Vermont Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

by | Jun 26, 2026 | Getting Started, Homeschooling in Vermont

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Vermont Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

You don’t need elaborate supplies to homeschool successfully in Vermont. Most families start with basics, add curriculum-specific items, and avoid expensive extras. This checklist covers what you actually need—and what’s optional.

Key Takeaways

  • Start simple; you probably have most essentials at home
  • Curriculum requirements vary; check before buying
  • Record-keeping supplies are minimal
  • Budget $100–300 for first-year basics
  • Avoid over-purchasing; add as needed
  • Free and low-cost alternatives exist for most items

Core Supplies (Essential)

These items apply to nearly all Vermont homeschools, regardless of curriculum or approach.

Writing & Paper

  • [ ] Pencils (basic #2, HB)
  • [ ] Erasers
  • [ ] Sharpeners
  • [ ] Pens (ballpoint, gel—for older students)
  • [ ] Colored pencils (optional for younger kids)
  • [ ] Markers (optional)
  • [ ] Notebooks or composition books (one per subject)
  • [ ] Printer paper (if you have access to a printer)
  • [ ] Notecards or index cards (for flashcards, research notes)

Budget: $20–40
Where to buy: Dollar store, Staples, Amazon
Money-saving: Buy basics at dollar store; get fancy colored pencils only if child asks

Folders & Organization

  • [ ] File folders (6–8 per child; different colors for subjects)
  • [ ] Binder or folders for each subject (if not using separate notebooks)
  • [ ] Labels and markers for labeling
  • [ ] Accordion file organizer (optional, for document storage)
  • [ ] 3-hole punch (useful for organizing papers)

Budget: $15–30
Where to buy: Dollar store, Target, Staples

Recording & Planning

  • [ ] Calendar or planner (for attendance tracking)
  • [ ] Large wall calendar (optional, to visualize year)
  • [ ] Attendance log or simple spreadsheet template (if tracking digitally)

Budget: $5–20
Where to buy: Dollar store, Staples, or free printable from Canva

Curriculum-Specific Supplies

What you need depends on your chosen curriculum. Check requirements before buying.

If Using Traditional Math Curriculum (Saxon, Singapore, etc.)

  • [ ] Textbook(s)
  • [ ] Workbook(s) or worksheets
  • [ ] Math manipulatives (blocks, counters, fraction bars—often included in curriculum)
  • [ ] Calculator (for older grades)
  • [ ] Graph paper (optional)

Budget: $50–150 (textbooks)

If Using Literature-Based Approach

  • [ ] Books (novels, picture books, chapter books)
  • [ ] Notecards for book records
  • [ ] Optional: literature discussion guide

Budget: Free (library) to $200+ (purchasing)
Money-saving: Use your public library instead of buying

If Using Classical or Structured Approach (Memoria Press, Veritas, etc.)

  • [ ] History timeline materials (cards, poster board, markers)
  • [ ] Map(s) for geography
  • [ ] Art & music supplies (see below)
  • [ ] Logic or grammar workbooks

Budget: $50–200+

If Using Online School or Curriculum

  • [ ] Computer or tablet (likely already owned)
  • [ ] Printer (to print worksheets from online platforms)
  • [ ] Headphones (for video lessons)

Budget: $0–400 (if purchasing equipment)

Art Supplies (Many Curricula Include Art)

  • [ ] Sketchbook or pad
  • [ ] Colored pencils or crayons
  • [ ] Markers
  • [ ] Acrylic or watercolor paints (optional)
  • [ ] Paintbrush set
  • [ ] Glue stick and scissors
  • [ ] Construction paper or cardstock
  • [ ] Modeling clay (optional)

Budget: $20–50
Money-saving: Dollar store basics; upgrade only if child loves art

Science Supplies (Depends on Curriculum)

Check your curriculum first—many include or require:

  • [ ] Science workbook or lab notebook
  • [ ] Basic tools: measuring cups, spoons, thermometer, magnifying glass
  • [ ] Common household items (baking soda, vinegar, food coloring)
  • [ ] Microscope (optional; many curricula include virtual microscopy)
  • [ ] Specimen jars or containers (optional)

Budget: $20–100
Money-saving: Use kitchen items; buy specialized tools only if curriculum requires

PE Supplies (If Not Using Community Classes)

  • [ ] Jump rope
  • [ ] Balls (soccer, basketball, kickball)
  • [ ] Cones or markers for drills
  • [ ] Yoga mat (optional)
  • [ ] Dumbbells or resistance bands (optional, for older teens)

Budget: $30–80 (if buying new)
Money-saving: Use what you have; yard space is free

Record-Keeping & Assessment Supplies

For Attendance Tracking

  • [ ] Calendar or planner (listed above)
  • [ ] Printable attendance log template (free online)
  • [ ] Attendance spreadsheet (if tracking digitally—use Google Sheets, Excel)

Budget: $0–10

For EOYA Portfolio Method

  • [ ] Folder or binder for work samples (already have)
  • [ ] Printer access (for printing work)
  • [ ] Scanner or camera (optional, for digital storage)
  • [ ] Notecards for writing progress summary

Budget: $0–50 (if scanning)

For Standardized Testing (If Using This EOYA Method)

  • [ ] Test answer sheet (usually included with test)
  • [ ] Testing booklet/exam (purchase separately)

