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A guide to save money on back-to-school (as a homeschool parent)

  • celeste5695
  • Aug 6
  • 3 min read

homeschool supplies

As a homeschool parent, "back to school" takes on a whole new meaning.


Instead of receiving a list from your child’s teacher of what they need to buy, YOU are creating that list… and finding courses… and purchasing your own classroom supplies to set your child up for a great school year. 


That being said, it can quickly become overwhelming (and expensive). 


Lucky for you, we did the research on the best back-to-school deals so you don’t have to! Below are a list of places and websites that have AMAZING deals for homeschool families. 


Also check out our back-to-school list for homeschool families listed below.


Classroom supplies 


Need colored pencils? Folders? Glue sticks? Check out Target and Walmart for deals!


As a parent and educator, time is of the essence. Simply add these items to your online cart and get them delivered to your doorstep, or do curbside pick up for free (You must spend at least $35 to be eligible for free curbside pick up at Walmart. Target has no spending minimum for free curbside pick up). 


Also check out Amazon’s Back to School Shop deals for discounts on school supplies, electronics, and more. 

 

Electronics 


Apple’s Education Store has limited-time offers on back to school electronics. Their education savings initiative offers savings to current and newly accepted college students, school faculty, and homeschool teachers (yay!). With most purchases, you are also eligible to get AirPods or another accessory of your choice. 


To find discounts, look for the small green graduate cap icon in the top right corner of the product display. Eligible products include: 

  • Mac

  • iPad and select accessories

  • Displays

  • AppleCare+ for Mac

  • AppleCare+ for iPad

  • AppleCare+ for Display


The Apple Education Store website makes it easy to find deals. Check out the website to find amazing deals on premium electronics.


Homeschool Curriculum Kits & Courses 


BJU Press Homeschool is having a sale on its Christian-based homeschool curriculum kits for all grade levels. Until August 14, use code B2H10 for 10% on all homeschool kits!


Abeka is having a 15% off flash sale on all homeschool products. Click here to get discounts on anything from coloring sheets, to music books, to any grade level homeschool kit.


Home Science Tools is giving homeschool families 10% off their first order or full-year science bundles. Shop the deal here. 


Books


Books-A-Million is offering 20% off all classroom purchases. All you have to do is fill out this teacher discount form!



Back-to-school list for homeschool families 


Don’t know where to start with setting up your homeschool classroom? We made a list of essential items to get you started.


Core Academic Supplies 


Writing & Drawing Tools

  • #2 pencils

  • Erasers (pencil cap & block)

  • Pencil sharpener

  • Pens (black, blue, red)

  • Highlighters

  • Dry erase markers

  • Crayons

  • Colored pencils

  • Markers

  • Ruler

  • Scissors

  • Glue sticks

  • Liquid glue

  • Tape

  • Stapler & staples

  • Paper clips & binder clips


Paper Products

  • Spiral notebooks or composition books

  • Loose-leaf notebook paper

  • Graph paper

  • Printer paper

  • Index cards

  • Sticky notes

  • Construction paper

  • Manila folders or colored file folders


Subject-Specific Materials


Math

  • Protractor

  • Compass

  • Calculator (basic or scientific depending on grade)

  • Math manipulatives (counting cubes, base ten blocks, fraction tiles)

  • Graphing calculator (high school)


Science

  • Safety goggles

  • Lab notebook

  • Magnifying glass

  • Thermometer

  • Dissection tools/kits

  • Microscope & slides

  • Science experiment supplies (vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, etc.)


Language Arts

  • Books for reading lists/literature study

  • Dictionary & thesaurus

  • Reading comprehension guides

  • Lined journals or writing notebooks


Art & Music

  • Sketch pad

  • Paint (watercolors, tempera, acrylics)

  • Paintbrushes

  • Modeling clay or playdough

  • Sheet music or music theory workbooks


Teaching & Planning Supplies


  • Homeschool planner or calendar

  • Lesson plan templates

  • Curriculum guides and workbooks

  • Progress report templates

  • Timer or stopwatch (for work cycles)


Technology & Digital Learning


  • Laptop or tablet

  • Headphones or earbuds (with mic if needed)

  • Printer

  • Scanner or scanning app

  • External hard drive or cloud storage

  • Educational software/apps subscriptions (e.g., Khan Academy, ABCmouse, etc.)

  • Internet router or Wi-Fi extender

  • Digital camera or webcam (for projects, presentations)


Organization & Storage


  • Bookshelves or cubbies

  • Rolling carts or drawer units

  • Binders with dividers

  • Pencil case or supply box

  • Wall calendar or dry erase board

  • Corkboard or bulletin board

  • Plastic bins or baskets for materials


Household/Supportive Supplies


  • Tissues

  • Disinfectant wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Cleaning spray

  • Refillable water bottles

  • Healthy snacks for “recess” or break time

  • Bean bag, reading chair, or floor cushions


Learning Environment Extras


  • Maps (world, US, local geography)

  • Globe

  • Educational posters (alphabet, periodic table, multiplication chart, etc.)

  • Flashcards (math facts, sight words, etc.)

  • Whiteboard and/or chalkboard

  • Inspirational quotes or visual schedules



 
 
 
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