Free & discounted homeschooling resources

Homeschoolers often enjoy a supportive and interdependent community, sharing resources, education, and childcare. Many educational providers have also made their resources freely available to the public. Here are some of the most common ways to find free homeschooling programs:

Skill Exchange & Childcare Exchange

Many homeschool parents offer free classes to other community members, fostering a culture of shared learning. To find out what's being offered, join your local online homeschool group. Older kids often participate by teaching younger ones, adding to the diverse learning environment.

Free Forest School

One of the most impactful organizations spreading across the United States is Free Forest School. Families attend with their kids or take turns as facilitators, guiding children through activities that promote free play and learning through nature. This initiative encourages kids to connect with nature while learning essential life skills. If you're interested in finding or starting a local forest school, visit Free Forest School. Their team is deeply committed to social justice, the environment, and equitable education.

The Local Library

Local libraries are a treasure trove for homeschoolers. They offer access to great literature, reputable homeschool curricula, and a variety of online materials, expanding access to high-quality educational resources. Many libraries also offer free tutoring and programs, including foreign language lessons, art classes, and makerspaces with tools like 3D printers. For example, the Philadelphia library provides over 28,000 virtual programs, covering a wide range of subjects from Arabic to Theater and Mindful Meditation.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Similar to libraries, museums, jazz centers, local colleges, universities, and science centers frequently offer free days and programs. These institutions, often funded by tax dollars and donations, sometimes allow families to "pay what they can." It's always worth asking if you can attend for free if the ticket price is a barrier.

Free & Discounted Homeschooling Curricula

Homeschoolers tend to be generous, often sharing or selling their used curricula at discounted rates. Here are three ways to obtain free or discounted homeschooling curricula:

eBay

Families frequently sell used curricula on eBay. It’s a great platform to find discounted homeschool resources.

Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op

The Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op not only sells used curricula but also buys curricula in bulk to provide discounts to families. They also have an active Facebook group for additional support and resources.

Facebook Free Curriculum Groups

A quick search on Facebook reveals many groups where families give away or sell their curriculum at discounted prices. Participating in these groups can help you find the resources you need at little to no cost.

Curriculum Discussion Groups

Community groups dedicated to specific curricula, like Blossom and Root or Right Start Math, often share free and discounted resources. These groups can provide valuable insights and support from other homeschooling families.

Free and Recycled Technology

Organizations like PCs for People and AFTRR offer programs that provide free computers, iPads, and other electronic devices to families. During the pandemic, partnerships with such organizations helped provide essential technology to students.

Free Online Homeschooling Programs

Numerous exceptional, free educational resources are available online, many of which are funded by grantmakers or created out of the kindness of the creators' hearts. Here are some highlights:

Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids offers a comprehensive, mastery-based learning program for young children. It covers a wide range of subjects and is designed to be engaging and interactive.

Prodigy Math Game

Prodigy Math Game turns math learning into an adventure, making it fun and engaging for kids while reinforcing essential math skills.

Teach Your Monster to Read

This program helps children learn to read by playing educational games that make the learning process enjoyable.

Educational YouTube Channels

Some of our favorite educational YouTube channels include Physics Girl, Art for Kids Hub, and Cosmic Kids Yoga. These channels provide high-quality educational content that is both engaging and informative.

Free Tutoring

It's beneficial for children to have influences and relationships beyond their immediate family. Many organizations provide free one-on-one mastery learning with highly trained volunteer tutors:

Local Library Tutoring Programs

Many local libraries offer free tutoring programs in various subjects.

Modulo's Free Math Tutoring

At Modulo, we offer live, free math tutoring through our non-profit, masteryhour.org. Students can drop in four days a week for live Zoom tutoring sessions with volunteer math majors and aspiring teachers from top colleges and universities.

Schoolhouse.world

Founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy, Schoolhouse.world offers exceptional free tutoring services, focusing on high-quality, mastery-based learning.

Swapping Childcare and Education

The homeschool community excels at sharing resources, which is especially beneficial for single parents. Joining a babysitting co-op or a homeschool co-op, or finding another family interested in swapping childcare once or twice a week, can provide significant support. Babysitting swaps can also benefit only children by expanding their social circle and providing them with surrogate siblings.

Reciprocate

Many homeschooling families have created free resources, taught free classes, and offered free tutoring and babysitting. Supporting this culture by sharing your own talents and expertise encourages others to do the same, fostering a strong, interdependent community.

Ask for Help

While it may feel uncomfortable, asking for help is crucial for raising a child well. Whether it’s from friends, other homeschoolers, family, curriculum providers, your company, or the government, don't hesitate to reach out. Most people are willing to help when asked politely and directly. Research shows that a polite, humble request is often met with a positive response.

Curriculum Providers

Good education companies usually feel a moral imperative to make quality education accessible to all families. If you're interested in a curriculum but can't afford it, contact the company directly. Many offer scholarships or discounts, and some, like Modulo, provide resources for free to families in need.

Your Company

Many companies offer stipends or other benefits for childcare or education. Asking your HR department about these benefits not only helps you but also encourages more companies to offer similar support.

Friends and Family

Friends and family are often willing to help with childcare and other resources. Becoming part of an interdependent community rather than operating as a nuclear family on an island can be incredibly rewarding.

Modulo Community

If you're considering homeschooling and would like to participate in the Modulo membership community but are struggling financially, ask us for a scholarship. We are committed to supporting all families in their homeschooling journey.

In conclusion, homeschooling offers the opportunity to build a high-quality life and education for your child, regardless of the resources you have. By leveraging free local programs, discounted curricula, and community support, you can provide a rich and engaging educational experience for your family. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and reciprocate within your community to sustain this culture of generosity and support.