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How Much Does Homeschooling Cost in 2026?

On average, homeschooling costs between $500 and $2,500 per year, which is significantly lower than private school tuition. Still, how much does homeschooling cost in your case will depend on the structure of the homeschool program, the platform of your choice, and the add-ons you want. This guide shows the price range for different homeschool program categories so you can build a realistic budget for your kid.

What Is the Average Cost of Homeschooling?

As of May 2026, the average range is between $500 to $2,500 per year, based on the information on how much does homeschooling cost from tutoring marketplaces like Tutors.com. By optimizing factors like curriculum expenses, learning supplies, and platform choice carefully, parents can expect a range of $700-1,800.

The range of the cost to homeschool a child is wide due to the importance of several factors in calculating the final price:

• The tutoring platform chosen
• The curriculum and testing fees cost
• The need for educational supplies like pens, books, or lab equipment
• Possible expenses on sports and clubs
• Cooperative fees

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How Much Does Online Homeschooling Cost?

Given that platform choice is among the top factors that affect homeschooling price, this table shows the typical fee structure on the top homeschool platforms. The overview also contains key features that you can expect for your money and the Trustpilot rating they’ve already gained for their services, as of May 2026.

	Trustpilot rating	Key features	Price (as of May 2026)
Brighterly	4.5	1:1, real-time tutoring (math, reading, writing, ELA) Award-winning curriculum	From $17.70/lesson (12-month plan, 20% discount, 2 classes/week plus free math and reading worksheets and tests)
Miacademy	4.6	Short teaching videos Self-paced learning	From $48/month
IXL Learning	1.1	Core subject practice Real-time analytics	From $9.95/month
Acellus Academy	4.8	Accredited online school Prerecorded video lessons	From $249/month (or from $79/month with the Roger Billings Scholarship)
Power Homeschool	4.8	Parent-guided learning Gap-based education	From $99/month (or from $79/month with the Roger Billings Scholarship)
Bridgeway Academy	3.3	Accredited online school 1:1 advisor support	From $8,245/year
ABCmouse	1.2	Game-based learning Early childhood education	From $14.99/month
Northgate Academy	N/A	Christian-based curriculum Value-inspired home learning	From $1,950 annual tuition (or $99/month pay-as-you-go model)
Reading Eggs	3.5	Elementary school reading curriculum 3,000+ book library	From $9.99/month
Sylvan Learning	3.2	High personalization Sylvan Insight™ Assessment	From $50/lesson
Kumon	4.4	30-minute short session Drill-based tasks	Around $165/month (exact price depends on location)
Outschool	4.1	30,000 programs available Learning marketplace	From $70/month

Here are the key insights from this comparison table:

• If you want a top-rated service, expect to pay the highest homeschooling costs on the accredited programs (Acellus Academy: rating 4.8, price $249/month; Power Homeschool: rating 4.8, price $99/month; Bridgeway Academy: rating 3.3, homeschool tuition from $8,245/year).
• Platforms like Kumon, Power Homeschool, and Miacademy offer pre-recorded sessions, so they expect greater parental involvement in the homeschooling process than other tutoring platforms.
• Bridgeway Academy has the highest homeschool prices in 2026, but the level of customer satisfaction and the range of services provided are relevant for this tuition.
• IXL Learning is the most affordable homeschool platform on the list, but it also has one of the lowest Trustpilot satisfaction scores on the list.
• At Brighterly, we help you homeschool at a competitive cost with top-notch live private tutoring.

For a more detailed review of each of the platforms in the table, check out the list of the best homeschool programs and best homeschool reading curriculum guides.

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How Popular Is Homeschooling in the US?

Homeschooling in the US is gaining more and more popularity. According to the Prosperity of America 2025 report, over 3.7 million children are being educated under the homeschooling model. Given that the US Census Bureau (2025) estimates 54.1 million K-12 students in the school year 2025-2026, that’s around 7% homeschooled children from the US population. 

The popularity of homeschooling is expected to grow, given the negative consequences of pandemic learning loss and the rising popularity of alternative online learning solutions. As per 2024 EdChoice state report, the most popular homeschooling is in Alaska (10.3%), North Carolina (8.6%), and Nevada (5.7%).

How Does Brighterly Make Homeschooling Affordable?

To address the need for affordable price yet effective homeschool education, our math and reading platform offers 1:1 personalized live sessions with expert tutors who pay undivided attention to your child and offer the curriculum fully aligned with the US state standards. This way, our homeschool programs address the need for proper education and show results in terms of academic performance.

Brighterly Platform: Top Features

Three key strengths of our platform include individual sessions with expert tutors, personalized learning plans for homeschooling, and a collection of free materials to save on the homeschool curriculum cost.

