Colorado Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Wondering what supplies you actually need to start homeschooling in Colorado? This checklist separates essentials from nice-to-haves and gives you a realistic budget breakdown. You don’t need much to start—but knowing what helps prevents panic-buying and overspending.

Key Takeaways

• Essential supplies cost $100-$200 for the year
• Don’t buy everything before starting—add items as you identify needs
• Most supplies are available locally in Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins)
• Curriculum costs ($400-$1,200) are separate from supply costs
• Many supplies are reusable across school years

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Essential Supplies (The Must-Haves)

These items are genuinely necessary to operate a homeschool. Budget: $100-$150

Writing Supplies

• [ ] Pencils (standard HB #2) — 24-pack, $3-5
• [ ] Erasers — 4-pack, $2-3
• [ ] Colored pencils — 24-pack, $5-8 (optional if not needed for curriculum)
• [ ] Pens (blue/black) — 10-pack, $2-3
• [ ] Pencil sharpener — 1-2, $3-5

Subtotal: $15-25

Paper Products

• [ ] Printer paper (standard 8.5×11) — 500 sheets, $5-7
• [ ] Notebook/composition books — 2-3, $8-12
• [ ] Loose-leaf lined paper — 200 sheets, $3-5
• [ ] Sticky notes (multi-pack) — $5-8

Subtotal: $20-30

Basic Math & Geometry

• [ ] Ruler (12-inch) — 1-2, $2-3
• [ ] Basic calculator — 1, $8-15
• [ ] Whiteboard and dry-erase markers — $5-10

Subtotal: $15-30

Art & Craft Basics

• [ ] Scissors — 1-2 pairs, $2-4
• [ ] Glue stick — 4-pack, $2-3
• [ ] Colored construction paper — 100-sheet pack, $5-8

Subtotal: $10-15

Organization

• [ ] File folders (assorted colors) — 10-pack, $3-5
• [ ] Binder(s) — 1-2, $5-10
• [ ] Tabs for organization — $3-5

Subtotal: $10-15

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Highly Recommended (Next Priority)

These items aren’t strictly essential but make homeschool much easier. Budget: $50-$100

• [ ] Headphones or earbuds — $15-30 (for online lessons/videos)
• [ ] Printer and ink — $50-80 (one-time; you may already have)
• [ ] Planner or calendar — $5-15 (for student or parent planning)
• [ ] Laminator and laminating sheets — $20-40 (reuse worksheets)
• [ ] Index cards — $3-5 (flashcards, notes)
• [ ] Highlighters (multi-color) — $3-5
• [ ] Pencil holder or desk organizer — $5-15

Subtotal: $50-100

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Optional But Nice (Enrichment)

These enhance learning but aren’t required. Add as budget allows.

• [ ] Whiteboard markers (assorted colors) — $5-10
• [ ] Graph paper — $3-5
• [ ] Poster board for projects — $10-20 (pack of 10-25)
• [ ] String/yarn for projects — $5-10
• [ ] Craft supplies (buttons, beads, etc.) — $10-20
• [ ] Measuring cups and spoons (for science) — $10-15
• [ ] Magnifying glass — $5-10
• [ ] Compass for geometry — $5-10

Subtotal: $50-100 (optional, buy as needed)

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By Curriculum Category

If You’re Using a Traditional Curriculum (Abeka, BJU, etc.)

• Student textbooks (included with curriculum)
• Answer keys (included with curriculum)
• Workbook pages
• Essential supplies above (pencils, paper, etc.)
• Additional: Whiteboard for parent teaching

Total additional supply cost: $50-100

If You’re Using an Online Curriculum (Time4Learning, Khan Academy, etc.)

• Headphones
• Printer and paper
• Pencils and paper for notetaking
• Whiteboard (optional, for teaching)

Total additional supply cost: $30-80

If You’re Using a Mix (Curriculum + Supplementary Materials)

• Everything above plus:
• Construction paper, poster board (for projects)
• Craft supplies
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers)

Total additional supply cost: $100-200

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Budget Breakdown by Year

Year 1 (Fresh Start)

• Essential supplies: $100-150
• Recommended additions: $50-100
• Curriculum: $400-1,200
• Total first year: $550-1,450

Year 2 and Beyond

• Replace worn supplies: $50-75 (pencils, erasers, paper)
• Add new items as needed: $25-50
• Curriculum: $300-900 (often less expensive once you know what works)
• Total per year: $375-1,025

Most families find the cost stabilizes after year one. Initial curriculum investment is front-loaded.

