Homeschooling is a growing trend in the United States as more and more families decide they need to take control of their children’s education themselves. The liberty that comes with homeschooling is well-documented, as are the accomplishments of many homeschooled kids.
But what about the cost of homeschooling? How much does homeschooling really cost? Is it cost-efficient for the average family? Check out Comprehensive O-level Chinese tuition.
Education is not Free
Some parents feel that they will save money by homeschooling. Homeschooling does not have tuition fees like private schools, and even though public schools are “free” (if you disregard the taxes you pay for them), they still require various fees for books, field trips, choir shirts, you name it.
However, homeschooling is not free. The average amount public schools spend per child, per year is around $8000. A recent study by economics professor Clive Belfield estimates the annual cost of homeschooling is at $2500 per child, and slightly less for each subsequent child.
Costs to Consider
These are what families will spend money on when they consider homeschooling:
Curriculum ( including textbooks, software, and videos)
Memberships to various homeschooling associations and/or groups
homeschooling newsletters and journals
classes (dance, sports, music, art, etc)
Field trips, including memberships to local Museums, Zoos, etc.
It should be noted that not all homeschooling families purchase all of the items mentioned above, and that many families with children in public and/or private schools buy many of the above items as well. Additionally, homeschoolers can save by buying supplies used, and then by selling materials when they finish using them.
Despite the cost finally paid, these are items to consider when your deciding whether you can afford to homeschool.
A Parent at Home
Probably the major financial consideration for homeschooling is the required teacher at home – a parent. Belfield’s study found that the average homeschooling parent was a college-educated woman with an income of $38000 annually while in the workforce. That is the “opportunity cost,” or the amount your family might be giving up to have a parent at home, because hiring a teacher or facilitator will be an additional cost.
If your family is considering homeschooling and wondering if you could make it on one income, try living on just one income for several months while both parents are still working. Can your family handle the lifestyle changes necessary to provide a parent at home full-time? Do not rush into the decision without testing the waters first, financially.
Higher Costs for Higher Ed
Many homeschooling families find the monetary costs are highest for high school students. This is because many parents hire tutors who specialize in the more intense high school courses needed by teens: a native Chinese speaker for Language instruction, a College Board-certified instructor for AP test class preparation, etc.
No Help from Uncle Sam
Currently, there are no federal tax breaks for homeschoolers; homeschooling is considered a personal expense by the IRS.
Despite the costs, most homeschooling families don’t regret their decision not to send their children to a regular school. The freedom to educate and monitor their kids according to their own beliefs weighs more than any costs involved.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
