North Dakota Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Starting a homeschool requires fewer supplies than you might think. Here’s what you actually need, what’s nice to have, and where to find it without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Core supplies cost $300–$800/year depending on curriculum
• Most essentials are available locally or online
• Used curriculum saves 40–60% off retail price
• North Dakota has active homeschool communities offering group discounts
• Start simple; add enrichment resources as you grow

Essential Supplies (Non-Negotiable)

These items enable basic instruction across all subjects.

Curriculum Materials

• English/Language Arts: Core curriculum (e.g., IEW, Writing With Ease, Build Your Library)
• Mathematics: Math program (e.g., Saxon, Beast Academy, Singapore Math)
• Science: Science curriculum with experiment kit or supplemental materials
• Social Studies: History/civics curriculum (e.g., Story of the World, Evan Moor)
• Physical Education: Supplies for movement (jump rope, resistance bands) or sports equipment

Budget: $300–$600 for full curriculum set (can be reduced with used materials)

Learning Space Setup

• Desk/table: For seated work (any sturdy table works)
• Chair: Comfortable, properly sized
• Bookshelf or shelving: For materials organization
• Pencils, pens, markers: Basic writing supplies
• Notebook or paper: For writing and notes
• Folders or binders: For organizing by subject

Budget: $50–$200 (can use furniture you already own)

Reference & Support Materials

• Dictionary: Print or online
• Thesaurus: For writing
• Atlas: For geography
• Calculator: For math
• Timer: For timed work or breaks

Budget: $20–$50 (many free online)

Highly Recommended (Subject to Your Approach)

These enhance learning but aren’t technically required.

Technology

• Computer or laptop: For research, typing, online courses
• Printer: For worksheets, resources, tests
• Internet connection: Essential for online resources

Budget: Already have these in most homes; $200–$500 if purchasing new

Enrichment & Supplies

• Art supplies: Colored pencils, markers, paint, sketchbooks
• Science equipment: Microscope, magnifying glass, lab notebook
• Manipulatives: Math blocks, fraction bars, measurement tools
• Building materials: Legos, K’Nex for hands-on learning
• Books: Beyond curriculum (library is free; building personal library is gradual)

Budget: $50–$200/year (start small; add gradually)

Subject-Specific Resources

• Phonics supplies (for early readers): Flash cards, workbooks
• Handwriting materials: Penmanship curriculum, practice books
• Reading: Chapter books, literature sets
• Lab supplies (for science): Test tubes, beakers, thermometers (many curriculums include these)

Budget: Varies; typically $50–$150/subject

Attendance & Organization

Tracking & Documentation

• Calendar or planner: For tracking instruction days
• Attendance log: Simple sheet or spreadsheet
• Grade book or progress tracker: Optional; for tracking student work
• Curriculum scope & sequence: Plan for the year

Budget: Free to $30 (printable or digital planners)

Field Trip & Outdoor Learning

North Dakota offers incredible free and low-cost field trip resources.

Recommended North Dakota Destinations

• ND Heritage Center (Bismarck): FREE admission; Native American history, natural history
• Gateway to Science (Bismarck): Interactive exhibits
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Badlands): Badlands geology, wildlife
• Knife River Indian Villages (nr. Washburn): Archaeological site
• Fort Abraham Lincoln (nr. Mandan): Military history
• Plains Art Museum (Fargo): Art education programs
• Fargo Air Museum: Aviation history
• International Peace Garden: Botany and international studies

Field Trip Supplies

• Journal or notebook: For observations
• Camera or phone: For photos and documentation
• Field guides: Birds, wildflowers, trees
• Map: Of your region or travel area

Budget: Most sites free or $5–$10 entry; no extra supplies needed

Technology & Online Resources (Optional)

Many resources are free or low-cost.

