How Much Does Homeschooling Cost In 2025

Are you thinking about homeschooling but wondering how much it will really cost?

Homeschooling your child can be exciting and rewarding, but it also comes with its share of costs. Many parents are eager to teach at home, yet they don't have a clear picture of what to expect.

From curriculum and supplies to extracurricular activities, field trips, and even technology, expenses can add up quickly. Every choice counts, making it hard to know where to start.

In this blog, we’ll explore how much does homeschooling cost in 2025. You’ll get insights into expenses, covering everything from setup to ongoing curriculum and activities. Stick till the end to discover practical tips to manage your budget and make homeschooling both affordable and effective for your child.

Key Takeaways:

• Homeschooling typically costs $500–$2,500 per child yearly, while online programs can reach $6,000.

• Recurring expenses include curriculum, learning materials, extracurriculars, and optional testing.

• Hidden costs like technology, transportation, field trips, and potential lost income should be considered for accurate budgeting.

• Some states and federal programs offer tax credits, deductions, and Coverdell ESA options to help offset homeschooling expenses.

• Save money by using free resources, buying second-hand, joining co-ops, and using TSHA’s curriculum and support tools.

What’s The Average Cost Of Homeschooling?

If you’re new to homeschooling, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is How much does homeschooling cost. The truth is, the amount can vary widely depending on how you teach, where you live, and the materials you choose.

On average, families spend $500 to $2,500 per child each year on homeschooling. Online programs are more flexible but can range from $400 to $6,000 per year, depending on whether lessons are live-taught or self-paced.

What Will You Spend Your Money On?

While homeschooling can be customized to fit your family’s lifestyle, it also comes with certain must-haves. Here are some key areas where families usually spend:

• Basic supplies like a computer, printer, and stationery for your child’s learning space.

• Pre-packaged or custom-built learning programs, mixing free resources with paid materials.

• Sports, art, music, or drama lessons that enhance learning beyond the classroom.

• Optional support from private tutors or homeschool pods for group learning.

While setup costs can add up at first, the ongoing expenses are what shape your yearly homeschooling budget.

Also Read: The Best Budget-Friendly Homeschool Curriculums

Recurring Costs Associated With Homeschooling

Running a homeschool involves ongoing costs, just like any traditional school. These are the expenses that continue throughout the year as your child progresses. Let’s look at what these usually include:

Curriculum and Learning Materials

• Yearly Curriculum Updates: Each school year brings new subjects, books, and lessons. You’ll likely spend between $500 and $2,000 per year, depending on the curriculum and resources you choose.

• Flexible Learning Choices: Some parents prefer ready-made programs, while others mix free printables, online tools, and shared resources. You can easily tailor lessons to your child’s needs without overspending.

Extracurricular Activities

• Learning Beyond Books: Sports, music, or art classes help your child grow creatively and socially. Families usually spend $100 to $1,000 yearly, depending on how many activities they join.

• Affordable Community Options: Check local libraries, youth centers, or homeschool co-ops. Many offer low-cost or free group activities, letting your child make friends while you save money.

Testing and Evaluation

• Progress Tracking Costs: Even if your state doesn’t require tests, you might choose them to track learning. These usually cost around $25 to $150 per year.

• Alternative Assessment Choices: Some parents prefer portfolio reviews by educators for personalized feedback. It’s a great way to evaluate growth without stressing about scores.

Learning Pods or Co-ops

• Collaborative Learning Groups: Pods give kids a classroom feel with small groups and shared tutors. You can expect to pay around $3,000 to $8,000 yearly, depending on participation.

• Shared Costs and Flexibility: You’ll split expenses for teachers, materials, and venues. It’s a balanced option if you want group learning without a traditional school structure.

Even with these recurring costs, homeschooling often gives you more control over how and where your money goes. But there are a few extra costs that can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared.

Looking for a homeschool curriculum that's both high-quality and affordable? TSHA offers the American Emergent Curriculum with access to 6-week deep dive sessions, custom worksheets, and live support to keep learning organized and affordable.

