Homeschooling on a budget?
Homeschooling is one of the best decisions you can make for your family. But let's be honest — the cost of curriculum, books, and supplies can add up fast. The good news is that with a little creativity and some insider knowledge, you can build an incredible homeschool experience without spending a fortune.
Here are our favorite budget-friendly strategies for Walla Walla homeschool families.
Swap Curriculum With Other Local Families
One of the best perks of being part of a homeschool community is having access to families who have already been where you are going. Curriculum your family has outgrown is exactly what another family might need next year.
Our Annual Homeschooling Walla Walla Book Swap and Resource Fair is coming up in June at Calvary Chapel Walla Walla — and it is the perfect place to trade what you no longer need for what you do. Browse our Book Swap post for all the details and mark your calendar now.
Get Free Books Through the ThriftBooks 4 Teachers Program
Did you know that homeschool parents qualify as educators for the ThriftBooks 4 Teachers program? For every four books you purchase, you receive a credit for one free book automatically added to your cart. That adds up to serious savings over the course of a school year.
Getting verified as a homeschool educator is simple. We created a free Homeschool Parent ID template that includes everything ThriftBooks needs to verify your status. Fill out the form below to grab your free copy and start saving right away.
Here is how it works:
Download our free Homeschool Parent ID template using the form below.
Fill it out with your name and homeschool name.
Create an account at ThriftBooks and upload your completed ID during the verification process.
Browse their massive selection of books for all ages and start saving.
Use Your Library Card for More Than Just Books
Your Walla Walla Public Library card is one of the most underused homeschool resources in the valley. Beyond books, your library card gives you access to free audiobooks and ebooks through apps like Libby, free museum and state park passes through the Discover Pass lending program, free educational databases and research tools, and free story times and programs for younger children.
If you have not been to the library lately, it is worth a visit to see everything that is available to your family at no cost.
Shop Secondhand Before You Buy New
Before you spend full price on any curriculum or resource, check these secondhand options first:
Facebook Marketplace and local Facebook buy/sell groups often have homeschool curriculum at a fraction of the retail price. eBay and ThriftBooks are great for finding used textbooks and readers. Rainbow Resource Center sells used curriculum at significant discounts. Homeschool co-op networks are also a great place to ask around before buying.
The rule our community lives by: never buy new until you have checked secondhand first.
Take Advantage of Free Online Resources
There is an enormous amount of high-quality free curriculum and supplemental content available online. Some of our community favorites include Khan Academy for math and science at every level, Ambleside Online for a free Charlotte Mason curriculum, Easy Peasy All-in-One Homeschool for a complete free curriculum, and YouTube channels dedicated to history, science, art, and more.
Free does not mean low quality. Many families build their entire curriculum around free resources and supplement with a few purchased items.
Join a Co-Op to Share Costs
Co-ops are one of the smartest ways to stretch your homeschool budget. When families pool resources and share teaching responsibilities, everyone benefits. Your child gets enriching classes and social connection, and you get a break from teaching every subject yourself.
Browse our Co-ops directory to find the right fit for your family in the Walla Walla Valley.
Get Your Free Homeschool Parent ID Template
Ready to start saving on books right away? Fill out the form below to download your free Homeschool Parent ID template. It has everything you need to get verified with ThriftBooks and any other educator discount program that requires proof of homeschool status.
Looking for more ways to connect with local families and find community support for your homeschool journey? Explore what The Homeschool Insiders offers, or check out our Getting Started guide if you are new to homeschooling in Washington state.
But we know that getting verified as a homeschool teacher can sometimes be a little tricky. That's why we've created a handy homeschool ID template just for you! It includes all the information ThriftBooks needs to verify your educator status so you can save on books in no time.
Here's How It Works:
Download our Homeschool ID template. Fill out the form below and grab your copy of the Homeschool ID template.
Fill it out: Add your information and your homeschool name.
Sign up: Create an account on ThriftBooks and upload your completed ID during the verification process.
Shop: Browse their massive selection of books for all ages and interests.
Save: Every time you buy four or more books, you'll get a credit for a free book automatically added to your cart.
Repeat: Keep earning those free books with every qualifying purchase!
The ThriftBooks 4 Teachers program isn't just for classroom teachers anymore. It's open to homeschool instructors, librarians, childcare workers, and anyone else working in the field of education.
So whether you're stocking up on curriculum, finding engaging reads for your kids, or just treating yourself to a well-deserved book haul, be sure to take advantage of this awesome perk!
Happy reading (and saving)! 📖😊