposal:

• Public Libraries: Your local library card can unlock a world of free resources. Not only can you borrow books and movies, but many libraries offer free access to online educational databases, e-books, and even digital lessons.

• Homeschool Co-ops and Groups: Connecting with other homeschooling families in your area is invaluable. Co-ops often pool resources, organize curriculum swaps, or even barter for skills (e.g., one parent teaches a science class while another leads a literature group).

2. Shop Smart for Curriculum and Supplies

When it comes to materials, a little planning goes a long way. Instead of buying new, consider these options to cut costs:

• Buy Second-Hand: Look for used curriculum at local homeschool sales, on Facebook groups, or online marketplaces. Many non-consumable workbooks and teacher guides can be purchased for a fraction of the original price.

• Bulk Purchases: For consumable staples like paper, pens, and art supplies, buying in bulk at big-box stores can lead to significant savings.

• DIY Materials: Get creative with everyday items. Many art projects and science experiments can be done with things you already have at home, reducing your need for expensive, specialized kits.

Looking to see how a hands-on curriculum can inspire your child's learning? Explore TSHA's AEC curriculum samples for Pre-K through 6th grade.

3. Plan and Budget Wisely

A solid plan can help you stay on track and prevent unexpected costs from derailing your budget.

• Create a Budget: Start with a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to track your expenses. Categorize your spending to see where your money is going and where you can make adjustments.

• Embrace Resale: When your child is finished with a curriculum, you can sell the gently used materials to recoup some of your investment.

This is also where a program like The School House Anywhere (TSHA) can be invaluable. Instead of spending on multiple a la carte resources, expensive digital subscriptions, and costly art supplies, TSHA provides an all-in-one, hands-on program. 

The TSHA Advantage: A Budget-Friendly Approach to Homeschooling

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a curriculum built on the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) model, a hands-on framework designed to encourage creativity and critical thinking. By providing this comprehensive curriculum in one package, TSHA helps simplify homeschooling and make it more financially manageable.

Here’s how a TSHA subscription helps you manage homeschooling expenses:

• All-in-One Curriculum: The monthly subscription includes American Emergent Curriculum lessons, standards, stories, and printable materials, eliminating the need to purchase separate textbooks, workbooks, or digital subscriptions.

• Ready-to-Use Resources: You gain access to a film library with hundreds of "how-to" teaching films and custom printable materials and worksheets, saving you time and money on creating your own content.

• Integrated Record-Keeping: The subscription includes access to Transparent Classroom, an online tool for progress tracking, organizing, and portfolio management, which is a valuable feature for meeting state requirements.

• Live Support and Community: You get access to live workshops, office hours with educators, and weekly Q&A sessions with the founder, providing professional support and guidance without the added cost of private tutors or consultants.

• Flexible Material Options: While optional hands-on material boxes are available for purchase, the core curriculum provides all the resources you need, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your budget.

With TSHA, you're not just getting a curriculum; you're making a smart financial choice for homeschooling, allowing you to focus on what matters most: your child's education.

Conclusion

While the state of Ohio may not offer a direct stipend for homeschooling, your dream of providing a personalized education is well within reach. With quick planning and a solid understanding of the resources at your disposal, providing a high-quality education at home is both achievable and incredibly rewarding. By taking advantage of tax credits, grants, and strategic budgeting, you can make a powerful commitment to your child’s future.

You are not alone in this journey. When you choose a comprehensive program like The School House Anywhere (TSHA), you’re making a choice that simplifies your life and provides a rich, engaging experience for your child. It's about finding a solution that supports your goals and values.

Ready to simplify your homeschooling and save money? Explore The School House Anywhere and register as a Parent today.

FAQs

1. Do homeschoolers have to take standardized tests in Ohio? 

No, standardized testing is not required for homeschoolers in Ohio. The state does require a yearly academic assessment to prove progress, but this can be done through a standardized test, a portfolio review by a certified teacher, or another method agreed upon with the school district.

2. What subjects are required for homeschooling in Ohio? 

To comply with Ohio law, you must provide instruction in the following subjects: English language arts, mathematics, science, history, government, and social studies. There are no specific curriculum requirements, giving you the flexibility to choose resources that best suit your child.

3. What are the legal requirements to begin homeschooling in Ohio? 

The primary requirement is to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool with your local school district superintendent. This must be done annually and by a specific date. You must also ensure that the parent or guardian providing the instruction has at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

4. Are homeschoolers in Ohio allowed to participate in public school sports and activities? 

Yes. Under Ohio law, homeschooled students are generally permitted to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics, at their public school of residence. They must meet the same non-academic and financial requirements as any other student.

5. Which other states provide financial assistance for homeschooling? 

Several states offer some form of financial support for homeschooling families. For example, Utah provides Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and some states like Oklahoma and Indiana offer tax credits or deductions. It's important to research the specific laws and programs in each state.