Hidden Costs And Considerations For Homeschooling

Homeschooling isn’t only about buying books and supplies. Some costs are less visible but can affect your budget in big ways.

Potential Loss of Income

• If you decide to homeschool full-time, you might need to cut back on work hours, which could affect your family’s overall income.

• Some families manage this by working part-time or freelancing, adjusting schedules around lessons.

• It’s important to factor in lost benefits like insurance or retirement contributions when planning.

Transportation and Field Trips

• Even without a school bus, homeschooling families often drive for field trips and classes.

• Gas, parking, and entry fees can add up over time, especially for larger families.

• Carpooling with other homeschooling families or planning nearby activities can help you save on travel costs.

Food and Daily Living Costs

• With kids home all day, grocery bills and snack expenses naturally rise.

• Families used to public school lunches might spend more monthly, since homeschooling doesn’t include subsidized meal programs or cafeteria savings.

• Planning weekly meals and buying groceries in bulk can make it easier to manage food expenses.

Technology and the Internet

• Homeschooling often depends on reliable devices and high-speed internet.

• You might spend around $850 annually on school-related tech and supplies, including laptops, tablets, and online learning tools for your child.

• Choosing refurbished devices and reusable supplies can stretch your budget further.

Understanding these hidden expenses helps you plan better, and knowing available tax credits can ease some of your financial load.

Worried about unexpected homeschool costs? Take control of budgeting with TSH Anywhere. Our reusable lesson plans, printable resources, and live Q&A sessions make learning high-quality and cost-conscious.

Homeschooling Tax Credits and Deductions To Know

You may be surprised that only a handful of states provide homeschooling tax benefits. Most of the time, homeschooling is not tax-deductible, but knowing what’s available can make a difference.

Federal Tax Programs:

• Special Needs Education: If your child requires special tutoring or tools, like Braille programs or sign language support, some medical expenses may be deductible.

• Charitable Contributions: Donations of money or educational materials to nonprofit homeschool associations may qualify as deductions.

• Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA): You can use a tax-deferred ESA to cover eligible expenses for primary, secondary, and higher education.

State Tax Credits and Deductions:

State	Type of Credit	Details
Illinois	Education Expense Credit	Full-time homeschool parents can claim expenses over $250 annually.
Indiana	Homeschool Expense Deduction	Parents can deduct up to $1,000 per child per year.
Louisiana	Educational Expense Deduction	50% deduction for costs up to $5,000 per dependent.
Minnesota	K-12 Education Credit	Covers non-religious materials like textbooks and supplies.
Iowa	Tuition and Textbook Credit	25% credit on up to $2,000 per dependent for textbooks and materials.

Tax deductions are one thing, but homeschooling can also save you money in ways you might not immediately consider. Let’s explore the financial benefits that often surprise families.

Also Read: Getting Paid to Homeschool: Can Parents Really Do It?

Financial Benefits Of Choosing To Homeschool

Homeschooling can actually be cheaper than private school and provides flexibility that reduces other costs. Here are some of the main ways it benefits your wallet:

• Healthier, Cheaper Meals: Making lunches at home avoids expensive pre-packaged school meals.

• Flexible Vacations: A homeschool calendar allows off-season trips, which can lower travel costs significantly.

• No School Fees: You save on registration fees, uniforms, fundraising, and special events that add up each year.

• Childcare Savings: For younger kids, homeschooling reduces professional childcare costs, which can run $750 to $1,900 per month.

• Education Savings Accounts: Using a Coverdell ESA can cover homeschooling materials or higher education costs without extra taxes.

By considering these factors, you start to see how homeschooling can balance out your overall spending and even create opportunities for savings.

Also Read: Average Private School Tuition Cost in New Orleans

How Can You Save Money On Homeschooling?

Homeschooling does involve expenses, but careful planning and smart choices can significantly reduce your costs. Let’s explore practical ways to save.

