Indiana Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

by | Apr 13, 2026 | Getting Started, Homeschooling in Indiana

This post contains affiliate links.

Indiana Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Starting homeschooling requires gathering curriculum and supplies. This checklist helps you prepare without over-purchasing or missing essentials.

Key Takeaways

  • Typical first-year cost: $400-2,000 for curriculum and supplies
  • Buy strategically; used curriculum saves significantly
  • Start with essentials; add later as needs become clear
  • Indiana homeschool community offers used curriculum sales
  • Many free resources available through libraries and online

Core Curriculum (Per Student, Per Year)

Primary Curriculum

Choose one core approach:

  • Boxed curriculum (Abeka, BJU Press, Sonlight): $600-1,200/year
  • Online program (Time4Learning, Khan Academy Premium): $150-500/year
  • Classical program (Classical Conversations, Veritas): $50-500/year (not including co-op fees)
  • Charlotte Mason (Ambleside Online, curated resources): $200-800/year
  • Unit studies (Homeschool Units, custom assembly): $100-400/year

Check before buying:

  • Does it fit your teaching style?
  • Are there parent guides?
  • What grade levels does it cover?
  • Are answer keys included?
  • Is it consumable (write-in) or reusable?

By Subject (Core Subjects)

If purchasing individual curricula rather than a boxed set:

| Subject | Budget | Examples | |———|——–|———-| | Math | $80-150 | Saxon, Singapore Math, Beast Academy | | Language Arts | $80-150 | IEW, WriteShop, Charlotte Mason literature | | Science | $100-200 | Noeo Science, Sassafras Science, Apologia | | Social Studies/History | $100-200 | Story of the World, Mystery of History, Build Your Library | | Electives | $50-100 each | Art, music, PE curricula |

Essential Supplies

Writing Supplies

  • [ ] Pencils (regular #2 and mechanical)
  • [ ] Erasers
  • [ ] Pencil sharpener
  • [ ] Colored pencils
  • [ ] Markers
  • [ ] Gel pens
  • [ ] Dry-erase markers
  • [ ] Pencil holder or case

Budget: $20-40

Paper and Notebooks

  • [ ] Lined notebook paper (500-sheet ream)
  • [ ] Blank copy paper
  • [ ] Graph paper
  • [ ] Index cards
  • [ ] Notecards or flashcards
  • [ ] Notebook or journal for each subject
  • [ ] Folders (one per subject)
  • [ ] Binders
  • [ ] Dividers

Budget: $30-60

Organization

  • [ ] Filing cabinet or storage shelves
  • [ ] Magazine holders or file organizers
  • [ ] Labels and label maker
  • [ ] Calendar or planner (for daily schedule and attendance tracking)
  • [ ] Bulletin board or whiteboard
  • [ ] Desk organizer

Budget: $50-150 (initial setup only)

Adhesives and Tools

  • [ ] Glue sticks
  • [ ] Liquid glue
  • [ ] Tape (scotch, masking, painter’s)
  • [ ] Scissors
  • [ ] Hole punch
  • [ ] Stapler and staples
  • [ ] Paper clips
  • [ ] Binder clips
  • [ ] Ruler/measuring ruler

Budget: $20-40

Learning Aids and References

Reference Materials

  • [ ] Dictionary (or online access)
  • [ ] Thesaurus
  • [ ] Atlas or world map
  • [ ] Globe
  • [ ] Encyclopedia (if older set) or online access
  • [ ] Periodic table (for chemistry)
  • [ ] Reference guides for subject areas

Budget: $30-80 (many available free online)

Manipulatives (Elementary)

  • [ ] Base-10 blocks (math)
  • [ ] Counting bears or counters
  • [ ] Fraction tiles
  • [ ] Geometry shapes
  • [ ] Scale (for weighing)
  • [ ] Measuring cups and spoons (kitchen)
  • [ ] Clock or time-teaching tools

Budget: $30-100

Science Supplies (Basic)

  • [ ] Magnifying glass
  • [ ] Microscope (if budget allows; optional)
  • [ ] Measuring tools (ruler, measuring tape, meter stick)
  • [ ] Safety goggles (if doing experiments)
  • [ ] Lab notebook or science journal

Budget: $40-200

Technology (Optional but Helpful)

  • [ ] Computer or tablet (essential if using online curriculum)
  • [ ] Printer (useful for printing materials)
  • [ ] Headphones or earbuds (for video lessons)
  • [ ] Scanner (optional; useful for archiving work)

Budget: $300-1,200 (one-time investment)

Subject-Specific Supplies

Math (Beyond Curriculum)

  • [ ] Whiteboard and dry-erase markers
  • [ ] Calculator (graphing if high school)
  • [ ] Protractor and compass (geometry)
  • [ ] Grid paper
  • [ ] Math manipulatives (grade-appropriate)

Language Arts (Beyond Curriculum)

  • [ ] Writing journal or composition notebook
  • [ ] Age-appropriate novels for reading
  • [ ] Classic literature (check library first)
  • [ ] Grammar reference guide

