Homeschooling on a Budget
Education is Everywhere.
Despite the common perception that the best education comes with a high price tag, there are numerous resources available for little to no cost. The vast expanse of information on the internet offers access to a wide range of materials, connecting us to people, places and things globally. In this post, I will highlight various sources where you can discover a plethora of books, resources, lessons, activities, and experiences to enhance your curriculum without breaking the bank. In other words, you will learn where to go to homeschool for free.
THE LIBRARY: Everything you need is in this under-appreciated national jewel. Besides books on every subject, for every age, libraries are a treasure trove of access. Access to the internet, computers, copiers, and information specialists, practice tests for a host of occupations. Additionally, there are in-person and online programs for students, from tutoring to volunteering, classes, workshops, and courses, including student council, and book clubs. My library allows us to reserve a room for community meetups. Each library offers custom resources to meet the needs of the larger community; smaller branches may have “mommy and me” groups or family movie nights, while central branches may have sophisticated technology such as 3D printers and music studios.
What should I do?: Visit your local library as well as libraries outside your area code, in person and online to discover the wealth of books (in multiple formats), programs, and opportunities available to you. Speak with the children’s and/ or teen librarian for special events and lesser advertised resources. Tell them your educational plans for the year. They will point you in the right direction. I have never met a librarian who haven’t gone over and beyond to assist me with a need. I will go so far as to say that the resources in the library is enough to homeschool through high school.
Recommendation: Great for All subjects, literature-centered curriculum , Independent Study
Free Library Services Overview:
Tutoring
Classes/Workshops/Courses
Practice Tests
Career and College Prep
Computer Access
Movie Screenings
Museum/Zoo Tickets
Musical Performances
E- Books/Books/Magazines
NATIONAL WEBSITES: The United States has national data bases for every one of its federally funded programs. On each of those sites is relevant information for learning and exploring, archiving and cultivating experiences. For Example, the National Parks and Services site provides the history, travel stories, wild life, and visiting details for each of the 429 national parks across the nation. Most national sites have a Learn & Explore section for Educators, Parents, and Students to use for targeted lessons and activities.
What should I do?: Go to https://www.usa.gov/agency-index to review a list of all the national sites. Find the ones that interests you the most or align with your educational goals. Visit each site. Once there, look for keywords in each menu like “Education”, “Explore and Learn”, “Schools and Family”, “Parents”, “Educators”, “Lessons”. Tap to discover lesson plans, activities, special projects, and more.
Recommendation: Great for US History, Social Studies and US Geography
Free Government Programs Overview:
Field Trip preparation (virtual or in person)
US History Activities
Primary Sources and Documents
Senate Hearing Recordings
White House Tours
Architecture Design for Landmarks
Student Programs
Learn How to Create Your Own Curriculum when you subscribe to The Home Educator’s Hub
MUSEUMS/ ZOOS/SCIENCE CENTERS: There are several types of museums from fine arts, to music, to natural history to ethnic history.
What should I do?: Search and visit their websites for the educational material they have curated for educators and students. Call and ask about special deals and discounts for homeschoolers/students.
Recommendation: Great for Fine Arts, Science, and Literature
Free Services at Museums
Admission: Many museums offer free entry on certain days or times.
Guided Tours: Some provide complimentary tours led by knowledgeable guides.
Workshops: Free educational sessions or activities may be available for all ages.
Exhibitions: Access to special exhibits can be free during specific periods.
Events: Look for free public events, including lectures, seminars, or family days.
Teen programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Downloadable Activity sheets
Interest-led programs
THEATER COMPANIES: Regional and some local/community theaters provide educational materials for their shows. Additionally, seeing live shows for free or discounted prices with options to meet the cast and crew and well as opportunities to intern or volunteer are mostly encouraged by these companies. Some students may even be inclined to audition for a show.
What should I do?: Search online for theater companies in your area. Visit their sites to explore the type of shows they are offering for the year. Ask how your teen can volunteer or take a free workshop. Often volunteers get to see a free show. Larger theaters have programming for children and teens.
Recommendation: Literature, History, Language Arts, Performing Arts credit, Volunteering
Free Services at Theater Companies: Key Points:
Free Shows
Teen Programs
Educational Materials Online
Audition opportunities
Acting Workshops
Internships
COMMUNITY COLLEGES: Some universities offer free courses to the public virtually or through online learning platforms like Coursera. Not to mention community colleges that allow high schoolers take non-credit and credit courses. Plus access to the college library and theater programs are available.