Budget: $100–250 (one-time, paid directly to test vendor)

Nice-to-Have (Not Essential)

These items enhance learning but aren’t required:

  • [ ] Whiteboard and markers (for teaching, math, brainstorming)
  • [ ] Bulletin board (to display work, calendar, goals)
  • [ ] Desk organizer or caddy (for supplies at hand)
  • [ ] Sticky notes (for reminders, annotations)
  • [ ] Bookshelf (if not using library exclusively)
  • [ ] Map collection (free online; optional printed)
  • [ ] Globe (optional)
  • [ ] Poster or chart for reference (periodic table, multiplication, grammar)
  • [ ] Educational posters (motivational or subject-related)
  • [ ] Bean bag or comfortable seating (for reading)

Budget if buying all: $100–300
Smart approach: Add one or two that your child asks for

Complete Supplies Checklist by Budget

Bare Minimum ($50–100)

  • Pencils, pens, erasers
  • Notebook/composition books
  • File folders
  • Calendar for tracking
  • Curriculum textbooks (varies)

Works for: Low-cost classical approach, unschooling, or using free resources

Modest Setup ($200–400)

  • All of the above
  • Colored pencils, markers
  • Basic art supplies
  • Some science materials
  • Organizational system

Works for: Most traditional or eclectic homeschools

Comprehensive Setup ($400–700)

  • All of the above
  • Full art & music supplies
  • Science kit or lab equipment
  • Manipulatives for math
  • Poster/reference charts
  • Nice-to-have organizational items

Works for: Structured curricula, classical approach, science-heavy

Luxury Setup ($700+)

  • All of the above
  • Premium curriculum options
  • Technology (nice laptop, tablet)
  • Organized furniture (shelves, desk, lighting)
  • Rich library of books
  • Specialty supplies

Works for: Families with generous budget and extensive ambitions

Where to Buy Supplies (Budget-Friendly)

Cheapest Options

  • Dollar stores (Dollar General, Dollar Tree): Basics, writing supplies, organization
  • Thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army): Used books, furniture, sometimes educational materials
  • Free: Library (books), online printables (Canva, Pinterest), YouTube (educational videos)

Mid-Range

  • Target: Decent prices on supplies, organization
  • Staples/Office Depot: Good selection but pricier
  • Amazon: Competitive pricing if you have Prime

For Curriculum

  • Homeschool curriculum vendors: Rainbow Resource, Well-Trained Mind Press
  • Facebook Homeschool Swap groups: Buy/sell used curriculum at discount
  • Thrift stores: Sometimes carry old textbooks cheaply
  • Library: Borrow curriculum and books before buying

For Books

  • Public library: Free (unlimited borrowing)
  • Used options: ThriftBooks, AbeBooks, Facebook swap groups
  • Buy new: Only titles you’ll return to; build library gradually

First-Year Supplies Strategy

Month 1: Buy Essentials Only

  • Curriculum (if required)
  • Basics: pencils, paper, folders, notebook
  • Any curriculum-specific tools
  • Attendance calendar

Spend: Whatever your curriculum costs + $30–50 basics

Months 2–3: Evaluate Needs

After starting, you’ll know:
– Which supplies work for your child
– What curriculum requires
– What you’re missing

Months 4–6: Add Strategically

Buy only what you’ve identified as needed:
– Extra art supplies (if child loves art)
– Science materials (if curriculum requires)
– Organization items (if system isn’t working)

By Year-End: Full Setup

By June, you’ll have a complete, working supply collection that actually fits your family’s needs.

Money-Saving Tips

  1. Use the library: Borrow books, DVDs, and sometimes curriculum before buying
  2. Buy used curriculum: Facebook groups, homeschool swap sites, eBay
  3. Dollar stores first: Most basics are cheap
  4. Delay purchases: Wait to see what you actually need
  5. Share costs: Split curriculum with another family; buy used and resell
  6. Free printables: Canva, Teachers Pay Teachers (free section), and many websites
  7. Household items: Use kitchen supplies for science, art scraps for projects
  8. Gifts: Ask grandparents for supplies instead of toys
  9. Budget-friendly curriculum: Khan Academy (free), Oak Meadow (affordable), classical free options

Supplies Checklist by Age

Elementary (K–5)

Prioritize:
– Math manipulatives
– Notebooks & pencils
– Books (lots of them)
– Basic art supplies
– PE equipment (ball, jump rope)

Skip for now:
– Specialized science lab equipment
– Advanced organization systems
– Premium materials

Middle School (6–8)

Add:
– More sophisticated notebooks/folders
– Science lab basics
– Writing supplies (for essays)
– Math tools (ruler, compass, graphing)
– Art supplies if humanities-focused

High School (9–12)

Add:
– College-prep specific materials
– Science lab equipment (if doing chemistry/physics)
– Writing/grammar references
– Advanced calculator (if needed)
– Organizational systems for portfolio/transcripts

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with essentials, add curriculum-specific items, and build your supply collection as you discover what your family needs. Most successful homeschoolers started simple and expanded over time.

Vermont homeschooling doesn’t require expensive setups. Focused, thoughtful supplies matter more than quantity.

Start with the essentials checklist. Buy one thing at a time. You’ll build a functional supply collection without overspending.