Thinking About Home Schooling

I'd check out the local homeschool boards and meet some actual homeschoolers, have some playdates or go to a co-op. I think you'll find that homeschoolers do very different things... for some I'm sure it's a larger expense than others.

I was homeschooled and there are many pro's and con's. Feel free to PM me.. I have some piano students that are homeschool and they may be willing to have you contact them if you'd like more info from actual homeschoolers.

My son just completed Kindergarten in a public school. School is not all about academics. He also learned valuable social skills that can not be memiced in a home school environment. We spent $10 for the mothers and fathers day gifts (he made them in class and we paid for supplies). We bought a gift for the 2 teachers in the room (about $20 each). We spent about $20 on school supplies in the fall. We pack a lunch everyday is that is not a cost for us. We bought him a yearbook for $15. Lastly, we made a $5 donation to the PTO and recieved a free directory with everyones name in it.

The cost for a public educaiton is minimal. If you are concerned about the environment I rec. you visit different districts to explore school of choice options (Gretchko in West Bloomfield is great).

Good luck with your decision

my daughter went to first grade last year here were our expenses:
(and I am not counting lunch because I make it for her and would feed her even if she were home!!)

10 for PTA dues
5 for combined teacher gift
8 for theater trip
2 for ecofarm trip
5 for zoo trip
10 for misc party donations (food)

thats about it - the way I figure buying gym shoes doesnt count cause I always have one pair of tennis shoes for my daughter anyway and buying supplies doesnt count cause home schooling you have to have paper and pencils and a ruler etc too

the backback I bought at LL beans and will last three years so you can add in 20 bux for that!

home schooling is way more expensive BUT if you live in a yucky district or have the mind to do it there are pros to it as well!

I always thought that sending my son to school would be inexpensive, however, I was wrong. There are school clothes, gym shoes, backpack, lunchbox. Then once in school, lunch money, bagel money, picture day, flower day, bingo night, and the list goes on and on. Not only that, but a fundraiser packet comes home at least once a month. I am a full time teacher, and understand when students don't really have the $ for something. As far as homeschooling, now there are a lot of resources available to you, as more people are choosing that option. One thing to make sure of is join clubs and organizations, such as boyscouts, or a local homeschooling group so that you child is able to build a network of friends.