What should I do?: Visit college websites to review their academic catalogue. Get informed about their dual enrollment policy. Talk to an admissions counselor to walk you through the process to register your child for classes.
Recommendation: Great to fulfill high school requirements while earning college credits.
Free Services at College Overview:
Take elective courses like Psychology and Theater
Take Summer courses in Algebra, History and Spanish for credit.
Earn general education credits toward a 4 year college
Get academic counseling.
ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS: Places like Coursera, EDx, Khan Academy, Canvas, and more, offer a host of incredible specialized courses from top universities and field experts.
What should I do?: Browse the sites for classes that interest you.
Recommendation: Great for interest-led curriculums and independent study.
Free Services at Online Learning Platforms
Key Points:Access to various online courses without cost.
Availability of video lectures and tutorials.
Interactive quizzes and practice exercises.
Community forums for student discussions and support.
Certificates of completion provided for some courses.
Flexible learning schedules to fit personal pace.
Enrichment courses
Special interests
MODERNSTATES.COM: Although it is technically an online learning platform, it’s set up for individuals to earn college credit from reputable universities to go toward a degree but does not calculate points toward a GPA. Their courses prepare you for CLEP (college level examination program) exams already accepted for credit by more than 2,900 colleges and universities. Courses, textbooks, and materials are free; all you need is internet access and your desire to learn. They offer links to tutoring & mentoring. Additionally, their courses can be used as a quality high school curriculum only.
What should I do? Go to Modernstates.com. Find out what colleges accept CLEP credits. Browse the available courses and register.
Recommendation: Great for advanced middle school and motivated teens.
Free Services at Modernstates.com Overview:
Use as a High school Curriculum for US History, Foreign Language and More.
Use as a step toward college by earning credits toward completing the first year of a 4 year college while in high school.
EDUCATIONAL TV PROGRAMMING: Documentaries and Children’s programming from public access channels designed to educate, often have materials on their websites to supplement or highlight the programming. Reading lists, lesson plans, and activity sheets are available on sites like PBS.org, The History Channel, and National Geographic.
Recommendation: Great for All Subjects, all ages
CONFERENCES / YOUTH SUMMITS: They are not just for adult professionals but there are plenty designed to introduce students to the professional world such as the Black Men in White Coats conference. There are Summits all around the world covering areas like STEM, self esteem, global affairs and more.
Recommendation: Great for Career development, All Subjects, Middle school +.
CONCERTS/FESTIVALS: Corporations and non profits offer free educational events to the community in the form of concerts. City and County parks have special theme-centered festivities. Concert halls offer entertainment matched with educational material to help patrons appreciate artists’ works.
Recommendation: Great for Multicultural studies, All ages.
CORPORATE INITIATIVES: Many corporations hold year long leadership programs for qualified teens and young adults.
Recommendation: Great for leadership, college admissions, and Teens.
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS: Bible studies, VBS programs, small groups, and conferences are available for free at some churches and synagogues.
Recommendation: Great for leadership, Bible study, Travel
COMMUNITY CENTERS: A host of community centers offer opportunities to learn about the population they are serving via volunteering or visits. Homeless shelters, Senior Centers, Animal shelters have webistes that offer information to assist with becoming informed.
Recommendation: Great for field trips, Social Studies
LOCAL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS: Your city may have a local council that meet monthly and conduct votes for new members. They are free to join and a practical way to get involved first hand with decision making within your city.
Recommendation: Civics, Volunteering
UTILITY COMPANIES: Yep! Your utility company may hold workshops for the community as part of their initiative to educate. Our water company in California offers black history and women’s history events and webinars that can easily be incorporated into an interactive homeschool curriculum.
Recommendation: Great for Science. LADWP-https://www.ladwp.com/community/events-and-celebrations
NETFLIX/PRIME VIDEO: There are some incredible shows on these platforms that will certainly enhance a curriculum. Historical Fiction, Documentaries, True Stories, Classics, etc.
YOUTUBE: Tutorials, dedicated history and science channels, and children’s programming are available for consumption.
Recommendation: All subjects, All ages.
I will update this post regularly as new information becomes available. Get the updated list with a free subscription to The Home Educator’s Hub.
Follow us on Instagram!