Questions to consider when evaluating costs of homeschooling

Homeschooling is a growing trend among families looking for personalized education for their children. However, the decision to homeschool comes with various financial considerations. Below are 17 key questions to help evaluate the costs associated with homeschooling.

1. Changing Jobs or Quitting Jobs

Will one of the parents quit their job, or change to a remote, flexible job? The decision to homeschool often requires one parent to reduce their working hours or quit their job entirely to become the primary educator. Alternatively, parents might consider switching to a remote or flexible job to accommodate homeschooling. Evaluating the potential loss of income versus the benefits of homeschooling is crucial.

Will you have the opportunity to start a new business you always dreamed of building? Some parents leverage homeschooling as an opportunity to start a home-based business. This could offset the loss of income while providing the flexibility needed to manage both homeschooling and business operations.

2. Remote Work

Would your employer consider allowing you to make your job remote? Remote work can significantly reduce childcare costs and provide the flexibility to homeschool. If your employer is open to this arrangement, it might be a viable solution to balance work and homeschooling responsibilities.

3. Level of Independence

Are your kids old enough to learn independently for blocks of 2-3 hours while you work remotely (typically 6+)? Older children may require less direct supervision, allowing parents to manage work and homeschooling more effectively.

Are they old enough to stay home alone or with friends for long periods while you work outside the home (typically 12+)? Evaluating your child’s ability to handle independence is crucial for planning your work schedule around homeschooling.

4. Resource-Sharing

Is there another parent in the homeschool community who could be interested in swapping childcare or education with you? Resource-sharing with other homeschooling families can reduce costs and provide social interaction for children.

5. Microschool

Do you want children to participate in a homeschool co-op to give you time for work? Homeschool co-ops can offer a structured educational environment and give parents time to focus on work.

Are there free co-ops in your area? Free or low-cost co-ops can provide valuable educational resources and socialization opportunities without significantly impacting your budget.

6. Cost of Living

Do you pay a high mortgage or rent to live near “good schools?” Homeschooling can allow you to move to areas with lower living costs, as you are no longer bound by the proximity to top-rated schools.

Would homeschooling allow you to live in an area with a lower mortgage, rent or lower cost of living? The Economic Policy Institute’s Family budget calculator shows significant cost differences between areas, such as $14,407/month in San Francisco versus $4,974/month in Orangeburg, SC.

7. World Travel

Is it possible for your family to live abroad? Some families choose to live in countries with lower living costs while homeschooling. For example, the cost of living for a family in Oaxaca, Mexico, is estimated at $1,995/month.

8. Grandparents

Would homeschooling allow you to live closer to grandparents and extended family? Proximity to family can reduce childcare costs and provide a supportive environment for homeschooling.

9. Transportation Costs

How much do you spend on transportation, for example by driving multiple kids to school and afterschool activities? Homeschooling can reduce transportation costs significantly as children do not need to commute daily.

10. Less Need for Special Services

If children require remedial services (for example, for reading and math), would learning at their own pace reduce the need for these services? Personalized learning can address individual needs, potentially reducing the need for additional educational services.

11. Mastery Learning

Do your children need therapy for school-related anxiety or behavioral issues? Homeschooling can create a stress-free learning environment, potentially reducing the need for therapy.

12. Catch-Up

Does your child require tutors or afterschool classes to get good grades in school? Homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace, which can reduce the need for tutors and additional classes.

13. Public School Services

Would you lose access to special services provided by public school, or would your school continue to offer these when you homeschool? Some services might be lost when transitioning to homeschooling, while others may still be available depending on local policies.

14. Free Resources

Are there free homeschooling resources available in your community (free classes provided by museums, cultural organizations, homeschool groups, public schools, etc.)? Many communities offer free or low-cost educational resources that can supplement your homeschooling curriculum.

15. Resource-Sharing

Is there a large homeschooling community in your area that could be interested in sharing childcare, education, etc.? A supportive homeschooling community can offer shared resources and collaborative learning opportunities.

16. Why Tutors?

If you want to hire tutors, what are your motivations? Assess whether your motivations for hiring tutors stem from a lack of confidence in your teaching abilities or a perceived need for expert instruction in specific subjects.

Do you think you’re either unqualified or incapable of teaching your kids? Many parents assume they need to be subject experts, but there are numerous resources available to support homeschooling parents.

Are you concerned your kids won’t listen to you? Some parents worry about maintaining discipline, but homeschooling often requires less time in formal instruction than traditional schooling.

Do you think teaching your kids will take up too much time, and you need to work? Many families are surprised to find that homeschooling can be done efficiently within 1-2 hours a day.

17. What’s Priceless?

What are the costs and benefits that don’t have a price attached? Consider the intangible benefits of homeschooling, such as quality of education, family life, social-emotional health, and the opportunity to travel and be deeply involved in your child’s education. Evaluating these priceless factors can help determine the true value of homeschooling for your family.

Homeschooling presents unique financial considerations, but with thoughtful planning and evaluation of these 17 questions, families can make informed decisions that balance both their financial and educational goals.