The Homeschooling Handbook_ From Preschool to High School - Mary Griffith [43]
The least expensive option is a public school program tailored to homeschoolers. The most conventional of these require no expenses that would not also be expected in regular classroom programs because the materials and program are so similar except for most work occurring at home under parental supervision. Those programs that allow more flexibility in choosing materials are often a bit more expensive because they may only provide or reimburse for certain “approved” texts and materials, or they may establish a yearly budget limit for each student. If you choose to use other texts than the program recommends, you may end up having to cover the costs yourself. Some programs offer equipment, such as microscopes or computers, for loan during school terms (and sometimes over vacations, too). Also often provided are “consumables”—items such as paper, pens and pencils, workbooks, and so on—although, as with the other materials, supplies may be limited to specific amounts each school term.
Private homeschooling programs vary mainly according to the services they provide. Some programs, such as Calvert, mainly sell complete curriculum packages. In 1998, the average tuition for a complete Calvert curriculum for a single grade ranged from $285 for kindergarten to $530 for the upper elementary grades, with its advisory teaching service (grading, testing, record maintenance) costing an additional $220. Calvert also offers “enrichment” courses such as music and foreign languages at $70 to $200, with reduced rates for several individuals enrolling together.
Other programs, such as Alpha Omega Publications (a popular Christian-based program), sell individual courses and books as well as complete packages. In 1998 Bridgestone Academy, Alpha Omega’s correspondence affiliate, charged a $100 placement and registration fee and $750 tuition for four core subjects (English, math, history, and science), with electives an additional $200 each. Bridgestone also offers reduced rates for multiple enrollments.
Homeschoolers at the high school level often use conventional correspondence courses available through public and private universities. Such courses are relatively expensive, typically $100 to $300 per course; textbooks and other required materials may or may not be included in the course fee. For homeschoolers who desire formal credit in specialized topics, particularly in mathematics, sciences, and foreign languages, such courses can be well worth the extra expense.
Less structured private programs may offer per family pricing rather than per child or per course. In 1998, the Waldorf-based Oak Meadow School offered enrollment for an entire family at about $425 per year; curriculum packages (mainly storybooks, novels, and activity guides rather than formal textbooks) range from $165 to $330 according to grade level. Families can simply purchase curricular materials from Oak Meadow, or they can opt for one of several levels of academic support: enrollment with standard curriculum, enrollment with individualized educational plan ($150 IEP fee plus teacher and materials), and enrollment with portfolio evaluation ($35 to $45 per twelve to eighteen lessons completed). Teacher assistance for grading, record keeping, and general advice fees ranged from $290 to $400 per year.
Clonlara School is extremely flexible with its services and specializes in helping unschooling families with its Home Based Education Program (HBEP). Its 1998 fees for record keeping and curriculum advice were $550 for one student, $575 for two or three students, and $600 for four or more students per family. Books and other supplies are additional and vary depending on the type of program you and your family choose. Clonlara’s Compuhigh courses are available online to students enrolled in its HBEP at $50 per one-unit course.