Homeschooling: A Family’s Journey

The economic argument for homeschooling is about to get a lot more persuasive as a result of the financial crisis and inevitable recession. Tax revenues will fall and take school budgets down with them, leading to government spending cuts. (For example, New York state is already cutting back.) Schools will drop music, art and other enrichment programs, if history is any guide. Expect even more overcrowded classes, and other bad news in public schools.

In economic terms, a large part of the cost of homeschooling is opportunity cost — the amount a homeschooling parent can earn in the job market. Since the job market will be tight, with fewer good jobs available, this opportunity cost will go down. Combine a lower opportunity cost with an increasingly undesirable public school alternative, and homeschooling becomes a much more attractive economic proposition.

As a result, we expect the numbers of homeschoolers to grow. But like everyone else, homeschoolers will have to tighten their belts. Pricey curriculum materials may be unaffordable. Fortunately, you don’t need them. Click the “Resources” tab at the top of this page for information on free homeschooling resources. You can cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your homeschool curriculum.

What do you do when times get tough? How does it affect your homeschooling? Share links and ideas in the comment section!

(Greg)

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