Let’s be honest, the cost of homeschooling can add up quickly. Between books, curriculum, field trips and fancy computer software, price can get out of control quickly.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way! It’s actually super possible to homeschool on a budget, or even to homeschool for free!
And that’s why I’m here! I’ve compiled the best free homeschool resources I could find, and organized and categorized them for you in an easy to use resource.
All of these resources are totally free. No subscriptions, down payments or second mortgages required!
Are you ready? On to the freebies!
Free Local Homeschooling Resources
1. The Library
This one might seem a little obvious, but in this digital age I feel like the library is easily overlooked for the valuable resource it is. You can get almost any homeschooling resource you can imagine at the library, and if they don’t have it, they can hunt it down for you! Be sure to check if your library has an interlibrary loan system so that you can also borrow books from other libraries. Many libraries also now utilize online ebooks and audio books like Libby and CloudLibrary, and make these services available for their patrons
Also, check out this post to get 17 Reading Ideas you can do with your kids to encourage reading.
2. Homeschool Co-ops
Even just a few years ago, Homeschool co-ops were few and far between. Now, Co-ops are appearing practically everywhere!
If you aren’t familiar with homeschool co-op’s, a homeschool co-op is a A group of parents who collaborate in order to provide shared educational opportunities and instruction to their kids.
It is typical for each homeschooling parent to instruct a class and alternately clean up after and/or plan the academic year.
Families can pick from a variety of classes and activities that are offered one or two days a week.
3. Local Nature Preserves
Look for educational opportunities if there are any designated natural areas nearby, such as preserves, state or national parks, or sanctuaries. They’re great places to go for a day of outdoor school, and the people who run them are usually a wealth of knowledge and enthusiastic to share and engage with their visitors. There may be guided excursions for foraging, cleaning up, or tracking animals. The majority of these locations also have websites with information and brochures at visitor centers or trailheads.
4. Book clubs
There are many children’s book clubs across the country. Some are associated with an organization such as 4H or a homeschool cooperative, and others may be hosted at your local library or community center Ask your librarian and other homeschooling families in your area if there are any book clubs, and if you can’t find one, consider starting one of your own!
5. Home Depot Activities for Kids
If you have a Home Depot in your area, be sure to check out their free kids DIY and STEAM projects! If you check out their website they will often have additional information posted, as well as times and dates.
6. Classes at the Community Center or Library
Many local community centers and libraries offer classes that are either specifically for or geared toward homeschooling families. Taught by educators, experts and qualified parents, these elective-style classes are meant to supplement home instruction in multiple content areas and provide multi-age peer interaction.
Free Multi Subject Resources
7. PBS Kids
They offer educational games, videos, and now even a kid-friendly podcast. Of course, they all include your child’s preferred PBS kids show characters.
8. Khan Academy
If you’ve spent more than 10 seconds looking for free homeschooling materials, someone has probably already suggested this one to you. Khan Academy is a go-to resource for many homeschoolers because it is so comprehensive and moves at the children’s pace.
Their mission statement reads:
“We’re a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.”
9. Education.com
Sooooooo many printables! Worksheets are available for every subject and for grades preK–7. You can join for free and browse 30,000+ worksheets, games, lesson plans and more.
Free Science Resources
10. National Geographic for Kids (Youtube Channel)
My kids LOVE this channel and we use it frequently! Animal videos, weird but true facts, and days in the life of real live scientists exploring our world today. What’s not to love?
11. SciShow (Youtube Channel)
They upload a new episode every day. On Saturdays, they create a Q&A based on the questions they receive throughout the week. If you need more information, they also have a long list of resources in the notes for each chapter
12. National Science Foundation
The NSF Educator Resource page contains detailed videos and related worksheets for a variety of grades.
Free Language Arts Resources
If you want some good ideas to teach reading without using a formal curriculum, be sure to check my post out, 12 Ways to Teach Reading with NO Curriculum
13. Epic
Inspire a lifetime of reading & discovery with Epic’s award-winning digital library. Explore over 40,000 books, audiobooks & learning videos.
14. Virtual Book Club for Kids
Well, this seriously awesome. Not only does it have dozens of lists of good books for older and younger kids, it also offers weekly curriculums and activities to go along with them.
15. New York Public Library
This was one that was a pleasant surprise I came across by accident during a random google search. They offer lots of virtual events for kids such as read-alongs and poetry hour.
16. Teach Your Monster to Read
Inspire learning with Teach Your Monster to Read magical reading and mathematics games for kids. With the help of friendly monsters, playful design and out-of-this-world storytelling, this website offers beautifully crafted games kids love to play.
17. ReadWorks
This site has free content, curriculum, and tools to power teaching and learning from Kindergarten to 12th Grade
Free Social Studies and History Resources
18. Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian website has games, virtual tours of the zoo and museum, and interesting history activities. Be sure to also check out their Youtube channel.
19. Crash Course Kids
This is a bi-weekly Youtube show from the producers of Crash Course is all about gradeschool science. They cover topics like Earth, Habitats, Space, Chemical Reactions, Engineering, etc.
20. iCivics
I haven’t check this site out personally yet, but I’m putting it on my list for future use, because civics is not my strong point and this looks like a really helpful resource for helping kids understand how our government works and why we should care to participate in democracy.
21. Discovery Education
How cool is this?! Virtual Field Trips to amazing places and remarkable experiences, without ever leaving the classroom (or your house!).
22. Classroom Law Project
Another one I haven’t used personally yet, but am bookmarking for later. Their website reads: “…preparing youth to become active, engaged, and informed participants in democratic society. In the 2020 – 21 school year we provided engaging professional development opportunities to more than 900 teachers and a wide variety of challenging, fun programs to over 110,000 students all around Oregon.
MISSION: Classroom Law Project is a non-profit organization of individuals, educators, lawyers, and civic leaders working to equip students with the knowledge, essential skills, and motivation to participate in our democracy.“
It looks like they have classroom resources, virtual courthouse tours, and blueprints to build your own Mock Trial team!
Free Math Resources
If you’re leaning towards the Unschooling method, be sure to check out my post about how unschoolers learn math.
23. CoolMath4Kids
An oldie but a goodie! It seems a little dated to me, but my kids still enjoy a lot of the math games. If you need more advanced math head over to the original CoolMath site here.
24. Prodigy
Game based learning for both Math and English. Curriculum-aligned skill practice that keeps kids engaged! Prodigy’s evidence-based tools help you make learning fun and effective for kids and has a parent dashboard where you can view and track your child’s progress.
25. Zearn
Students explore math through pictures, visual models, and real-life examples. It initially says it is for teachers & students only, but once you start the signup process there is a homeschool option you can select.
Free Homeschool Printables
Be sure to check back here for an ever growing collection of my favorite free printables!
26. I love the free nature study printables at Raising Up Wild Things. They are sooo beautiful.
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