Getting Money for Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be an incredibly rewarding experience, offering a tailored educational journey for children and fostering a close-knit family learning environment. However, funding homeschooling can be a significant concern for many families. In this blog, we will explore various funding sources available to homeschoolers, ensuring that you have the financial support needed to provide a rich and comprehensive education for your children.
Public Schools
Many families are unaware that even if they register as homeschoolers, they may still be able to utilize resources provided by their local public schools. Public schools often offer access to special services, participation in clubs, sports teams, and even specific educational programs. For example, some states provide special-needs students with up to $8,000 to cover homeschooling expenses.
In addition, Congress allocated billions of dollars to public schools to aid their recovery after the pandemic, and homeschoolers can sometimes access this funding through their local public school districts. It's highly recommended that families inquire with their local homeschool groups and public schools to discover what resources and funding might be available to them.
Government Funding for Homeschooling
Government funding for homeschooling varies widely depending on the state. Some states offer substantial support through various programs and tax credits designed to subsidize education and childcare expenses. Here are some key avenues to explore:
State Funding and Tax Credits
The school choice movement has seen significant successes in recent years, expanding access to private schools and homeschooling through different funding mechanisms. Here are the five main types of government funding available to homeschoolers:
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Parents receive public funds into a restricted savings account for educational purposes. Currently, ten states offer ESAs.
School Vouchers: These provide parents with a voucher equal to or partially covering the amount of public funding allocated for their child's education, which can be used for private schooling or homeschooling.
Tax-Credit Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Parents receive tax credits for donations to nonprofits managing education savings accounts, which can be used for educational expenses. Some funds allow combining public and private services.
Tax-Credit Scholarships: Taxpayers receive full or partial tax credits for donations to nonprofits providing private school scholarships and, in some cases, innovation grants for alternative education options.
Individual Tax Credits and Donations: Parents can deduct educational expenses from their taxes. Nine states currently offer individual tax credit/deductions.
State Programs
Several states have rolled out or are considering programs to offer funding to homeschoolers:
Arizona: Every school-age child qualifies for a $7,000 voucher usable for private school or homeschooling expenses.
Arkansas: Provides limited vouchers through the Succeed Scholarships and is considering legislation for universal school choice.
Colorado: Offers families a percentage of per-pupil spending.
Florida: Programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship support homeschooling.
Minnesota: Offers a K-12 education credit for qualified expenses.
Ohio: Provides a K-12 Home Education Credit of up to $250.
Oklahoma: Offers a Tax-Credit scholarship and a voucher program for students with disabilities.
Iowa: Recently passed universal school choice, offering $7,600 per year for homeschooling or private school.
Idaho: The Empowering Parents program provides grants of up to $1,000 per child for eligible education services.
Indiana: Offers a homeschool tax deduction of up to $1,000 per child.
Nebraska: Considering a universal school choice law for private school scholarships.
New Hampshire: Offers tax-credit scholarships including reimbursements for homeschoolers.
Texas: Considering a bill offering $10,000 per child for educational expenses.
Utah: Passed H.B. 215, giving homeschoolers $8,000/year through the Utah Fits All Scholarship starting in the 2024/2025 school year.
West Virginia: Offers universal school choice through the Hope Scholarship, equal to the per-pupil allotment for public schools (approximately $4,600).
To stay updated on these programs, visit edchoice.org for the latest options on government funding.
Childcare Credits
Childcare expenses can be more significant than educational costs for homeschooling families. Fortunately, 25 states offer dependent care credits, incentivizing companies to provide childcare or offering parents a tax deduction. For more information on available childcare funding, visit childcare.gov and search for your state.
Umbrella Charter Schools
In states like California, families can enroll in umbrella charter schools, such as Ocean Charter, which allocate a certain amount of credits for vetted extracurricular activities. These schools, however, may have more rigorous requirements regarding testing and curriculum compared to parent-directed homeschooling. Check with your local homeschool office to find out what charter schools are available in your state.
Microgrants
Several nonprofits offer small grants to individual families or small groups of homeschooling families. Some notable ones include:
HLSDA Compassion: Provides grants for curriculum, technology, and support for families facing financial hardship or natural disasters.
EHEP: Offers budgeting assistance, technology, free classes, tutoring, K-12 free EdTech subscriptions, free Wi-Fi, school supplies, and micro-grants (up to $100-$250 per family).
Vela Ed Fund: Awards microgrants to families looking to innovate their children's education, such as forming homeschool co-ops or obtaining homeschool coaching.
Families should also explore grants not specifically tagged for homeschooling but available to single mothers, gifted students, and students with special needs.
Company Perks for Childcare and Education
Many companies now offer childcare and education benefits to their employees. These benefits can include backup childcare, tutoring, and college counseling. It's worth asking your employer about the available perks and taking full advantage of them.
In August 2022, The Muse featured a list of the best companies for working parents, highlighting those offering substantial support for working families. Encouraging and advocating for such benefits within your company can help build a supportive work environment for parents.
Conclusion
Funding homeschooling can seem daunting, but there are numerous resources and programs available to support families. From government funding and tax credits to microgrants and company perks, homeschoolers have many avenues to explore. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure that your homeschooling journey is both educationally rich and financially manageable.
For more detailed information and updates, be sure to check resources like edchoice.org and childcare.gov. Additionally, connecting with local homeschool groups and public schools can provide valuable insights and support.
