Illinois Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Starting homeschool means gathering supplies and materials. But what’s essential versus optional? This checklist helps you gather what you actually need without overbuying.

Key Takeaways

• Start lean with essentials; add materials as you understand your family’s needs
• Basic supplies cost $200–$500 for startup
• Organize early to prevent buying duplicates
• Consider storage and workspace setup
• Many supplies are reusable or multi-year
• Free alternatives exist for nearly everything

Foundational Supplies (Must-Haves)

These items are essential regardless of method or curriculum.

Writing and Paper Supplies

• Notebooks: 5–6 per student (one per subject, or 2–3 combined)
• Pencils and erasers: Variety (including thick pencils for younger students)
• Colored pencils: One set per student (useful for all ages)
• Markers/dry erase markers: Assorted colors
• Pens: Blue and black, various styles
• Loose leaf or printing paper: Standard 8.5″x11″ (buy in bulk)
• Lined paper: Variety of line widths for different ages
• Index cards: Useful for flashcards, note-taking
• Sticky notes: Various sizes and colors
• Printer ink/toner: If printing curriculum (budget accordingly)
• Highlighters: Yellow, pink, other colors
• Post-its and sticky page markers: For marking materials

Estimated cost: $50–$100

Writing Tools and Organization

• Binder and folders: Organize by subject (5–10 folders minimum)
• Dividers and tabs: Organize within binders
• File organizer or filing cabinet: Stores records and curriculum (optional but helpful)
• Pencil box/case: Keeps pencils and supplies organized (per student)
• Desk organizer: Writing supplies, reference materials
• Shelving: Organize curriculum and materials by subject/grade
• Planner or calendar: For planning school year and tracking progress

Estimated cost: $50–$150 (depending on shelving)

Learning Materials and Manipulatives

These vary by grade and method.

Elementary:

• Number blocks or counting manipulatives: For math (homemade or purchased)
• Measuring tools: Ruler, measuring tape, scale
• Clock teaching tool: Learn to tell time
• Calendar and weather chart: Daily learning
• Alphabet cards or letter tiles: Phonics and spelling
• Globe and maps: Geography exploration
• Timer: For timed work or activities

All grades:

• Tape (clear, masking, painter’s): For organizing and projects
• Glue (stick, white, hot glue gun): For projects
• Scissors (child-safe and regular): Cutting materials
• Stapler, hole punch, brad fasteners: Binding and assembling
• Whiteboard and markers: Note-taking, planning, interactive learning

Estimated cost: $50–$150

Subject-Specific Supplies

Vary based on your curriculum choices.

Language Arts

• Dictionary, thesaurus: Physical or online (physical helpful for reference)
• Grammar reference book: For diagramming or rules (optional, depends on curriculum)
• Spelling materials: Word lists, flashcards (often included in curriculum)
• Writing guides: If using IEW or similar (curriculum may provide)

Estimated cost: $0–$50 (mostly included in curriculum or free online)

Mathematics

• Graph paper: For graphing, organized work
• Lined paper for math: Special lines for number alignment (optional)
• Algebra tiles or base-10 blocks: For understanding concepts (homemade works)
• Protractor, compass, straightedge: For geometry
• Calculator: For checking work, upper grades (basic is fine)

Estimated cost: $20–$50

Sciences

• Lab notebook: For recording observations and experiments
• Beakers, test tubes, graduated cylinders: Basic lab materials (inexpensive sets available)
• Microscope: If pursuing advanced biology (not essential, library or co-op alternatives work)
• Dissection kit: If studying anatomy (optional, many skip this)
• Thermometer, magnifying glass: For observations
• Materials for experiments: Baking soda, vinegar, soil, plants (mostly household items)
• Safety equipment: Goggles, apron (if doing serious lab work)

Estimated cost: $30–$200 (depending on extent of labs)

Social Studies

• Historical timeline poster or materials: Create or print
• Maps: Print or purchase regional, state, national maps
• Biographies and historical fiction: Through library (free) or purchased
• Current events sources: Newsela (free for homeschoolers), newspapers

Estimated cost: $0–$50 (mostly free through library)

Fine Arts

• Art supplies: Colored pencils, markers, watercolors, acrylic paint, canvas or paper
• Sketchbooks: One per student
• Musical instrument: If studying music (optional, depends on curriculum)
• Music theory materials: Staff paper, theory books (if using formal curriculum)

Estimated cost: $50–$150

Physical Education and Health

• Athletic shoes: Proper footwear for PE
• Exercise mat: For home exercises
• Dumbbells or resistance bands: For strength training (older students)
• Jump rope, sports equipment: Depends on activities

