13 Ways to Score Free & Cheap Homeschooling Curriculum

“Where can I find cheap curriculum?”

“Where did you get freebies?”

“How did you get your [popular box set] of curriculum for FREE?”

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Just a few of the MANY questions i get asked about my homeschool curriculum. I may be new to homeschooling but im NOT new to saving a buck so I made sure i did my research and asked around before spending any money!

Ask Your Local School System:

There are several places within your local public school system to inquire about FREE curriculum.

• The public school board receives free samples from curriculum companies each year. Homeschool offices set these samples aside for homeschooling families to enjoy once they are no longer using them. (If they don't already do this, ask them to!)
• Your school board maintenance department often stores previously used school books they collected to be disposed of. Sometimes these books are stored in warehouses for a time before they are tossed. Call and ask!
• Everyone knows a teacher. Ask if they have anything they are no longer using. Often you can get partially used student workbooks, reproducibles they are no longer using from a previous curriculum, or even, classroom decorations they need to rotate out of their collection!

Ask at Church:

• Just as your favorite school teacher has a stash, so do Sunday School leaders at Church. There, you are likely to find previous curriculum, classroom decorations, VBS leftovers, and a bunch more. These leftovers can be incorporated into several lessons at home.
• Inquire within Small Groups: You are likely to find other homeschooling families within your church small groups. Let them know what you are looking for.

Freebies:

• Many companies offer a free sample of their curriculum. Request samples on forms found their website or by shooting them an email. For those who are just beginning their homeschooling journey, these freebies can BE your curriculum if you request enough of them. By the end of your first year, you will know more about what works for your family than those who have bought them all!
• Homeschool Conventions and Fairs – bring yourself an empty bag! You are going to need it! Everyone has samples or favors to give and all you need to do is take a look at what they have to offer. With everything in one place, this is a frugal mom's dream come true!
• Free Printables! The web is full of blogs and companies that are offering free printable packages. This is a great thing for you because you can be selective and get what you need from almost anywhere! (If you find yourself becoming a printables junkie, I recommend a toner printer)

Sales, Sales, Sales:

• When I started homeschooling, yard/garage sales were my favorite places to find inexpensive curriculum and educational toys. You can easily find previously used textbooks that can be adapted for your homeschool use.
• Thrift Stores, especially Christian thrift stores, are great places to find use homeschool curriculum on the cheap. My previous finds have included complete box sets of reading curriculum for under $10, educational toys and workbooks for $2!
• Homeschooling Groups host curriculum swaps one-two times each year. Many have a “Free” table for those who are looking to be exceptionally frugal.
• Stalking your favorite curriculum company will allow you to learn about the best deals and the best time to buy. My favorite educational toy and teacher supply store often marks down their products dramatically low – that's when I buy!
• Educents is one of my favorite online Homeschool Sale Sites! Sign up is free and I recommend it to get their new deal emails!

Giveaways:

• All summer long homeschooling blogs will be hosting giveaways for your favorite curriculum companies. Everything from the inexpensive to the dream packages will be given away! Enter them! Someone has to win, it could be you!