Key Takeaways: Many states offer financial assistance in the form of educational vouchers, scholarships and grants for home schooling families, however programs vary widely in terms of eligibility and requirements. The best place to find these programs is to search your state’s education department website.
Homeschooling has become increasingly more popular in recent years, with more families choosing to educate their children at home for various reasons. Some parents choose this option because it offers a more personalized learning experience that can be tailored to their child’s needs. Others prefer the flexibility that homeschooling offers. Concerns about traditional school environments, such as class sizes, curriculum limitations, and other factors, also contribute to this growing trend.
While homeschooling offers parents a suitable alternative, it also comes with additional financial responsibilities. Unlike public schooling, where educational materials and resources are often provided, homeschooling families must cover costs such as curriculum, textbooks and supplies, online courses, and extracurricular activities. These expenses can add up quickly. Fortunately, it is possible to find financial assistance for homeschooling in the form of grants, scholarships, tax benefits, and budget-friendly resources.
Types of Financial Assistance Available for Home Schooling
Here’s a look at the main types of financial aid that homeschooling families may be eligible for.
State Education Grants for Homeschooling
Some states offer educational grants or vouchers that families can use to offset homeschooling costs. These are the best sources of financial assistance for homeschooling. The programs vary widely depending from one state to another.
The requirements for these education grants also vary from one state to another. In most cases, families need to submit proof of residency and an education plan. Families applying for special needs’ funding may need to submit additional documents or expense receipts.
Taking the time to research specific options in your state is key when exploring financial assistance for home schooling.
Here are five examples of the types of programs offered by different states:
- Florida: The Family Empowerment Scholarship in Florida offers funds that can be used for homeschooling curriculum and materials and other educational expenses including tutoring. This program is designed to help low-income families and children with special needs. The amount of financial assistance each family is eligible to receive varies depending on their circumstances.
- West Virginia: West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship Program offers homeschooling families financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and other education-related costs. All students in West Virginia from kindergarten through grade 12 are eligible for this program, regardless of family income or other factors.
- Arizona: Families in Arizona can get financial assistance for homeschooling through the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). This program offers funding for all homeschooling expenses, from curriculum costs to supplies and extracurricular activities. All students from kindergarten to grade 12 are eligible to receive generous financial assistance through this program, regardless of need or other circumstances.
- North Carolina: The Students with Disabilities Grant Program offers money to home schooling families in North Carolina. The program is designed to help students with learning, developmental, or physical disabilities who need additional support to learn and succeed. The funds can be used to cover the cost of assistive technology and specialized therapies as well as home schooling. The grant amount depends on the child’s specific needs and the services they require.
- New Hampshire: The Education Freedom Account (EFA) Program in New Hampshire offers financial assistance to low-income families to help pay for their children’s education. Families receive generous funds calculated based the cost of educating per student in a public school. The money can be used to cover all educational expenses including homeschooling.
Scholarships for Homeschooling Families
There are many regional organizations that offer scholarships to help fund homeschooling or higher education for homeschooled students.
In addition, many private organizations and charities also offer scholarships specifically for homeschool students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, financial need, or any combination of the three.
For example, the Home School Legal Defense Association offers HSLDA Compassion Grants that help struggling families continue homeschooling through financial hardships and difficult times.
When researching scholarships for homeschooling, the best place to start is your state website.
Tax Credits and Deductions for Homeschooling Expenses
While the federal government does not currently offer a specific homeschooling tax credit, a few states provide tax deductions or credits for homeschooling expenses. These benefits can help offset costs for educational materials, online courses, and even extracurricular activities.
In some states, such as Illinois, Louisiana, and Minnesota, homeschooling families are allowed to claim tax credits or deductions for qualifying educational expenses. The exact educational expenses can vary but they typically include curriculum material such as textbooks and workbooks, school supplies, science equipment, and educational software or apps.
Families could also look into using tax-advantaged savings plans, such as 529 savings plans, to help fund homeschooling-related expenses.
How to Apply for Financial Assistance for Home Schooling
When applying for any type of education-related financial assistance, the two most important aspects are researching what programs are available and understanding the specific requirements for each program.
While the application process will differ depending on the type of aid – grants, scholarships, tax benefits, or state-funded programs – almost all will include these steps.
Step 1. Research Available Opportunities
Research opportunities in and out of your state to determine which ones your child may be eligible for. Look up nonprofit organizations and homeschool associations such as HSLDA Compassion Grants. Research state education websites for ESA and voucher programs as well as scholarship databases that include awards specifically for homeschooling.
