Homeschooling Costs in the Philippines Explained

Did you know that homeschool students often score up to 30% higher than their public school peers? With academic performance like that, it’s no surprise that more families are considering homeschooling their children. But one big question remains: “Is homeschooling expensive in the Philippines?” or could it actually help you save in the long run? 

Many parents are asking the same question, especially those who want to provide their children with a flexible, high-quality education beyond the traditional classroom. Homeschooling can seem pricey at first sight, considering the costs of curriculum materials, supplies, and programs, but how much does it really cost once you dig into the details? So, if you are also wondering, "How much should I budget for homeschooling?"

If so, this blog breaks down everything you need to know about homeschooling costs in the Philippines, along with practical money-saving tips. If you're a parent seeking a flexible, high-quality education option that works with your finances, this guide is for you.

TL;DR

• Homeschooling is growing in the Philippines, offering parents flexibility, quality, and control over their child’s education, with legal support from the Department of Education (DepEd).

• Costs vary widely, from ₱18,000 to ₱100,000+ per year depending on style (independent, provider-led, hybrid), curriculum, and support levels.

• Main cost factors include tuition, materials, setup fees, enrichment activities, accreditation, and the amount of support you choose.

• You can reduce costs by utilizing free/low-cost resources, purchasing second-hand items, simplifying your supplies, and comparing providers carefully.

What Is Homeschooling in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, homeschooling began in 1997 as a response to the needs of students who could not attend formal schools due to family circumstances and medical conditions. Did you know that about 12,000 students are enrolled in homeschooling programs?

Homeschooling in the Philippines means educating your child at home (or outside a traditional school) under a legal, structured framework. It’s officially recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Revised Policy Guidelines on Homeschooling Program.

Here are the reasons why homeschooling matters to you as a parent:

1. It provides flexibility to tailor learning to your child’s pace, interests, and needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all schedule.

2. Legal recognition by DepEd ensures your child can enroll with accredited providers, use alternative learning modes, and meet national standards.

3. You’re able to ensure quality by choosing a developmentally appropriate curriculum (such as hands‑on, less screen time) that aligns with your family values.

4. Homeschooling can help you save or redirect costs, such as reducing expenses for uniforms, transportation, and infrastructure.

5. You maintain control over what your child learns and how they learn, giving you the opportunity for a strong parent‑teacher partnership and real‑world learning.

And when it comes to combining these benefits with a system that’s built for support, The School House Anywhere (TSHA), an education program, offers exactly that. With our developmentally aligned, hands-on American Emergent Curriculum, TSHA provides you with tools and resources to homeschool in a way that balances flexibility, quality, and structure.

Now that you understand what homeschooling is, let’s take a closer look at what actually drives the costs behind it.

Also Read: The Importance of Tailored Education for All Students

What Drives Homeschooling Costs in the Philippines (Cost Factors)

When you decide to homeschool, there are several expenses beyond just books. Some costs are upfront, while others are recurring. One of the biggest factors in determining your spending is the homeschooling style you choose, whether it’s independent, provider-led, or hybrid.

Here’s how each style impacts your cost:

1. Independent Style: You save on provider fees, tuition, and formal supports. However, you must cover everything else yourself, such as planning the lessons, buying or making materials, keeping records, and possibly arranging accreditation or exams.

2. Provider‑Led Style: You pay more for things like structured curriculum bundles, guidance from homeschool advisors, portfolio reviews, assessment services, and extra support (regular check‑ins, training). In return, much of the administration and record‑keeping is managed for you.

3. Hybrid Style: You get a mix of both: some provider support (maybe occasional advising, shared resources, or assessments) plus independence in planning or pacing. Costs fall between independent and provider‑led, depending on how many support features you choose.

In short, the style of homeschooling you choose directly affects what you’re paying for. To help you plan better, here are the main cost factors you’ll want to consider:

1. Tuition or Provider Fees

If you enroll in a homeschool provider program, tuition or program fees will apply. In the Philippines, these depend on the provider, grade level, and include services like advisor sessions, portfolio reviews, or virtual classrooms. Providers that offer more support or international accreditation usually charge higher fees.

