Maryland Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

by | May 1, 2026 | Getting Started, Homeschooling in Maryland

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Starting a homeschool requires supplies. But you don’t need everything at once—and many items are optional.

This checklist helps you prioritize what matters and avoid buying things you won’t use. Everything here is organized by priority and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with curriculum, workspace, and portfolio system
  • Add more as you go—you don’t need everything upfront
  • Total first-year budget: $600-2,500 depending on choices
  • Many supplies can come from library, thrift stores, or used homeschool sales
  • Focus on essentials first; add enrichment later

Phase 1: Essential Supplies (Must Have Before Starting)

Curriculum Materials

  • [ ] Math program (textbook or online)
  • [ ] Language arts/English program
  • [ ] Science curriculum or books
  • [ ] Social studies/history curriculum
  • [ ] Art materials or curriculum (drawing supplies, sketchbook)
  • [ ] Music curriculum or resources (instrument optional)
  • [ ] Health curriculum or books
  • [ ] PE/exercise resources (optional—can use library books or outdoor activities)

Cost: $300-800 (buy now; add more later)

Workspace Setup

  • [ ] Student desk or table
  • [ ] Student chair (comfortable for long periods)
  • [ ] Parent workspace (nearby but separate)
  • [ ] Shelving for curriculum and books
  • [ ] File storage for records (cabinet, bins, or box)

Cost: $100-400 (thrift stores have deals; look for used furniture)

Portfolio System

  • [ ] Filing system (folders, binders, or digital)
  • [ ] Printer (can skip if school has library printer)
  • [ ] Scanner or copier (or smartphone can photograph work)
  • [ ] Document storage (boxes, filing cabinet, or digital folders)

Cost: Free-100 (use what you have)

Basic Supplies

  • [ ] Pencils, pens, markers
  • [ ] Notebook paper (bulk pack)
  • [ ] Binders or folders for each subject
  • [ ] Stapler, tape, scissors
  • [ ] Pencil sharpener
  • [ ] Eraser
  • [ ] Ruler, protractor, compass (for math)
  • [ ] Calculator (for upper grades)

Cost: $30-50 (office supply store)

Phase 2: Organization & Record-Keeping (Set Up First Month)

Portfolio/Record-Keeping

  • [ ] Labels for organizing work by subject
  • [ ] Date stamps or labels (optional but helpful)
  • [ ] Plastic sleeves for protecting art/projects
  • [ ] Index tabs for portfolio sections
  • [ ] Notebook for attendance/instruction log (optional)

Cost: $20-40

Documentation Supplies

  • [ ] Copy of Home Instruction Notification form (filed with superintendent)
  • [ ] Copy of student records from previous school
  • [ ] Immunization record (copy)
  • [ ] Curriculum material receipts/lists

Cost: Free (from school district)

Classroom Supplies

  • [ ] Whiteboard or bulletin board
  • [ ] Dry erase markers
  • [ ] Bulletin board pins
  • [ ] Calendar (physical or digital)
  • [ ] Timer or clock
  • [ ] Bell or signal for transitions

Cost: $20-50

Phase 3: Enrichment & Learning Tools (First Semester, Then Add)

Manipulatives (Math)

  • [ ] Math blocks or Base 10 sets (K-3)
  • [ ] Fraction bars or tiles (upper elementary)
  • [ ] Algebra tiles (middle school)
  • [ ] Graphing tools or ruler/compass set

Cost: $20-80 (many included in curriculum)

Science Supplies

  • [ ] Microscope (optional; library may have)
  • [ ] Basic science kit or supplies
  • [ ] Magnifying glass
  • [ ] Tweezers, pipettes, droppers
  • [ ] Test tubes or jars
  • [ ] Safety goggles

Cost: $20-150 (many experiments use household items)

Reading & Reference Materials

  • [ ] Dictionary
  • [ ] Thesaurus
  • [ ] Grammar reference book
  • [ ] Age-appropriate literature (from library)
  • [ ] Encyclopedias or fact books (many free online)

Cost: Free-50 (library has most of these)

Writing Supplies

  • [ ] Writer’s notebooks or journals
  • [ ] Colored pencils
  • [ ] Fine-tip pens
  • [ ] Writing instruction books
  • [ ] Grammar/composition workbook

Cost: $20-60

Art Supplies

  • [ ] Sketchbooks
  • [ ] Colored pencils, pastels, markers
  • [ ] Watercolors or acrylics
  • [ ] Paintbrushes (variety)
  • [ ] Canvas or art paper
  • [ ] Clay or modeling compound

Cost: $30-100

Music Supplies

  • [ ] Musical instrument (if learning music)
  • [ ] Music book or sheet music
  • [ ] Metronome (free app available)
  • [ ] Music stand (if needed for instrument)

