Over the years we have tried a multitude of different curriculums with varying levels of success.  The one constant in my curriculum selection-a very tight budget!  Not matter what curriculum I choose, I always hunt down the best bargain.

Last year, my daughter enrolled in a biology study group at the last minute.  She needed to complete the required reading prior to the first class.  I jumped on the computer to order the text from the Learning Things website.  They offer free shipping and a discount on the text and study guide I was looking to purchase.  I was rather pleased with myself; free shipping and a discount!  I placed the order but soon discovered the shipment would arrive a full week after her first session.  I was a little distraught, to say the least.  After all, I wanted my daughter to be prepared!

I was rather pleased with myself; free shipping and a discount!  I placed the order but soon discovered the shipment would arrive a full week after her first session.

In my desperation to equip my daughter, I began searching for a local supplier or a used copy of the books needed.  I checked Ebay, Amazon and even CraigsList.  I was having difficulty location the edition the group would be using.  In a last ditch effort, I posted a “wanted” ad on CraigsList.  Within 24 hours, I had 2 people offering to sell me their copies and a stranger, but kindred homeschool mom in the next county, who actually offered to loan me her daughter’s copy for free. I was so grateful and my daughter was prepared!  I was able to cancel my original order, with the help of their very accommodating customer service department.  Eventually, I did purchase a like new set from one of the offers I received for less than half of the price I would have paid for new books.  I was one happy momma!

The moral of my story-don’t be afraid to ask! Once you have selected the curriculum that best suits your child, ask your homeschool friends, co-op contacts, even strangers, if they have the curriculum to loan or sell.  This will give you the opportunity to try the curriculum before investing a lot of money.

Sites such as Ebay, Amazon and CraigsList are good sources to purchase gently used items.  There are also many used homeschool resource stores online, such as Educational Accents.  Check out The Homeschoolers Trading Zone, a forum to buy and sell used curriculum and keep an eye out for used book sales through your local homeschool support groups.

Sometimes, after comparing the costs, shipping and resale value, it may be just as wise to purchase new curriculum. Sites such as Penny Wise Learning and Rainbow Resource offer a large selection of homeschool materials.  Also check out the Homeschool Buyer’s Co-Op for great offers (I recently purchased the Dave Ramsey curriculum for teens at a ridiculously low price through a group buy!), and keep an eye out on the publisher’s site-they often offer specials and discounts.

Whatever your curriculum choice, remember there are many ways to stretch your curriculum budget.

This post was written by Christina S., a LessonPathways.com team member and homeschool mom of 2.  A veteran homeschool mother, she and her family are entering their 12th year of homeschooling and looking forward to graduation!