2. Curriculum & Learning Materials

Books, workbooks, printables, and curriculum bundles are another big cost. Some providers separate the cost of the curriculum materials (bundles may cost PHP 7,000 to PHP 29,000 depending on grade and program), so you need to budget for that. If you buy imported materials or specialty programs (science kits, foreign textbooks), that adds to the cost. Shipping, import duties, or digital licensing can also add up.

With an education program such as TSHA, you get access to the AEC (American Emergent Curriculum), which includes high‑quality, standards‑aligned printable materials and worksheets bundled into your program. That means a large part of your material costs is already built in, helping you avoid extra fees for many curriculum resources.

3. Setup & First‑Year One‑Time Costs

Your first year usually costs more. You’ll need furniture, maybe a desk or table, storage, a printer, art and science supplies, and possibly a learning space setup. Also, registration or enrolment fees with providers may apply. Some providers charge a one‑time registration fee or require admission costs when you first sign up.

4. Accreditation, Testing, and Formal Requirements

If you want your homeschooling to be formally recognized (for example, for transferring into a traditional school or applying abroad), you may need to pay for accreditation, portfolio reviews, or tests like the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT). These can be additional costs.

5. Extras: Enrichment, Field Trips, Electives, Local Supports

If your child participates in special electives, music lessons, sports, field trips, or extracurricular activities, or if you attend homeschool-group events/conferences, these costs can add up quickly. Transportation, tickets, materials, and class fees all count. Also, if you're interested in parent training, workshops, homeschool-provider-led seminars, or support, be prepared for extra costs. 

6. Recurring Supplies, Maintenance, and Living Costs

Things like art supplies, printing, internet/utilities, and maintenance of the learning space are continuous. Even if fixed items are bought once, many small supplies wear out or need replacement. Additionally, if your homeschooling involves hybrid learning or fieldwork/experiments, those materials require regular upkeep.

7. Quality & Support Level You Choose

The more personalized or high‑support the program, the more it tends to cost. For example, having a dedicated homeschool advisor, teacher check‑ins, portfolio reviews, or more interaction with experts increases cost. Similarly, choosing programs with reputations for excellence or international accreditation usually means higher fees.

Understanding these cost factors helps you plan better, choose what features matter most, and avoid surprises. When you clearly define what level of support, materials, and learning experience you want, you’ll be able to budget more confidently and avoid overpaying for things you don’t need.

Now that you understand what influences the cost, let’s look at what families in the Philippines are actually spending on homeschooling.

Also Read: Top 5 Easy Homeschool Curriculum Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

Homeschooling Costs in the Philippines 

If you’re budgeting for homeschooling this school year, it helps to know what families are actually paying and what to expect. Costs vary significantly depending on the level of support you require, the materials used, and whether you choose to enroll with a provider or handle most of the work yourself.

Here are the figures to help you understand what you might spend in the Philippines:

SR. NO.	Cost Type	Cost (in PHP)	Details
1.	Annual tuition fees (general range)	₱18,000 – ₱50,000 (Depends on provider & chosen program)	The standard range for most homeschool providers in the Philippines varies by program and grade.
2.	Tech Program ( eg, Homeschool Global)	₱20,000 per learner	Homeschool Global provides tiered services. Their Tech Program is an affordable option with access to digital tools and online platforms.
3.	Touch Program ( eg, Homeschool Global)	₱35,000	Includes dedicated advisor support and portfolio reviews.
4.	Specialized programs with virtual classrooms	₱50,000 – ₱105,000 annually	Higher costs are incurred due to live classes and structured online learning.
5.	Curriculum materials	₱7,000 – ₱29,000	Curriculum books and learning resources are sold separately. Parents can choose to buy ready-made packages or mix materials with additional resources
6.	Online subscriptions (e.g., Study.com)	₱700 – ₱1,750 monthly	Families often add online subscriptions to enhance learning. These provide structured lessons, video tutorials, and practice exercises. Subscription fees vary depending on the platform chosen.
7.	Independent homeschooling setup costs	Varies	Covers furniture, computers, and study space setup.
8.	Overall annual expenses	Can exceed ₱100,000	Full costs (tuition + materials + extras) for premium programs.

