Homeschoolers - Is this too much money to spend?

[cathyz]

This is my 1st year of homeschooling and i tend to be a bit OCD when it comes to making decisions. I have searched and searched and read every single forum (well, atleast I'm close) and I think I've come up with the ideal plan. The only problem is that it will cost close to $1,000.

My list includes: Chalk Dust (math) - $225, Rosetta Stone (German 1) - $219, History of Science (Beautiful Feet)-$150, Global Tops (as Science supplement) - $62, Spelling Power - $50, Various Grammar, Proofreading already purchased (Language)-$20, History of Music Jumbo Pack (Beautiful Feet)-$170, Mark Kistler's Draw Squad (art)-$17. We're also doing a 'unit study' on World War II (History) and I've already purchased a ton of books, fiction and non-fiction to go along with this. He will put together some reports and projects in this area.

Anyhow, I'm just wondering if this is crazy or if this is normal - the amount of $$ I Mean. I'm only homeschooling my one DS13 for now; DS10 may join us next year. Money is definitely an issue, but my kids always come first. This is my 1st year so I'm very unsure about things. But, I've known my son for 13 years and I feel pretty comfortable in knowing what he needs. The Core programs such as Sonlight sound wonderful (and I'm sure they are), but I just don't see it as a fit for us. I really want to customize this to his needs and interests.

If you don't mind me asking, how much do you all spend each year? Thanks for your insight!

 

[amyjo]

This year I spent about $1000 for my three kids (that's total, not each). My kids are elementary school--5th, 3rd, and 1st--so the materials are not as expensive. Honestly, $1000 is less than private school, right? How much shopping around have you done? You might be able to find some stuff for less. Rainbow Resource Center (in IL, I think) is a good place to look, so is Rock Solid (they're in FL). You can google and find their websites easily. How much of this will you be able to use again with your younger child? That cuts down on over all costs, too. When my oldest was learning to read I spent $300 on a reading program for her; but I will use it for all six of my kids so it's really only $50 per kid (plus the workbook I will have to replace; everything else we can re-use). Hope that helps some!
-Amy

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My daughter is doing Kindergarten this year--and we spent hundreds of dollars. Part of that is the "setting up shop" costs. We bought at convention (probably spent about $200-$300), place an order with Rainbow Resource Center that was almost $200...plus school supplies from Wal-Mart and the education store. About $100 for our religion--that I ended up being disappointed in the materials--so won't worry about that cost next year (it was a one time purchase anyway for one item that was half of that order).

Additionally--we do dance ($62 per month for 2 kids), gymanstics/tumbling ($40 per month for 2 kids), and field trips (performances were $102--and other ft's on tap that will be about $200 for the whole year when you add them all up including Dixie Stampede Christmas show).

So I imagine if its your first time out--yes the cost could be that high.

Evaluate why you are purchasing each program--and would something less expensive do just as well?

 

[cathyz]

Thanks, Amy! You're right, I guess $1000 is less than a private school! I haven't really shopped around too much yet, I definitely will before I actually buy. In fact I found Rosetta Stone on Ebay for $179 (vs. $219). And, I can probably use a bunch of these things (atleast 1/2) for my younger DS if this all works out for us. Thanks for your insight!

 

[disneymom225]

Not a homeschooler but this caught my eye.. What about using public library for the fiction/non-fiction books. Our local library is great about getting materials and can order from different places. It might save something.

 

[cathyz]

disneymom,

Yes, we'll definitely use the library for some of the fiction/non fiction books. Believe it or not, we'll still need more of them! DS loves to read! The problem is that we have an 'obsession' with Barnes and Noble and Borders. We take 'family trips' there and we can't leave without everybody getting a few books. But, you're right - that would be another way to cut some of the cost. THanks!

 

[disneymom225]

Oh, I understand about the book obsession! I have to really be careful in Borders--it's an addiction. But, I also read very quickly so I can't really justify spending lots of money on books--cuts into my Disney spending!!!
I'm a school librarian so I just had to get a plug in for libraries--it's in the fine print of my contract!!! Good luck w/ the homeschooling.

 

[meandtheguys2]

You have to "cost average" to remain sane. Like Chalk Dust. You may use it for your other child, and you can sell it in the end. (Awesome program, BTW) My DS10 used it last year! First year, first kid the costs can really add up quickly!

Have Fun!

Michelle

 

[cathyz]

disneymom,

A School Librarian? How cool is that! I really think that would be the perfect occupation for DS. He is 'slightly' Aspergers and this would be some interraction, but also give him plenty of opportunity for success in one of his 'obsessive' areas. Of course, he'd have to get through all of the schooling first! I used to work in a law library (in administration) and I know all of the college they went through. It's not an easy degree. My respect goes out to all librarians!

Thanks for the input! BTW we're in South Jersey too!

*****
michelle,

Thanks for the 'cost averaging' tip. That makes it easier to justify!

Also, your child did well with Chalk Dust? I haven't seen much about it except in Cathy Duffy's book. It seems perfect for DS who is quite behind in math and will love the DVD's.

 

[mello]

But it seems to keep going down. I think we spent around $1200 the first year - which included not just curriculum but stuff like shelving, and art & science supplies, etc. I started with just my oldest ds that year. The second year we added our younger ds, and I think we spent around $1000. Last year it was about $800, and for this coming year I've spent about $500 so far, with only a little left to get, so my total will probably be around $600. I expect it go back up in the next couple years though, as my older ds gets into jr. high and needs more expensive curricula, like Rosetta Stone and Apologia, etc. We use Sonlight (loosely) for history, and I've kept all the books for dd (2yo), and we've got all the maps and microscopes, and easels, and math manipulatives, and computer programs, yadda yadda yadda, so by the time she's old enough her schooling should be nearly free!

 

[4girlsmom]

I've spent $550 so far on curriculum for 3 kids. It would have been over $800 if I'd gotten all the jumbo packs I need for the 4 Beautiful Feet Books programs we're using. I did buy the whole pack for Geography, but for Hist. of Sci., Early Am. Hist. Primary, and Calif. Hist. I bought only the study guides for now and will get the books from the library. In a couple months when I have some extra cash, I'll order additional books.

Considering we were spending $1,250/mo. year-round for 3 kids in private school, this is a big savings.