Mississippi Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Starting homeschooling means gathering supplies. But what’s essential versus nice-to-have? What changes by age? How much should you budget?

This checklist breaks down supplies by grade level so you can start smart without overspending.

Key Takeaways

• Start with core curriculum supplies; add others as needed
• Budget varies: $200–500 minimum, $1,500+ for comprehensive programs
• Many items (books, paper, basics) can be found secondhand or free
• Supplies differ by grade level and curriculum choice
• Don’t buy everything at once

Universal Supplies (All Ages)

Every homeschool needs these basics:

Writing & Paper

• Pencils (stock up—you’ll use many)
• Erasers
• Pens (blue, black, red for corrections)
• Pencil sharpener
• Lined notebook paper or notebooks
• Blank paper (for art, projects)
• Index cards
• Whiteboard and dry-erase markers

Storage & Organization

• Folders (subjects or projects)
• Binders (3-ring preferred for flexibility)
• Dividers and tabs
• File cabinet or storage boxes
• Label maker and labels
• Desk or table organizer

References

• Dictionary
• Thesaurus
• Atlas or globe
• Basic reference books or access to online resources

Core Tools

• Ruler/measuring tools
• Stapler and staples
• Tape (regular and masking)
• Glue stick and liquid glue
• Hole punch
• Paper clips
• Scissors

Technology (if using)

• Computer/laptop or tablet
• Reliable internet
• Printer (optional but helpful)
• Headphones (if using online programs)

Elementary School Supplies (K–5)

Mathematics

• Math curriculum (textbook, workbook, or online program)
• Manipulatives: base-ten blocks, counters, fraction pieces
• Flashcards (addition, subtraction, multiplication)
• Number line poster
• Ruler for measuring
• Simple calculator
• Graph paper

Budget: $50–150/subject depending on curriculum

Language Arts & Reading

• Reading curriculum or literature books
• Handwriting workbooks or materials
• Phonics program (if needed)
• Spelling curriculum or word lists
• Writing notebook
• Age-appropriate books (build library gradually)
• Poetry books (if using literature-based curriculum)

Budget: $100–250/subject

Science

• Science curriculum (text-based or hands-on)
• Magnifying glass
• Notebook for observations (nature journal)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Telescope (if studying astronomy)
• Simple lab supplies: test tubes, beakers, pipettes (if using experiments)
• Reference books on nature, animals, space

Budget: $50–200 depending on curriculum

History & Social Studies

• History curriculum (textbook or literature-based)
• Coloring books (historical maps, time period illustrations)
• Poster maps (world, US, state)
• Timeline materials
• Access to documentaries (library, streaming)

Budget: $50–150

Art & Music

• Art supplies: colored pencils, markers, crayons, pastels
• Sketchbook
• Watercolors or acrylic paints
• Brush set
• Canvas or thick paper
• Clay or modeling materials
• Musical instrument (ukulele, recorder, or access to music lessons)

Budget: $50–100 starting; music lessons cost extra

Physical Education

• Jump rope
• Balls (soccer, basketball, playground ball)
• Sports equipment (basic)
• Outdoor space or park access

Budget: $20–50 (much available secondhand or in homes)

Middle School Supplies (Grades 6–8)

All elementary supplies plus:

Advanced Sciences

• Pre-algebra or algebra curriculum
• Graphing tools
• Compass and protractor
• Scientific calculator

Advanced Language Arts

• Grammar workbook
• Literature anthology or books
• Writing guides (essay structure, style)
• Typing program (if not already using)

Science

• Textbook or structured curriculum
• Lab supplies (chemistry set or biology kit, depending on curriculum)
• Microscope (not required; many use library resources)
• Scientific equipment

History

• Primary source materials (online or printed)
• Documentaries or videos
• Note-taking materials

High School Supplies (Grades 9–12)

All previous supplies plus:

Core Subjects

• High school level textbooks (math, English, science, history—depends on curriculum choice)
• Scientific calculator
• Graphing calculator (if taking algebra II or higher)
• Lab supplies for science classes
• Writing guides for essays and research papers

College Prep

• SAT/ACT prep materials
• Practice test materials
• Writing handbook
• MLA or APA citation guide

Optional

• Dual enrollment materials (college textbooks if taking college courses)
• Advanced lab equipment
• Foreign language materials (audio, textbooks, apps)

Technology

• Laptop or computer (increasingly essential for high school)
• Typing/keyboarding software (if not proficient)
• Online learning platform access

Budget Breakdown by Approach

Minimal Budget ($200–500/year)

• Used curriculum from homeschool resale groups
• Free online resources (Khan Academy, YouTube, library materials)
• Basics: paper, pencils, notebooks
• Library books instead of purchasing
• Share materials with other families