Free Online Platforms

• Khan Academy: Math, science, humanities (completely free)
• LibreTexts: Open educational resources
• YouTube channels: TED-Ed, CrashCourse, PBS Learning
• Library apps: Libby, OverDrive (free with library card; ebooks and audiobooks)

Paid Online Options

• Time4Learning: Comprehensive curriculum ($25–$35/month)
• Outschool: Classes and enrichment ($12–$30/class, varies)
• Masterclasses: Various subjects (typically $180–$360/year)

Budget: $0 (free) or $20–$200/month if choosing paid platforms

Budget Breakdown: Sample Year

Scenario 1: Minimal Budget ($400–$500)

• Used curriculum set: $200–$300
• Supplies and materials: $50–$100
• Field trips: Free to $50
• Online resources: Free (Khan, YouTube, library)
• Total: $400–$500/year

Scenario 2: Moderate Budget ($600–$800)

• New curriculum set: $300–$400
• Art, science, hands-on supplies: $100–$150
• Online platform: $50–$100
• Co-op or enrichment class: $50–$100
• Field trips: Free to $50
• Total: $600–$800/year

Scenario 3: Comprehensive Budget ($1,200+)

• Multiple curriculum options: $400–$600
• Enrichment supplies (science lab, art): $200–$300
• Online classes/platforms: $200–$300
• Co-op membership and classes: $200–$300
• Field trips and travel: $100–$200
• Total: $1,200+/year

Most families operate in the $500–$800 range with flexibility to increase or decrease.

Where to Buy Supplies

New Curriculum

• Online retailers:
• Rainbow Resource (rainbowresource.com)
• Well-Trained Mind (welltrainedmind.com)
• Homeschool.com marketplace
• Local options:
• NDHSA convention (annual; discounted pricing)
• Local co-op curriculum libraries (borrow, don’t buy)

Used Curriculum

• Facebook groups: “North Dakota Homeschool Buy/Sell/Trade”
• eBay and Amazon: Used curriculum marketplace
• Curriculum exchange sites: Homeschool Buyers Co-op (membership access)
• Local meetups: Homeschool conventions, co-ops, church groups
• Save 40–60% off retail by buying used

Basic Supplies

• Local stores: Walmart, Target (office supplies, science materials)
• Online: Amazon, Staples
• Dollar stores: Excellent for bulk supplies (notebooks, markers, scissors)
• Thrift stores: Books, maps, educational materials

Books & Reading

• Library: FREE (best resource for reading material)
• Used bookstores: $1–$5 per book
• Project Gutenberg: FREE classic literature (online)
• Library apps (Libby, OverDrive): FREE ebooks and audiobooks

What NOT to Buy (Money Wasters)

• Over-elaborate planning systems: A calendar and folder suffice
• Printed workbook sets you won’t use: Buy used or digital
• Expensive “homeschool furniture”: Regular furniture works fine
• Duplicate curriculum for multiple children: Share or find grade-level versions
• Every enrichment option: Start simple; add as needed

Seasonal Purchasing Strategy

Summer (May–July):

• Curriculum sales
• NDHSA convention (June/July)
• Used curriculum exchanges
• Stock up on supplies

Fall (August–September):

• Last-minute curriculum additions
• School supply sales (excellent prices on office supplies)
• Co-op registration

Winter & Spring:

• Supplement gaps you’ve discovered
• Add enrichment as budget allows
• Plan next year’s curriculum

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy used curriculum – 40–60% savings; condition is typically excellent
2. Use the library – Free books, videos, digital resources; underutilized goldmine
3. Share resources with other homeschoolers – Curriculum libraries, supplies, group buys
4. Leverage free online platforms – Khan Academy, YouTube, Libby are exceptional
5. Join NDHSA – Access to convention discounts, group buying power
6. Start simple – Expand as you identify needs, not hypothetical ones
7. DIY science and art – Many experiments use household items
8. Plan field trips together – Split travel costs with other families

Sample Supply Order (First Year)

Month 1 (May–June):

• Curriculum selection completed
• Supplies ordered or purchased

Month 2 (July–August):

• Supplies arrive and organized
• Setup completed before school year

Month 3+ (September onward):

• Adjustments and supplements as needed

Summary

North Dakota homeschooling supplies range from $300–$500/year (bare bones) to $1,200+/year (comprehensive with enrichment). Most families spend $600–$800. The fundamentals—curriculum, basic supplies, and a learning space—are inexpensive. Enrichment and technology are optional additions.

Use used curriculum, leverage free resources (library, Khan Academy), and join a community for group discounts. You don’t need expensive materials to educate your child effectively. Start simple and expand as you identify what your family actually needs.

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More homeschooling resources: Homeschooling by State (All 50 States) | Complete North Dakota Homeschooling Guide