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Where to Buy in Colorado

Online (Fastest Shipping)

• Amazon Prime: Fast delivery, wide selection, reviews
• Curriculum company websites: Directly from Sonlight, My Father’s World, Abeka, BJU
• Rainbow Resource Center: Homeschool-specific, huge selection
• Homeschool.com: Homeschool-focused marketplace

Colorado Brick-and-Mortar

Denver Area:

• Barnes & Noble (books, some supplies)
• Target (supplies, some curriculum materials)
• Costco (bulk paper, pencils)
• Walmart (budget-friendly supplies)

Colorado Springs:

• Target, Walmart, Costco (same as Denver)

Statewide:

• Local bookstores (often carry some curriculum)
• Office supply stores (limited homeschool materials)

Homeschool-Specific Colorado Vendors

• CHEC Curriculum Fair (annual, Colorado Springs) — Hands-on curriculum browsing, discounts
• Local homeschool co-ops — Often buy curriculum in bulk and pass savings to members

Tip: CHEC’s annual conference and curriculum fair is worth attending in your first year. You can see curriculum in person and usually get discounts on purchases.

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Money-Saving Tips

Tip #1: Don’t Buy Everything at Once

Buy essentials before starting, then add items throughout the year as you identify needs. You’ll save money and avoid clutter.

Tip #2: Use Bulk Purchases

• Buy pencils and erasers in bulk (24-36 packs)
• Printer paper in cases
• Student snacks in bulk from Costco
• Saves 20-30% vs. individual purchases

Tip #3: Reuse and Repurpose

• Laminate worksheets to reuse across subjects
• Save handouts from previous years
• Reuse composition books by starting from middle
• Reuse binders and folders

Tip #4: Take Advantage of Back-to-School Sales

• July-August: Target, Walmart, office supply stores have sales
• 50-70% off supplies
• Stock up on pencils, paper, folders, scissors

Tip #5: Join Curriculum Co-ops

• Co-ops bulk-buy curriculum
• Pass 10-20% discounts to members
• Also share supplies purchases

Tip #6: Buy Used When Possible

• Curriculum resale (Facebook groups, Rainbow Resource Used)
• Textbooks second-hand
• Save 30-50% on curriculum

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First Day Supplies (Minimal Start)

If you want to start homeschool this week without over-buying:

Absolute minimum to get started (under $50):

• 1 pencil pack ($3)
• 1 eraser pack ($2)
• 1 notebook ($2)
• Printer paper (500 sheets, $5)
• Basic calculator ($10)
• Glue stick and scissors ($5)
• Ruler ($2)

Buy the rest over the first month as you identify needs.

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FAQ

Q: How much should I spend on supplies total?

A: $100-250 for supplies (separate from curriculum). Curriculum is $400-1,200 for a complete curriculum or $200-600 for core subjects only.

Q: Do I need a printer?

A: Helpful but not required. You can print at a library, use borrowed printer, or go digital. Many modern curricula are available online.

Q: What supplies are reusable across years?

A: Binders, folders, pencil sharpener, scissors, ruler, calculator, headphones, planner. These last multiple years.

Q: Should I buy supplies before choosing curriculum?

A: Yes, buy basic essentials first. Your specific curriculum might need additional supplies, but basics (pencils, paper, folders) are universal.

Q: Can I find homeschool supplies at Colorado stores?

A: Yes. Target, Walmart, and Costco have essential supplies. For curriculum-specific materials, order online or buy at the annual CHEC curriculum fair in Colorado Springs.

Q: What if I go digital? Do I need fewer supplies?

A: Somewhat. You’d need headphones, perhaps less paper, but you still need basic writing supplies for notes and math problems. Most families use a hybrid.