Here are more details:

• Certified teachers: Our tutors structure each reading and math lesson to help kids feel more confident about the topics learned and actually understand them.
• Customized learning plans: Our math and reading program is aligned with the US state requirements, yet is tailored with interactive classes. By completing plenty of dedicated tasks, kids can build a strong reading foundation and develop critical thinking abilities.
• Free learning resources: We offer an open library with downloadable practice math worksheets and reading worksheets, diagnostic math tests, and reading tests.

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost per Year at Brighterly?

As of May 2026, our annual plans start from $17.70 per lesson (expecting you to take 2 classes per week, with 20% discount included). Still, the exact tutor fees structure in our pricing plans will depend on the length of subscription and frequency of attendance.

Below is the breakdown of prices for taking 2 lessons per week (with 20% discount, as of May 2026):

• 1-month Learning Membership: From $21.90/lesson
• 3-month Learning Membership: From $21.40/lesson
• 6-month Learning Membership: From $20.20/lesson
• 12-month Learning Membership: From $17.70/lesson 

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Costs of Homeschooling vs. Public or Private School

As of May 2026, the average homeschooling expenses are within the $500-2,500 range per year, with the most expensive platforms on the market reaching $21,000 per year. While still costly, this is significantly lower than private schools that typically charge $32,351 – $71,715 per year (as of the US News 2025 report), and the highest price can reach over $90,000 (for example, in Woodside Priory School and The Athenian School). So, the answer to the question “Is homeschooling expensive?” is a definite no when compared to private schools. 

As for the homeschool vs public school comparison, traditional schooling in public schools is generally free. Still, the hidden costs that involve mandatory fees, purchases of technology, textbooks, commute, and extracurricular activities are typically around $1,000-1,500, with $577-$1,223 a year spent on school supplies only (as of May 2026). Compared to homeschooling costs, the numbers are roughly the same, but the great benefit of homeschooling is that you, as a parent, can choose what you want to spend on and which expenses to save on.  

Since household expenses are one of the first things to consider when choosing an education facility for your child, the average cost of educating at home looks more attractive and flexible than expenses at a public or private school. Compared to the most expensive options on the market, you won’t need to break the bank to homeschool your kid. However, be aware that the average cost listed here may not cover everything your kid may need on the way. 

When deciding between the cost to homeschool and spending on public school or private school, ensure that you consider all the expenses per child, your student’s needs, and the environment they will thrive in.

Extra Expenses: Homeschooling vs. Public vs. Private School

• When you plan to enroll your children in a public school, the expenses will cover things like field trip fees, school supplies, extracurricular activities, meals, and clothing. That’s how you will end up paying well over $1,000 per child yearly (as of May 2026).
• Expenses on private school will include uniforms, field trips, school supplies, laptops, and books. This means the cost will rise, and parents will pay for every child from $30,000 and $90,000 on average, depending on the given school (as of May 2026). Additional expenses may cover application fees, extracurriculars, room & board, and summer programs.
• If you choose homeschooling, you can spend money on what you need only. Instead of hiring a teacher, a parent may conduct the teaching themselves, which will save money otherwise spent on tuition fees. Further, you will not incur the cost of rent as your children will be learning at home. Another amount you will save includes bus fare and a ton of equipment required for public and private schools.

When you compare the cost of these three options, you will discover that homeschool cost per year is cheaper than public or private schooling because you will avoid expenses on needless equipment, teachers’ pensions, and principals’ salaries.

Hidden Costs of Homeschooling: What to Budget For

The most common categories in the homeschooling budget include platform fees, lesson costs, learning supplies, food and household expenses, curriculum, testing fees, parental time, extracurriculars, utility bills, and mental health support. Understanding how they work and where you can cut some of these expenses can help you optimize the price for homeschooling.

1. Platform and Tutor Fees

Your platform choice and the hidden fees they may have dramatically change the cost of homeschooling, especially if you decide to apply for extra classes or take up advanced courses. Also, the more time tutors spend on you and the more experienced they are, the higher the learning costs.

2. Learning Supplies

The cost of supplies to use during homeschooling may cover many areas. You will need notebooks, markers, and pencils. Unlike the school setup, where kids utilize school equipment, you will probably have to buy a microscope or other things for conducting lab test activities at home. However, the flexibility of homeschooling is an advantage, as you can choose what to buy, rent, or disregard.

Bear all the suppliers’ costs for hands-on projects like those necessary for science, art, and crafts, which will increase the overall cost of homeschooling.

3. Food and Household Costs

When your children study at home, they will require at least three meals a day. It takes some effort, planning, and a lot of cash to organize their meals. Somehow, children enjoy home meals more than school lunches, and they become hungrier when studying at home.

Kids will need morning snacks, breakfast, and more snacks at any given break from the lesson and dinner. The necessity to feed your kids more frequently when homeschooling them can increase your household budget.