Science (Beyond Curriculum)

  • [ ] Nature journal
  • [ ] Field guides (birds, plants, insects local to Indiana)
  • [ ] Science notebook
  • [ ] Basic lab equipment (test tubes, beakers, if doing experiments)

Social Studies (Beyond Curriculum)

  • [ ] Blank maps for labeling and practice
  • [ ] Timeline poster or materials
  • [ ] Indiana-specific resources (history books, maps)
  • [ ] Biographies and historical fiction

Arts and Electives

  • [ ] Sketchbook or drawing pad
  • [ ] Paintbrushes and watercolors (or acrylics)
  • [ ] Canvas or painting paper
  • [ ] Modeling clay
  • [ ] Craft supplies (pom-poms, felt, yarn, etc.)
  • [ ] Musical instrument (if pursuing music)

Budget: $40-200 (varies widely by elective choices)

Optional but Useful

  • [ ] Laminator (to preserve teaching materials and manipulatives)
  • [ ] Label maker (for organization)
  • [ ] Desk lamp with good lighting
  • [ ] Comfortable chair or cushion for reading
  • [ ] Standing desk or adjustable desk (for health, if available)
  • [ ] Whiteboard or dry-erase board for instruction
  • [ ] Timer (for timed writing, transitions)
  • [ ] Visual supports or checklists (for organization)

Budget Breakdown by Category

First-Year Homeschooling Budget (One Student):

| Category | Budget | |———-|——–| | Curriculum | $400-1,200 | | Basic supplies | $150-300 | | Reference materials | $30-100 | | Tech (if needed) | $300-1,200 | | Extracurriculars/co-op | $200-1,000 | | Total Range | $1,080-3,800 |

If using hand-me-downs, library resources, and free materials, you can reduce this significantly.

Where to Buy

Curriculum

  • Rainbow Resource Center (specializes in homeschool curriculum)
  • Amazon (often competitive pricing)
  • Publisher websites (sometimes direct sales)
  • Local homeschool co-ops (used curriculum sales)
  • Facebook Homeschool groups (used curriculum swap)
  • IAHE Convention (vendor hall with deals)

Supplies

  • Walmart (good prices on basics)
  • Target (back-to-school sales)
  • Staples or Office Depot (wide selection, sometimes sales)
  • Amazon (bulk supplies, convenient)
  • Dollar stores (budget-friendly for basic supplies)

Used Curriculum

  • Indiana homeschool Facebook groups
  • Homeschool conventions (IAHE Annual Convention has used curriculum sales)
  • Craigslist or Marketplace (local options)
  • Homeschool buyer co-ops (group discounts)
  • Library sales (sometimes educational books available cheaply)

Cost-Saving Strategies

Buy used curriculum: Used curriculum is often 30-50% cheaper. Many homeschool families sell curriculum after each year.

Check your library: Libraries have extensive curriculum resources, read-alouds, and reference materials. Indiana has strong public library systems.

Use free online resources: Khan Academy (math, science), Library of Congress (history), Project Gutenberg (classic literature), YouTube educational channels.

Co-op sharing: Many co-ops share resource collections and supply materials.

Teacher manuals and answer keys: Sometimes more expensive separately. Check if included in curriculum package.

Substitute materials: Kitchen items can serve as math manipulatives. Recycled paper for writing practice. Nature provides science curriculum.

IAHE directory: Check for local curriculum lending libraries through homeschool groups.

Wait and buy during sales: Back-to-school sales (July-August) and year-end sales offer discounts.

Multi-Child Considerations

If homeschooling multiple children:

Shared supplies:

  • Pencils, paper, markers, tape, glue, scissors
  • Reference materials
  • Organization supplies
  • Technology (computer, printer, headphones)
  • Some manipulatives and tools

Individual supplies:

  • Curriculum (often different by grade/subject)
  • Notebooks or composition books for each child
  • Their own folders or binders
  • Subject-specific materials

Cost reduction:

  • Share core supplies
  • Use different volumes of a series (if available)
  • Reuse consumable curriculum with younger siblings
  • Pool resources with other families

Getting Started Checklist

Essential (Don’t skip):

  • [ ] Curriculum for core subjects
  • [ ] Pencils, erasers, paper
  • [ ] Notebook for attendance records
  • [ ] Folder or binder system for organization

Very helpful (Get before starting):

  • [ ] Dictionary and thesaurus
  • [ ] Glue, scissors, tape
  • [ ] Markers and colored pencils
  • [ ] Calendar or planner

Can add later:

  • [ ] Advanced manipulatives or science equipment
  • [ ] Technology beyond what you already have
  • [ ] Elective curriculum
  • [ ] Nice-to-have organization items

Summary

Homeschool supplies can range from $1,000-4,000 in the first year, depending on your approach and whether you’re buying new or used. Start with essentials (curriculum, basic supplies, organization), then add as needs emerge. Indiana’s homeschool community makes used curriculum affordable, and free library and online resources extend your budget. Many experienced homeschoolers say they spent the most money their first year; subsequent years are significantly cheaper.