Affordable and Free Homeschooling (or School-at-Home) Curriculum for Every Budget

When it comes to homeschooling, many families start by looking into traditional programs that offer complete curriculum packages—but these often come with a hefty price tag. Well-known options like Griggs University & International Academy and A Beka Book Homeschool provide structured programs and materials, but they aren’t your only choices.

If you’re searching for something more budget-friendly (or even free!), there are plenty of great resources available. One of the most comprehensive places to begin is the Rainbow Resource Center. They offer reviews and recommendations on nearly every homeschool curriculum out there. You can even request a free physical catalog—which, believe it or not, is thicker than a Bible!

Public Virtual Charter Schools

If you like the idea of public school curriculum but prefer a home-based environment with more structure, public virtual charter schools may be a good fit. While these schools offer the convenience of learning from home, they are not true homeschooling in the traditional sense.

At the elementary level, you’ll enjoy some flexibility, but as your child moves into middle and high school, you’ll need to stay aligned with teacher-assigned pacing and testing schedules—especially due to high-stakes standardized testing. These programs follow state standards, so parents don’t have the freedom to pick and choose subjects. Keep this in mind when making your decision.

Examples of public virtual charter schools include:

Low-Cost & Free Online Curriculum

If you’re more of a DIY homeschooler who wants to choose your own path, there are excellent online programs that are both affordable and flexible:

  • Power Homeschool – offers a complete online curriculum for grades K–12, starting at just $20 per month. At EPIC Homeschool Network, we prefer Power Homeschool for its easy-to-use platform, engaging video instruction, and wide range of subjects tailored for independent learning at home.
  • Time4Learning – Offers a full online curriculum from Pre-K to 12th grade. Prices start at $20/month for elementary and go up to $30/month for high school. A solid all-in-one option! (P.S. If you sign up, let them know Andrea Hall sent you!)
  • Starfall – Ideal for Pre-K to 5th grade. Many activities are free, and the full membership is just $30 for the whole year.
  • Khan Academy – is a free, high-quality resource offering video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes in subjects like math, science, history, and more—perfect for supplementing your homeschool curriculum or building one from scratch. Its self-paced structure allows students to learn at their own speed while tracking their progress.
  • Georgia Virtual Learning – OER – Offers free, self-guided curriculum for middle and high school with no teacher support or grading.

Curriculum Planning & Guidance

Deciding to homeschool independently can be empowering—but you might still want to ensure your child is staying on track with grade-level expectations. These resources offer curriculum outlines by subject and grade to help you plan:

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a structured program or crafting your own path, homeschooling doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of research and the right tools, you can provide your child with a high-quality education at home—tailored to their unique needs and your family’s budget.

Before we go, we would be remiss if we did not mention another option. The EPIC Homeschool Network Academic Studies Program is a great resource for families seeking academic support in a nurturing, faith-based community. This program offers live in-person classes, clubs, field trips, curriculum guidance, and enrichment activities designed to enrich, enhance, and empower your homeschool journey.

Have any favorites of your own or questions about getting started? Share them in the comments below!

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