How much does it cost to homeschool?
Back when Nat and I were first married, we used to quote Tevye’s prayer to each other from Fiddler on the Roof, “Dear God, you made many, many poor people. I realize, of course, that it’s no shame to be poor. But it’s no great honor either! So, what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune?”
We wouldn’t actually have said we were poor, but our budget was painfully tight. Having a sense of humor about it helped. Tevye goes on to sing, “Would it spoil some vast eternal plan, if I were a wealthy man?”
Words on the page can’t quite convey the dramatic interpretation, but if you feel like you’re in the same boat and haven’t seen this before, I encourage you to seek it out, hopefully for a chuckle.
Because sometimes it’s not how much money we have in our bank account that makes homeschooling possible or not, it’s our mindset.
Like Tevye, we can (and should) truly lament the limitations that having a tight budget brings. And we can also laugh at the reality that God’s will can’t be thwarted by our own lack of funds. But there’s no need to stop there. Why not take it as a challenge to stretch our faith and become resourceful enough to make our dreams come to life?
The truth is, starting out homeschooling doesn’t have to cost a lot. I did it with a $20 guide book, a library card, and a preschool “curriculum” called Little Hands to Heaven.
Yes, costs increased over the years, but doors opened up one step at a time—things I could never have imagined when I started out.
So, if you’re worried about how much it will cost to homeschool, do your homework, take the time to count the cost. But also realize that the cost isn’t all about dollars. Much can be gained with courage, a good mindset, and a heart of faith. And don’t forget a sense of humor!
Also, here are some resources that I hope can help make homeschooling affordable for you (some very local to El Paso, but even if you’re not from here, take the ideas and run with them!):
FREE learning resources
Free online resources, ex: The Peaceful Press
Used books & curriculum
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Savers
Curriculum swaps with friends
State & financial help
Work & save from home
Finally, remember that homeschooling is an investment. Just like compounding interest gets bigger over time, what you invest in your children through home education has the potential to grow exponentially over time, and the returns can be priceless.
