Can a Single Mother Afford to Homeschool?

Posted by singlemom

September 13, 2008 |

As a single mother myself, I can honestly say “Yes!” You can homeschool your child(ren).

Also, as a single mother, I bring in about $8,000 a year. This is not a lot of money. Not at all. But I can still afford to homeschool my children.

How can I do this? Here are some tips to get you started if you are considering the homeschool route:

Right now, being that it is September, you will notice clearance sales for many homeschool items. Stock up on everything that you can. You can never have enough pencils, notebooks, binders, report covers, construction and white paper, loose-leaf paper, tape, glue, markers, tacs, index cards and crayons. There are other items that you will be able to use. One year I was able to purchase 10 (12 packs) of pencils for $1.00. You will use these items this year and every year. Get them at great prices when you can.
Take advantage of back-to-school sales during the summer months. This year, I purchased $1.00 worth of notebooks at $.05 each and 6 glues at $.33 each. I also take advantage of sale prices on page protectors and loose-leaf paper, along with many other items. I have found crayons for $.25 a box, glue sticks at $.10 for a pack of 2, and index cards at $.33 for index cards.
Purchase your school books at deep discounts.
Yard sales, clearance sales and thrift shops are your friends. You can purchase many books and other supplies at these places, including craft and school supplies. Take advantage of these places whenever possible.
Dollar stores are also your friends.
Borders will give you a teacher discount card, as will Staples. Ask around, and please let us know who you get discounts through.
The library is also a great resource.

Here I will give you examples of some deals that I have found:

$3.00 paid at a yard-sale for two complete children’s encyclopedia sets: One was a history set, the other was a science set.
A $30.00 book at Borders for only $2.95.
Saxon Algebra half homeschoolÂ book setÂ with tests and answers for only $20.00 at a homeschool support group meeting.
Children’s and chapter books for $.10-$.25 each at yard sales.

I am very frugal and am able to find many deals. Do your research and see what you can come up with.

As you can see, you do not have to spend a lot of money to give your child a quality education.

Comments