Transitioning from Public School to Homeschool:How to Create a Budget for High-Quality Homeschooling Without Breaking the Bank
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
Making the switch from public school to homeschool is an exciting and empowering decision—but it can also feel financially overwhelming. You might be wondering:
"How much will this cost us?"
"Can we afford quality materials?"
"Do I need to spend thousands to homeschool well?"
The truth is: you can absolutely homeschool your child with excellence—without breaking the bank. With the right planning, smart choices, and access to quality resources, you can give your child a top-tier education on a realistic budget.
Here’s how.
Step 1: Define Your Priorities
Before diving into purchases, ask yourself:
What are our must-haves? (e.g., structured curriculum, faith-based content, hands-on activities)
What kind of learner is my child? (Visual? Kinesthetic? Auditory?)
How involved do I want to be in planning and teaching each subject?
Do I want a complete program or a flexible approach I can build on?
Having clear goals will prevent overspending on things that look appealing but don’t match your family’s needs.
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget
A typical homeschool budget can range from $500 to $3,000 per year per child, depending on:
Curriculum (boxed sets vs. à la carte)
Number of subjects and grade level
Printed vs. digital material
Extra activities or subscriptions
Good news: Many families successfully homeschool for much less than a private school using creative, affordable strategies (more on that below!).
Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash
Step 3: Choose High-Value Curriculum and Resources
You don’t need the most expensive program to deliver high-quality learning. Look for:
All-in-one programs that include multiple subjects and planning tools
Open-and-go formats that reduce prep time and extra costs
Programs that align with your child’s learning style (save time and avoid frustration)
Curriculum with reusable materials (great if you have more than one child)
At HomeschoolToGo, we offer complete weekly units that integrate reading, writing, history, science, and art in one cohesive format—affordable, flexible, and ready to use.
Plus, our curriculum is designed to adapt to your child’s strengths through the Multiple Intelligences approach—no wasted resources, just meaningful learning.
Step 4: Use Free and Low-Cost Tools
There are countless quality resources available for little to no cost:
Free online libraries (like Khan Academy, ReadWorks, Duolingo)
Used curriculum exchanges and Facebook groups
Public library books, documentaries, and educational games
Printable worksheets from reputable sites
Free homeschool planners and schedule templates
🎁 Homeschool To Go also offers free downloads and samples to help families get started with confidence.
Photo by Judy Beth Morris on Unsplash
Step 5: Include Non-Traditional Learning in Your Budget
Learning happens everywhere—not just in textbooks. Be sure to budget for:
Museum passes or nature centers
Science kits or art supplies
Family cooking projects or garden materials
Board games that teach logic, math, or language
Community classes, local co-ops, or homeschool meetups
These low-cost experiences can spark a love of learning that lasts far beyond the workbook.
Bonus: Track Your Spending with a Simple Homeschool Budget Sheet
Having clear goals will help you budget your expenses for the year:
Materials/Resources
Educational subscriptions or apps
Educational field trips or extracurricular activities
Printing and supplies expenses
🧾 Need help? We’ve created a Back to Homeschool Checklist to help you plan properly—download it here:
👉 Back to Homeschool Checklist- HomeschoolToGo
HomeschoolToGo Resources
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend thousands to homeschool your child with success. What matters most is intentionality, consistency, and choosing resources that work for YOUR family.
At HomeschoolToGo, we’re committed to helping families transition from public school to homeschool with clarity, confidence, and affordability.