4. Homeschool Curriculum Cost 

There are many free homeschooling curricula that parents can find online. However, many families prefer to purchase the one that suits their needs. While the average cost of homeschool curriculum is around $200-$700 (Tutors.com, as of May 2026), you may end up spending over $1,000 on a single curriculum. 

Suppose you have children at different grade levels and they all require their own curriculum package; thus, you will have to spend more yearly. Special cognitive abilities can be another cost-affecting factor here. For example, your children may need a specific homeschool curriculum for ADHD that some platforms may charge a higher price for.

5. Testing Fees

The request to prepare for final exams usually costs more for homeschooling. Considering that most tests have their specific structure, types of questions, and require unique approaches, kids will require dedicated test books and materials to get ready. The preparation materials are usually quite costly, so consider increasing your homeschooling budget if you want your kids to ace the tests.

6. Parental Time and Support

Parents will need to dedicate their time and effort to provide the homeschool education they deserve. Most likely, one of the parents may need to quit their full-time job to dedicate enough time and attention to their homeschooled kid. In addition to time, they’ll need access to the specific homeschooling resources for parents to work on with their child.

Hiring qualified high school math tutors can reduce the burden, taking care of guiding a child in learning and helping them improve academically.  

7. Extracurricular and Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities can raise homeschooling costs with expenses for transportation, equipment, entry fees, and sometimes specialized instructors or guides. They often enhance educational value through hands-on learning, increasing engagement and retention. 

Spending extra money on outdoor activities is relevant to improving the overall quality and effectiveness of the curriculum and providing alternative teaching methods for your child.

8. Utility Bills

Utility bills can greatly affect homeschooling costs since children stay at home during the day. Parents working from home while homeschooling can also increase utility bills as their households use more energy for lights, computers, printers, and other educational devices. 

New homeschooling families, especially those with children previously in traditional schools, notice these costs more, so be ready to adjust your budget to the new reality.

9. Mental Health Support

Mental health support costs in homeschooling vary from free or low-cost resources to several hundred dollars a month, depending on the exact support needs for your kid. Homeschooling doesn’t necessarily require costly mental health support — it’s the kid’s needs and resources that impact the associated costs.

Many families use free online counseling, community groups, or district services if their kids need mental support. Private counseling or therapy for homeschooled children typically costs $50 to $250 per session (as of May 2026), which may include additional expenses for specialized programs.

Conclusion

At $500 to $2,500 per year on average, homeschooling is an effective alternative to public schooling and a more cost-effective option compared to private schools. With around 7% currently homeschooled children in the US (Prosperity for America, 2025), many families choose this study model.

If you’re looking at cost-effective homeschooling with a free trial, try our platform. We offer structured 1:1 support with personalized learning plans and a foundation-first approach. boBook free lesson to see how it works.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost Per Year on Average?

As of May 2026, the average annual homeschooling expenses are between $500 and $2,500, though most parents stick their homeschooling budget within the $700-$1,800 range. The key factors affecting the homeschooling price include the platform of choice, the cost of learning materials, add-ons like extracurricular activities, and hidden costs like utility bills and mental health support. 

Is Homeschooling Cheaper Than Public School?

Homeschooling can be either cheaper or more expensive than public schools, since its exact price depends on commute, clothes, technology, and extracurricular activity expenses required for studying. The best way to make homeschooling cheaper than public school is to rely on free curriculum, find cost-effective options for meals, clothes, and learning materials, and cut expenses on field trips. 

What Is the Cheapest Way to Homeschool?

The cheapest way to homeschool is to rely on free curriculum, get public library resources, and invest their time and effort in staying at home and studying with their kids. As of May 2026, homeschooling is more popular in Alaska and North Carolina compared to other states, so families there can rely on free state-provided materials to homeschool effectively. 

How Much Does Online Homeschooling Cost Per Month?

The monthly homeschooling expenses depend on the chosen platform and the presence of extracurricular activities. As of May 2026, the homeschool curriculum price can start at $9.99 per month (IXL cost), yet climb to $249 per month (an accredited Acellus Academy program). The price differs by self-learning vs live tutoring, accreditation, supporting materials and courses, and advisor support..

Does Homeschooling Cost Money if I Use Free Resources?

Using free resources can significantly cut the overall price paid for homeschooling, but it still costs money. Open-source platforms still require payments for issuing certificates, and the hidden costs like testing fees, utility bills, and basic learning supplies are still relevant for homeschooling. Still, free resources can cut annual homeschool expenses to a minimal $500 annual price, as of May 2026.

How Does Homeschooling Compare to Private School Costs?

As of May 2026, homeschooling is far more affordable compared to private schools: the average range for homeschooling is $500-$2,500, while private school education generally costs between $32,000 to $71,000 per year. For parents considering homeschooling as an alternative to private school, it’s possible to add the most expensive add-ons to homeschool expenses and still remain cost-effective.