Use Free Online Resources

Many websites provide free lessons, worksheets, and even full curriculums. This is a simple way to start without investing a lot of money, and it gives you flexibility to experiment.

Join a Homeschool Group or Co-op

Connecting with local or online co-ops lets you share curriculum, field trips, and materials. Your child gains social learning opportunities while you save money on resources.

Buy Used Materials

Textbooks, workbooks, and other supplies can often be bought second-hand or swapped with other families. eBooks are another affordable option and reusable for multiple children.

Plan and Research Ahead

• Budget Wisely: Make a realistic spending plan, but don’t feel guilty if some resources don’t work out.

• Test Before Buying: Borrow books or download free samples to ensure they suit your child’s learning style.

• Ebooks and Libraries: Use free library programs, request acquisitions, or buy ebooks to reduce costs.

Organize Group Activities

You can save money by organizing group activities with other homeschooling families. Sharing costs for sports, art, or science programs keeps expenses low while making learning more engaging.

How TSHA Makes Homeschooling More Effective and Affordable

Managing how much homeschooling costs can feel overwhelming, especially with curriculum, materials, extracurricular activities, and hidden expenses adding up quickly. That’s where TSH Anywhere comes in. 

With TSHA’s American Emergent Curriculum (AEC), your child experiences an interconnected approach where math, science, reading, and art naturally overlap. This makes lessons more meaningful and reduces the need for multiple expensive resources. You also get access to tools and support that replace costly private tutors or supplemental programs.

Here’s how TSHA helps you homeschool smarter:

• 6-Week Deep-Dive Sessions: Focus on complex topics without needing to buy multiple curricula.

• Custom Printable Materials & Worksheets: Everything you need is included, reducing extra spending on books or workbooks.

• Online Progress & Portfolio Management: Track your child’s achievements digitally without hiring outside evaluators.

• Member Site Access & Community Support: Connect with other homeschool parents for ideas, resource sharing, and social learning.

• Live Educator & Founder Sessions: Weekly Q&A and office hours give you expert guidance without additional costs.

• Digital and Optional Hands-On Materials: Carefully curated resources allow hands-on learning while keeping expenses predictable.

By integrating TSHA into your homeschooling plan, you can streamline your budget, reduce trial-and-error costs, and give your child an engaging, well-rounded education. 

Summing Up

Homeschooling offers flexibility, personalized learning, and opportunities to nurture your child’s interests. Understanding how much does homeschooling cost helps you plan effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.

From curriculum and materials to hidden costs like transportation and technology, budgeting carefully ensures a smooth experience. Federal and state tax credits, along with smart cost-saving strategies, can make homeschooling more affordable without compromising quality.

Explore homeschooling like never before with TSHA. Register as a parent to access the American Emergent Curriculum, printable materials, 6-week deep dive sessions, online progress tools, and live weekly Q&A sessions. Join TSHA and transform your homeschooling experience into an exciting, organized, and collaborative journey your child will love.

FAQ’s

Q. How much does homeschooling cost per month?

On average, homeschooling costs range from $40 to $200 per month per child, depending on the curriculum, supplies, and extracurricular activities you choose. Some families spend less by using free resources or sharing materials with homeschool groups.

Q. How much does online homeschooling cost?

Online homeschooling programs typically cost $35 to $500 per month per child, depending on whether courses are self-paced or include live teacher-led lessons. Premium programs with personalized support or specialized content may cost more.

Q. How do the costs of homeschooling compare to those of traditional schooling?

Homeschooling is often less expensive than private school, especially when you consider tuition, uniforms, and fees. Compared to public schools, costs may be higher for materials and extracurriculars, but flexible scheduling and at-home meals can offset some expenses.

Q. Does Texas pay for homeschooling?

Texas does not provide direct funding for homeschooling families. Parents cover curriculum, supplies, and other expenses themselves, though there are some optional programs and community resources to help reduce costs.