Checking eligibility requirements in advance gives a better idea of how much financial assistance you may be able to apply for. This helps you make a proper plan and ensures you’re not wasting time on applying to programs that don’t apply to your situation.
Most importantly, make a note of the application deadline for each program – this will be different for each opportunity. Financial assistance programs have strict deadlines, and late submissions are usually not accepted. It’s advisable to set reminders to complete and submit applications in advance so you don’t miss out on necessary funds.
Step 2. Gather Required Documents
Each financial aid program will have its own documentation requirements, but common documents may include:
- Proof of homeschooling status. This may include Letter of Intent, enrollment in a homeschool co-op, or state homeschooling affidavit
- Financial documents such as tax returns, income verification, proof of financial hardship
- Student records, such as include grades, transcripts, standardized test scores, or portfolio samples
- Receipts for homeschooling expenses. This is generally required if you’re applying for tax credits or reimbursements.
Step 3. Complete the Application Forms
Once you know which programs your child is eligible for and you’ve gathered together all the necessary documents, you’re ready to start filling out the application forms.
When completing the forms, make sure to provide clear answers to every question and double-check that all required documentation is attached.
Check that all information is accurate before submitting the application.
Make sure to keep copies of all forms and confirmation emails.
Step 4. Track Your Application & Follow Up
Don’t forget to track the status of pending applications and check for follow-up requests from the grant or scholarship providers. Some programs may require additional documentation or an interview before approval.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Financial Assistance
The process of applying for financial assistance can be confusing, and sometimes a small error can delay or disqualify an application. Avoid these common mistakes to boost your chances of receiving the funds you need.
- Missing Deadlines: Many financial assistance programs have strict timelines, and applications submitted after these dates will not be considered. Set reminders on your phone or calendar for upcoming deadlines and submit applications early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Submitting an Incomplete or Incorrect Application: Applications that include incorrection information or do not include the required documents are often rejected. Double-check that all necessary forms, such as tax returns, homeschool affidavits, and transcripts, are included. Also, make sure that the information submitted, such as your financial figures or homeschool records, matches across all documents.
- Failing to Keep Receipts for Tax Benefits: If you are applying for tax credits or deductions, it’s crucial to keep detailed records of your spending. Not maintaining receipts for educational materials, online courses, or homeschooling supplies could lead to missed deductions. Maintain a file or spreadsheet where you log all homeschooling-related expenses and scan and save digital copies of receipts in case you need them for future audits.
- Failing to Follow Specific Program Instructions: Each financial aid program has its own set of rules and application procedures. Failing to follow these guidelines can cause your application to be rejected or delayed. Read and follow all instructions carefully and contact the relevant program administrator if you have questions.
- Overlooking Smaller Grants and Scholarships: Smaller, local opportunities can be useful to bridge the funding gap. It’s worth looking for financial assistance, however small, from Local community organizations, businesses, or churches that may offer grants.
7 Tips for Reducing Homeschooling Costs
Yes, financial assistance for home schooling can help cover most of the costs, but it always helps to look for ways to still cut back wherever you can. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reduce costs while still providing a high-quality education.
Here are 7 tips for lowering the cost of homeschooling:
- Check Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or dedicated homeschool resale groups for discounted books and supplies.
- Look into platforms like Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool or Ambleside Online for free or low-cost digital curriculum that covers multiple subjects. Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op is another great resource that’s free for homeschoolers to join.
- Create your own homeschooling program by mixing and matching resources to design a custom curriculum tailored to your child.
- Visit public libraries and avail of free access to a wide range of books, audiobooks, and e-books on almost any subject imaginable. Using public library resources is one of the best ways for families to supplement their homeschooling curriculum instead of purchasing expensive textbooks.
- Join local homeschool groups. These help lower costs by offering shared experiences where families can split the cost of materials. They also organize free or low-cost educational and social field trips and group activities that are so valuable for homeschooled students.
- Host book and material swaps where families exchange curriculum or books they no longer need.
- Use free online homeschooling resources such as Khan Academy, Curriki, National Geographic Kids, Duolingo, and Project Gutenberg. These sites offer a vast array of fun and educational resources for children of all ages and preferences.
A Rewarding and Affordable Choice
Homeschooling offers parents the wonderful opportunity to design a personalized educational curriculum around their child’s needs, preferences, and abilities. However, while homeschooling can be a rewarding educational choice, the financial aspect can be challenging for many families. Fortunately, there are several ways to ease the burden through financial assistance programs that range from grants and scholarships to tax benefits and state-funded programs. In addition, there are several free resources available online and offline that help lower the overall costs associated with homeschooling.
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