There are so many people gravitating toward homeschooling their children.  The biggest thing parents worry about, besides how to actually teach, is how much is this going to cost?  I have compiled a great list of ways to homeschool for free or really cheap.  This is a continuation of my first post which you can see here. 🙂

Think FREE! (Part 2)

*Some people really want the flexibility of homeschooling with the structure and curriculum closer to regular public school.  If this is you, you might consider online charter schools.  They are free (well, paid for by tax dollars!) and you are usually provided with all of your supplies, sometimes including a computer and printer for school use.  Check out this link for more info.  If you decide to take this route, please do your research before selecting your program.  There are usually several available and each has its own rules, allowances, curriculum, and perks. 🙂
*The library is a wonderful resource!  MANY books are available there that could easily be used for homeschooling.  In fact, I’ve looked at several books not available through my OWN library through interlibrary loans.  Check it out!  You can also use DVDs, CDs, games, puzzles, computer programs, and more!  Be creative.
*Many parents have had success gaining curriculum from public school districts.  Many times, you are able to get a full set of books just like those used in the public school classroom for use FREE during the school year.  Check it out with your own district to be sure.  If you are not wanting to “school at home”, this may not be a good option for you.
*Check out Freecycle!  I am often surprised at what people just get rid of for free.  I have found GOBS of homeschooling books, posters, supplies, games, file folder activities, puzzles, and so much more just by being quick to reply to posts on Freecycle.  Look for posts frgm retiring teachers or just post a wanted ad!  There are many other organizations that work similarly, so check it out in your area for sure.
*Also look into paperbackswap.  It is for swapping books in general, but most of my homeschooling friends have had great success finding things here. 🙂
*A site that ALWAYS has some freebies available is CurrClick.  Just click on “Free Stuff” to see what’s available!  They also sell curriculum and there are always sales and good deals around!

Buy Used

My final suggestion here is to buy used curriculum.  Sometimes it is impossible to get your curriculum items for free and used is a fabulous way to get the awesome books and such at incredible prices!  There are many ways to get good deals.
*My first and favorite online used curriculum site is www.homeschoolclassifieds.com.  You can browse by grade, subject, etc.  Great!  You purchase from individual sellers.
*I absolutely love to buy/sell/trade on the Well Trained Mind forum.  It’s also a great place to network with other homeschoolers!
*I’ve never used it, but I’ve heard several positive stories of folks using the Vegsource swap boards.
*Don’t forget about www.ebay.com!
*There are several boards on babycenter groups.  Search “homeschool” or “homeschooling” and see what you can find!
*If you have one, check out the friends of the library store or your library’s annual sale where they sell off books.  You can often get great deals!
*If you have one near you, a great place to check out is Half Price Books or a similar book store!
*Last, but certainly not least, check out garage sales!  Certainly check it out if it lists that they have lots of books, that the person throwing the sale is a teacher, or if it is a multi-family or a community sale!

Homeschool for free!

If you aren’t convinced yet that you can totally get away with homeschooling for free (or really cheap), then feel free to shell out the big bucks for a super expensive curriculum.  I, on the other hand, will save those pretty pennies for something else, like maybe a blog conference or some organic veggies.

What is your favorite way to homeschool for free?