Works best for: Unschooling or child-led learning; families with very limited budgets

Moderate Budget ($500–1,500/year)

• Mix-and-match curriculum (different publishers for different subjects)
• Some new, some used materials
• Basic supplies
• Art and enrichment materials
• Library resources + some purchased books
• One online program for a primary subject

Works best for: Most homeschooling families

Comprehensive Budget ($1,500–3,000+/year)

• Complete boxed curriculum programs
• Mostly new materials
• Full supplies for art, science, music
• Multiple online programs
• Library + extensive book purchases
• Enrichment classes or tutoring

Works best for: College-prep focus; families with higher budgets; extensive hands-on learning

Where to Buy Supplies

New Curriculum & Books

• Well-Trained Mind Press (classical education)
• Rainbow Resource Center (comprehensive supplier)
• Homeschool curriculum publishers (Abeka, Bob Jones, Sonlight, Blossom & Root, etc.)
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Local bookstores

Used Curriculum

• Homeschool resale Facebook groups (Mississippi-specific groups exist)
• Half Price Books
• ThriftBooks
• Library book sales
• Resale websites (eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace)

Basic Supplies

• Walmart
• Target
• Office Depot/Staples
• Dollar Tree
• Amazon
• Local office supply stores

Online Resources (often free or low-cost)

• Khan Academy (free math & science)
• Coursera (some free courses)
• YouTube educational channels
• Library digital resources (many libraries offer e-books, audiobooks, documentaries)
• Project MUSE (academic articles)
• Smithsonian Learning Lab (free digital resources)

Mississippi-Specific Resources

• Local library system (many offer homeschool resources)
• MHEA member discounts with curriculum providers
• Homeschool co-op group purchases (bulk discounts)

By Grade Level: Quick Shopping Lists

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Must-Have

• Phonics program
• Math manipulatives and curriculum
• Pencils, erasers, paper
• Lined writing paper/notebooks
• Books (picture books, early readers)
• Colored pencils/markers

Nice-to-Have

• Art supplies
• Educational games
• Maps/globes

Budget: $300–600

Elementary (Grades 2–5)

Must-Have

• Math curriculum (text, online, or manipulative-based)
• Language arts/reading curriculum
• Science text or hands-on materials
• History curriculum
• Writing paper, pencils, markers

Nice-to-Have

• Science lab supplies
• Enrichment materials
• Art supplies
• Music materials

Budget: $400–1,000

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

Must-Have

• Math curriculum (pre-algebra or algebra)
• Literature/English curriculum
• Science curriculum with labs or experiments
• History/social studies curriculum
• Scientific tools (ruler, compass, protractor, calculator)

Nice-to-Have

• Advanced science materials
• Enrichment programs
• Electives or arts programs

Budget: $800–1,500

High School (Grades 9–12)

Must-Have

• High school level math (algebra, geometry, etc.)
• English literature and composition
• Science (biology, chemistry, or physics)
• History/social studies
• College prep materials (if college-bound)

Nice-to-Have

• Foreign language materials
• Advanced science labs
• Electives and enrichment
• Dual enrollment college textbooks (if applicable)

Budget: $1,200–2,500+

Mistakes to Avoid

Buying too much upfront: Start with core curriculum and basics. Add as you discover needs.

Ignoring secondhand resources: Used curriculum works fine and costs less. Library books are free.

Over-investing in trendy materials: Pinterest-perfect homeschools aren’t necessary. Simple works.

Forgetting about free resources: Libraries, YouTube, Khan Academy, free curricula—these are legitimate options.

Not accounting for wear and tear: Budget a bit extra for replacing worn supplies.

Tips for Stretching Your Budget

• Join a homeschool co-op: Members often get curriculum discounts
• Buy used: Homeschool resale groups offer significant savings
• Use the library extensively: Books, computers, reference materials, videos
• Free online resources: Khan Academy, YouTube educators, library e-books
• Borrow and share: Many families share expensive items (science equipment, curriculum)
• Buy at year-end sales: Office supply stores discount heavily in July–August and January
• DIY supplies: Make flashcards, build manipulatives, create learning materials at home

Key Takeaway

You don’t need expensive supplies to homeschool successfully in Mississippi. Start with quality curriculum in core subjects, add basic supplies, and build from there. Used materials, library resources, and free online options are completely legitimate and can provide a rich education at minimal cost.

The key is intentional spending: invest in what serves your child’s learning; skip what doesn’t.

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Need guidance on starting? How to start homeschooling in mississippi covers the full process.

What about curriculum? How to start homeschooling in mississippi includes curriculum selection guidance.