Estimated cost: $30–$100

Technology and Digital Resources

Computer and Internet

• Laptop or desktop: Shared among family (one per student ideal but not required)
• Printer: Helpful but not essential (use library printer as alternative)
• Internet connection: Essential for most modern curricula
• Backup storage: External hard drive for important files ($30–$50)

Estimated cost: $0 (likely already have) or $400–$1,000 (if purchasing computer)

Software and Subscriptions

• Word processor: Google Docs (free) or Microsoft Word (paid)
• Curriculum platforms: Included with curriculum choice
• Educational apps: Khan Academy (free), IXL (paid), others
• Video platform: YouTube for educational content (free), streaming services
• Password manager: Organize login credentials (free or paid)

Estimated cost: $0–$200/year (depending on curriculum subscriptions)

Record-Keeping and Documentation

These items help you maintain records for your own accountability and college admission.

• Attendance log: Simple spreadsheet or calendar
• Grade book or gradebook app: Track grades
• Portfolio folder/box: Store work samples
• Transcript template: Document for college admission
• Course syllabus template: Organize course information
• Records storage: File box or filing cabinet

Estimated cost: $0–$50 (mostly DIY or free digital tools)

Workspace Setup

Create dedicated learning space(s).

Basic Workspace

• Desk or table: Per student or shared
• Chair: Comfortable, proper height
• Good lighting: Desk lamp, natural light
• Quiet environment: Minimize distractions
• Minimal decoration: Keep focused, not overstimulating
• Bulletin board or whiteboard: For planning and reference

Estimated cost: $100–$400 (if purchasing furniture; might use existing furniture)

Free and Cheap Alternatives

You don’t need to buy everything new.

Free supplies:

• Paper: Printer paper, scrap paper, newspaper
• Writing supplies: Bulk pencils from dollar store
• Shelving: Use existing furniture, repurpose
• Materials: Household items (tape, glue, scissors)
• Books: Library (free borrowing)
• Digital tools: Khan Academy, Google Docs, free educational apps
• Curriculum: Free resources, library books, open educational resources

Cheap alternatives:

• Dollar store: Supplies, markers, notebooks, organizers
• Thrift stores: Used textbooks, furniture, office supplies
• Online: Amazon for bulk supplies, sometimes cheaper
• Bulk stores: Costco, Sam’s Club for paper, ink, supplies in quantity
• Buy used: Curriculum FB groups, local parents, EBay

Strategy: Start basic, add as you identify needs. Many supplies last 2–4 years.

Grade-Specific Shopping Lists

Elementary (K–5)

Essentials:

• Notebooks and writing supplies
• Math manipulatives
• Calendar/weather chart
• Art supplies
• Basic reference books (dictionary, globe)

Cost estimate: $200–$400

Middle School (6–8)

Add to elementary:

• Subject-specific folders and dividers
• Graph paper for math
• Lab notebook for science
• Maps and historical materials
• More sophisticated art supplies

Cost estimate: $300–$500

High School (9–12)

Add to earlier grades:

• Advanced math tools (compass, protractor, calculator)
• Lab equipment if doing chemistry/physics
• Advanced art supplies
• Subject-specific references
• Computer/technology

Cost estimate: $400–$700

Budget-Conscious Starter Kit ($200–$300)

Start minimal:

• Notebooks and folders ($30)
• Writing supplies (pencils, pens, markers, crayons) ($20)
• Paper and printing supplies ($20)
• Basic math manipulatives or DIY ($15)
• Filing and organization supplies ($25)
• Simple desk/workspace (use existing) ($0)
• Art and craft supplies ($30)
• Science materials (household items mostly) ($10)
• Reference books (borrow from library) ($0)
• Record-keeping system (free digital tools) ($0)

Total: ~$200–$300

Expand with curriculum-specific needs and co-op participation.

Shopping Timeline

Before school starts (summer):

• Identify curriculum requirements
• Assess existing supplies
• Purchase core essentials
• Organize workspace

Mid-year (if starting later):

• Start with essentials only
• Buy curriculum-specific items immediately
• Expand gradually as needs emerge

Annually:

• Review supplies used
• Replenish consumables (paper, pencils, ink)
• Assess what to upgrade or replace

Final Thought

Don’t go overboard with supply shopping. Start with essentials and add as you understand your family’s actual needs. Most homeschooling families spend $200–$500 on supplies yearly, with front-loaded cost in year one.

The best supplies are ones you’ll actually use. Start lean, stay organized, and adjust as you learn what works for your family.

Ready to organize your space? Begin with how to start homeschooling in Illinois for the full setup plan.