Homeschooling in the Philippines can be as affordable as ₱18,000/year for basic programs, but with premium virtual classes, curriculum, and extra resources, the cost can exceed ₱100,000/year per child.

With so many benefits and best practices in mind, the next step is to see how the right solution can bring all of this together for your business.

Tips for Parents to Control Philippines Homeschooling Costs

When homeschooling, your biggest savings come from planning well and prioritizing. You don’t need to cut quality, just be smart about where you spend and where you save.

Here are 5 tips you can use:

1. Prioritize high‑impact expenses first: choose what matters most (curriculum, support, materials) and delay or limit extras until your budget allows.

2. Utilize free or low-cost curriculum resources, such as open educational resources, free printable worksheets, or digital libraries, to reduce the cost of books and materials. 

3. Buy second-hand or share resources: obtain used books, exchange items with other homeschooling families, or share subscriptions to reduce costs. 

4. Limit recurring expenses by simplifying supplies and minimizing extras. Reduce frequent small fees, limit field trips and elective classes, and stick to basics where possible.

5. Compare provider options carefully: check what each program includes (tuition, registration, support, materials), ask about payment plans or sibling discounts, and choose the provider whose offerings match your needs, not just what sounds appealing.

These tips can help you make choices that balance cost and quality, so homeschooling fits your budget and provides your child with the learning you want.

With a clearer view of the costs, it is helpful to explore how different providers support homeschooling, especially one designed for flexibility and value.

How TSHA Approaches Homeschooling

When you look into The School House Anywhere (TSHA), you’ll see that the homeschooling model is designed to provide both high quality and flexibility. TSHA delivers the American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), a hands-on educational framework for Pre-K through 6th grade. AEC connects subjects in real-world ways, encouraging children to explore, think creatively, and solve problems.

TSHA offers a comprehensive and flexible learning experience that is tailored to the needs of parents, educators, and students. When enrolling in TSHA’s AEC curriculum, users gain access to:

• Packaged 6-Week Sessions: Dive deep into complex topics with structured, six-week learning modules that allow for extended focus and exploration.

• Custom AEC Printable Materials and Worksheets: These resources are specifically designed to complement the AEC curriculum, allowing educators and parents to reinforce learning in engaging and practical ways.

• Access to Online Progress, Organizing & Portfolio Management Tool: A tool that helps parents and educators keep track of students' progress, organize lessons, and maintain portfolios, ensuring smooth management of the learning process.

• Access to the TSHA Member Site: A dedicated portal that provides exclusive access to additional resources, tools, and the broader TSHA community.

• Live Scheduled Office Hours: Real-time support for parents and educators, ensuring they can get personalized help whenever needed.

• Online Social Media Network & Support: A network for connecting with other TSHA users for guidance, ideas, and community support, enabling collaborative learning.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in the Philippines can be affordable, but it depends on how you plan, what style you choose, and the level of support your family needs. From tuition fees to curriculum materials and enrichment activities, each cost adds up, but there are also many ways to save. By understanding what drives the costs and taking advantage of budget-friendly strategies, you can create a meaningful, high-quality learning experience for your child without overspending.

If you're looking for a flexible, hands-on, and well-supported homeschooling program, The School House Anywhere (TSHA) could be a perfect fit for your family. TSHA’s non-screen-based, developmentally aligned approach through the American Emergent Curriculum offers everything you need: resources, guidance, and progress tools all in one place.

Start your journey with TSHA today and give your child the education they deserve with the support you need.

FAQs

1. Are there one‑time setup costs in homeschooling, and how big are they?

Yes. In your first year, you’ll often need to buy furniture, printers, supplies, and possibly build or adapt a learning space. These one-time costs can increase the first-year budget significantly (sometimes by a large percentage).

2. Can homeschooling costs be lowered or spread out?

Yes. Many providers offer payment plans (installments), sibling discounts, or allow you to use free or low‑cost resources. Also, choosing hybrid or independent options tends to reduce recurring fees.

3. What additional fees should I expect apart from tuition & materials?

Besides tuition and materials, you may need to budget for optional extras, such as field trips, electives (e.g., music, sports), accreditation or assessment fees, online subscriptions, or workshops. These add‑ons can significantly affect the total cost.