Cost: $0-500+ (depends on instrument choice)

Phase 4: Workspace Enhancements (Nice to Have)

Comfort & Ambiance

  • [ ] Desk lamp (task lighting)
  • [ ] Comfortable cushion for chair
  • [ ] Inspirational posters or wall decor
  • [ ] Plants or nature elements
  • [ ] Clock for time management

Cost: $30-100

Organization Tools

  • [ ] Supply caddy (pencils, scissors, erasers)
  • [ ] Label maker (for organizing)
  • [ ] Filing labels and dividers
  • [ ] Shelving dividers or bookends
  • [ ] Drawer organizers

Cost: $30-80

Technology (If Using Online Curriculum)

  • [ ] Computer or tablet
  • [ ] Reliable internet (for online programs)
  • [ ] Printer/scanner
  • [ ] External hard drive (for backups)
  • [ ] Headphones/earbuds (for student)

Cost: $200-1,000+ (varies greatly)

Phase 5: Field Trip & Extracurricular Supplies (As Needed)

Field Trip Supplies

  • [ ] Backpack or bag
  • [ ] Notebook for field trip notes
  • [ ] Pen/pencil
  • [ ] Water bottle
  • [ ] Snacks
  • [ ] Camera (smartphone works)

Cost: $20-50 (reusable supplies)

Activity Supplies

  • [ ] Sports equipment (depends on activity)
  • [ ] 4-H or club materials
  • [ ] Co-op supplies (as required by group)
  • [ ] Uniform or dress code items (if applicable)

Cost: Varies (often paid through co-op or activity fees)

Where to Save Money

Used curriculum:

  • Facebook homeschool groups sell used curriculum
  • Homeschool conventions (annual curriculum sales)
  • Local co-ops host used curriculum swaps
  • ThriftBooks and used bookstores (often $2-5 per book)
  • Save 30-50% on curriculum by buying used

Free resources:

  • Library (books, sometimes curriculum access)
  • Khan Academy (free math, science)
  • YouTube (art, music, science instruction)
  • Smithsonian museums (free in DC area)
  • National Parks (free educational programs)

DIY supplies:

  • Use newspaper or construction paper instead of sketchbooks
  • Make art with household items (pasta, beans, paper)
  • Use household containers for science experiments
  • Print worksheets from free sites instead of buying workbooks
  • Create file folders instead of buying binders

Budget Breakdown

Minimum to Start

| Item | Cost | |——|——| | Core curriculum (4 subjects) | $300 | | Desk/chair | $100 | | Basic supplies (pencils, paper, etc.) | $30 | | Portfolio materials | $20 | | Total Minimum | ~$450 |

Comfortable First Year

| Category | Cost | |———-|——| | Curriculum (all 8 subjects) | $600-800 | | Workspace setup | $300-400 | | Supplies | $150-200 | | Books and enrichment | $200-300 | | Total Comfortable | $1,250-1,700 |

Well-Equipped First Year

| Category | Cost | |———-|——| | Quality curriculum | $800-1,200 | | Dedicated workspace | $400-600 | | All supplies | $200-300 | | Books, materials, tech | $300-500 | | Total Well-Equipped | $1,700-2,600 |

Shopping Strategy

Month 1-2 (Before start date):

  • [ ] Order curriculum
  • [ ] Buy workspace furniture
  • [ ] Gather basic supplies

Month 3-4 (First month):

  • [ ] Set up portfolio/record-keeping
  • [ ] Buy reinforcement supplies as needed
  • [ ] Start free online resources

Month 5+ (As you go):

  • [ ] Add enrichment based on what’s working
  • [ ] Buy replacement supplies (pencils, paper)
  • [ ] Upgrade based on real needs

Don’t buy everything upfront. You’ll discover what you actually need during the first month.

Printable Checklist Summary

Before Starting:

  • [ ] Core curriculum (4 main subjects)
  • [ ] Workspace (desk, chair, shelves)
  • [ ] Basic supplies (pencils, paper, file system)
  • [ ] Portfolio organization materials

First Month:

  • [ ] Additional curriculum (art, music, health, PE)
  • [ ] Science and math manipulatives
  • [ ] Record-keeping system
  • [ ] Shelving and organization

First Semester:

  • [ ] Reading reference materials (dictionary, thesaurus)
  • [ ] Enrichment supplies (art, music)
  • [ ] Comfort items (lamp, organizers)
  • [ ] Field trip supplies

As Budget Allows:

  • [ ] Technology (printer, computer)
  • [ ] Premium curriculum expansions
  • [ ] Specialized materials
  • [ ] Extracurricular equipment

Summary

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with essentials: curriculum, workspace, and basic supplies. Add enrichment as you go. Many families find they spend less on homeschool supplies than they would have on tuition.

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