Homeschooling cost: what do you pay?

[disney-super-mom]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about homeschooling my 7 year old son, who's currently repeating the first grade. He has PDD-NOS, and although he's high functioning in most ways, his problems with expressive and receptive language is quite significant.

Anyway, I was looking at homeschooling programs for him, and although I could go through K12's virtual academy in Washington state (which is paid for through taxes, so I wouldn't have any out of pocket costs), I feel that some of the curriculum is not quite right for Ryan. For example, the K12 Language arts/reading curriculum is WAY TOO MUCH for him. I would rather use the online Headsprout Reading program for him.

Would they allow a substitution like this in their curriculum for a special needs student?

Well, if they wouldn't, I priced out what I would have to pay out of pocket for the program I want (I would use the K12 independent homeschool courses for math, history, and science: for reading I would use Headsprout). It comes to about $1000 for a year. Is that about an adverage cost for homeschooling? Is it more.....less?

I'm not sure which way to go here. I'm not even sure how to withdraw my son out of school. He's only 7 years old, so I'm not even sure if I have to file an "intent to homeschool" form with our school district. I think that's a requirement for kids who are 8 years old and older, but maybe since my son is already a student, I do have to file and intent form. I JUST DON'T KNOW.

Any experts out there who could give me some advice.

 

[meandtheguys2]

I spend about $400 a piece for my three kids. That involves buying some stuff used at curriculum sales, and re-using a couple of things. I personally try to err on the lean side, because there is always something I want mid-year, or something I purchased that I don't care for.

For a 7 year old, you don't need a science and history curriculum. The world presents an abundance of opportunities to learn, and the library is full of real books rathe than texts. Texts are notorius for being innacurate, and writing at the mercy of special interest groups.

I would find a basic phonics like Alphaphonics, and a concrete math program, such as mathusee.
This is, of course, my opinion.

 

[DiznEeyore]

You should contact your school district to find out what they need from you regarding your intent to homeschool. You also need to know what your state requires of you (if anything; for example, Michigan requires nothing, except that the child actually be instructed). When we withdrew our son from public school, we simply sent in a letter stating our intentions. They were great about it, and even invited us to make use of the services they offer (like dental cleanings, etc.) if we wanted to.

We've used the ABeka curriculum for him, and I've often been able to buy most of what I needed on eBay, saving us hundreds of dollars. $1000 is what we'd be spending if I wasn't able to get the majority of our books from eBay.

Next year, he starts high school and we're enrolling him in ABeka Academy, which is a distance-learning school that will track all of his progress and he will graduate with an actual diploma (one of the main reasons we chose this program -- we didn't want him to end up with only a GED). Anyway, the high school level accredited program is approx. $1200/year. (This is where I wish there was some kind of tax credit for those of us who pay taxes and whose kids don't utilize the public schools we help support!! )

 

[minnierocks]

$400/child sounds about right...
I utilized my library as much as possible. They had kits available for check-out that were themed (space, insects, Mexico, etc.)-in it were all kinds of books, videos, activities that were based on that particular subject.
Also, museums and science centers are fabulous field trips and are hand-on learning. More than enough for a 7 year old.
As for notifying your school district, every state has different requirements so you will need to check locally. Also every state has their own guidelines for homeschooling, so you will need to find out what your requirements are to the state.
One more word of advice, take the time to educate yourself on homeschooling. Make sure that you purchase some good resources for yourself! There are some really good books available for parents who want to homeschool. I bought The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell and it was worth every penny. It was full of advice, support, and a long list of websites and resources.
Good luck!

 

[mommiepoppins]

You should contact your school district to find out what they need from you regarding your intent to homeschool. You also need to know what your state requires of you (if anything; for example, Michigan requires nothing, except that the child actually be instructed). When we withdrew our son from public school, we simply sent in a letter stating our intentions. They were great about it, and even invited us to make use of the services they offer (like dental cleanings, etc.) if we wanted to.

We've used the ABeka curriculum for him, and I've often been able to buy most of what I needed on eBay, saving us hundreds of dollars. $1000 is what we'd be spending if I wasn't able to get the majority of our books from eBay.

Next year, he starts high school and we're enrolling him in ABeka Academy, which is a distance-learning school that will track all of his progress and he will graduate with an actual diploma (one of the main reasons we chose this program -- we didn't want him to end up with only a GED). Anyway, the high school level accredited program is approx. $1200/year. (This is where I wish there was some kind of tax credit for those of us who pay taxes and whose kids don't utilize the public schools we help support!! )

Abeka is great my children go to Christain school and they use that.
I think in NY we are able to get the tax credits

 

[northriver]

I'd say we homeschooled for under $300 - at first you don't know what will work for your family and you tend to go overboard. As the years go on you have a better idea of what you need and it gets less expensive. I also resell my books on eBay and recoup some of the costs.

I created my own curriculum. I used a couple really good books - my absolute favorite was Rebecca Rupp - Home Learning Year by Year. I'm sure it is out of date now as far as the internet links but it is still an excellent resource. Invest in some good reference materials - picture dictonaries or whatever works for your family. Much supplemental material can be used from the library and don't forget to use interlibrary loan whenever necessary.

 

[sha_lyn]

I probably spend about $500 for DD including lots of books, art supplies and science experiments etc. DS's highschool program is around $400 a yr

 

[mamatojon]

I can speak towards what I know about the K12 WAVA program, go to one of the info sessions or attend an online info session - short of that call the 800 number and speak to someone directly... there is a way to pick and choose which classes you would like your son to attend, your son would be considered a part time public school/part time homeschooled student. I went to an info session last summer and it was all spelled out on the sheets they gave to us but I have lost that information now. I think you can choose to enroll in 2 to 4 classes to be considered part time. I opted to not do WAVA as it just seemed like *too much* for my son in most ways, I instead purchased a core plus curriculum through Sonlight which cost me about $700. I like being more in charge of what and how we learn so this works best for me.

 

[disney-super-mom]

I can speak towards what I know about the K12 WAVA program, go to one of the info sessions or attend an online info session - short of that call the 800 number and speak to someone directly... there is a way to pick and choose which classes you would like your son to attend, your son would be considered a part time public school/part time homeschooled student. I went to an info session last summer and it was all spelled out on the sheets they gave to us but I have lost that information now. I think you can choose to enroll in 2 to 4 classes to be considered part time. I opted to not do WAVA as it just seemed like *too much* for my son in most ways, I instead purchased a core plus curriculum through Sonlight which cost me about $700. I like being more in charge of what and how we learn so this works best for me.

Thanks for this info.

I called them on Friday, but I didn't ask if my son could enroll as a part time student. I didn't even know that was an option, but now that you told me, I'll be sure to ask on Monday when I call back.

 

[DawnM]

I think you can spend any amount you choose to spend. When I first started I spent way more than I do now. I now have my curriculum more tailored for us and know what we will use and what we won't.

This year was VERY tight moneywise as we adopted a child and that is where all of our money went.....so I spent $300 total. My school aged kids are close enough in age that other than math and writing, they do the rest of school (read alouds, science and history) together.

Dawn