Tennessee Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

by | Jun 26, 2026 | Getting Started, Homeschooling in Tennessee

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Tennessee Homeschool Supplies Checklist: Everything You Need

Starting a homeschool requires materials, but you don’t need to buy everything at once. This comprehensive checklist helps you organize what’s essential, what’s nice to have, and where to find items.

Key Takeaways

  • Essential supplies cost $100-$300 to start
  • Many items you likely already have at home
  • Buy gradually; don’t purchase everything upfront
  • Tennessee has good resources for used curriculum
  • Library resources reduce material needs
  • Organize as you go

Essential Supplies by Category

Office Supplies ($50-$100)

Critical:
– [ ] Notebooks (3-5 per subject per child)
– [ ] Pencils, erasers, sharpener
– [ ] Pens (blue or black)
– [ ] Pencil case or holder
– [ ] Folders or filing system
– [ ] Paper for printing (ream of printer paper)
– [ ] Index cards (for flashcards, notes)

Optional But Helpful:
– [ ] Colored pencils
– [ ] Markers
– [ ] Highlighters
– [ ] Post-it notes
– [ ] Binder clips, paper clips
– [ ] Stapler, staples, tape

Cost: $30-$50 (less if buying at dollar store or buying quality over time)

Writing and Language Arts ($50-$150)

Curriculum-dependent, but often includes:
– [ ] Handwriting practice books (K-2)
– [ ] Copywork pages
– [ ] Writing workbooks
– [ ] Grammar books/worksheets
– [ ] Reading books (see library note below)
– [ ] Spelling resources

Optional:
– [ ] Dictionary
– [ ] Thesaurus
– [ ] Punctuation or grammar posters
– [ ] Writing prompts or journals

Cost: $50-$150 (varies based on curriculum choice)

Note: Your homeschool curriculum often includes these. Don’t double-buy.

Math Supplies ($100-$200)

For Younger Elementary:
– [ ] Math manipulatives (blocks, counters, fraction pieces)
– [ ] Counting rods
– [ ] Clock for time learning
– [ ] Measuring cups and spoons
– [ ] Number line poster

For All Grades:
– [ ] Graph paper
– [ ] Ruler, protractor, compass (middle/high school)
– [ ] Calculator (high school)

Optional:
– [ ] Whiteboard and markers (for practice problems)
– [ ] Math posters
– [ ] Tangrams or pattern blocks

Cost: Often included in curriculum; additional: $30-$50

Science Supplies ($100-$200)

Basic:
– [ ] Science notebook (lab journal)
– [ ] Colored pencils for drawings
– [ ] Measuring cups, spoons
– [ ] Thermometer
– [ ] Hand lens/magnifying glass
– [ ] Basic lab supplies (beakers, test tubes if using hands-on curriculum)

Optional (Depends on Curriculum):
– [ ] Microscope (not essential; many curricula don’t require)
– [ ] Specimen containers
– [ ] Field journal
– [ ] Nature identification guides

Cost: $50-$150 (hands-on science curricula like Sassafras Science Adventures or Beaker Boys include materials)

Note: Many science curricula are designed to use household items. Don’t overspend.

Social Studies/History ($50-$100)

Basics:
– [ ] World map and U.S. map
– [ ] Timeline materials (string, index cards, markers)
– [ ] History notebook
– [ ] Highlighters for timeline events

Tennessee-Specific (Optional):
– [ ] Tennessee state map
– [ ] Books on Tennessee history, Civil War history
– [ ] Field trip guides for TN attractions

Cost: $20-$50 (maps are cheap; books from library are free)

Organization Supplies ($50-$100)

Filing and Storage:
– [ ] Filing cabinet or plastic file box
– [ ] Folders (one per subject)
– [ ] Labels and label maker
– [ ] Storage bins for supplies
– [ ] Drawer organizers

Calendar and Planning:
– [ ] Family calendar or planner
– [ ] School planner/record book
– [ ] Grade book (digital or physical)

Cost: $30-$80

Technology (Optional but Increasingly Used) ($300-$800)

Computer/Tablet:
– [ ] Laptop or desktop (if you don’t have one)
– [ ] iPad or tablet (optional, helpful for certain programs)

Software/Programs:
– [ ] Printer (helpful; not essential)
– [ ] Internet access (essential if using online curriculum)

Cost: $300-$800 if purchasing; $0 if you have devices

Note: You don’t need to buy technology upfront. Many free resources available online.

Room Setup and Furniture ($100-$500+)

Essential:
– [ ] Desk or table (can be kitchen table)
– [ ] Chair
– [ ] Shelving for books and supplies
– [ ] Good lighting

Nice to Have:
– [ ] Bulletin board for posting schedule/goals
– [ ] Whiteboard
– [ ] Storage solutions

Cost: $100-$300 (depends on if buying new furniture or repurposing)

Reality: Many families school at kitchen table. Dedicated space helps but isn’t required.

Curriculum Materials ($200-$1,500/year)

This is your biggest expense and varies widely:

Curriculum Type Cost per Student
All-in-one (Abeka, BJU) $400-$1,000
Online (Time4Learning) $150-$500
Charlotte Mason $50-$300
Classical (Classical Conversations) $200-$800
Eclectic/Mix $200-$800

Ways to Reduce:
– Buy used curriculum (Facebook groups, curriculum fairs, Homeschool Buyer’s Co-op)
– Use free resources (Khan Academy, Libby app for books)
– Share with siblings
– Library books replace many workbooks

Note: This is separate from the checklist above. Budget for curriculum.

Room-by-Room Setup

School Room/Area

If Dedicated Space:
– Desk/table
– Chair
– Shelving
– File storage
– Clock
– Calendar
– Bulletin board (optional)
– Good lighting
– Comfortable temperature

If Using Shared Space (Common):
– Portable file box
– Supplies in drawer or cabinet
– Books on shelf
– Chair (can be any chair)
– Table (kitchen works fine)

Library/Book Storage

  • Bookshelf
  • Books from home library
  • Access to public library (critical; many free resources)
  • Reading nook (optional but nice)

Supply Storage

  • Drawer organizers
  • Plastic bins
  • Cabinet space
  • Labels

Complete Shopping List by Budget

Minimal Budget ($100-$200)

Priority Order:
1. Notebooks and pencils
2. Printer paper
3. Map and globe
4. Math manipulatives (if not in curriculum)
5. Basic science supplies

Skip For Now:
– Fancy organizers
– Technology upgrades
– Decorative items

Moderate Budget ($300-$500)

Add to above:
– Full office supply set
– File organization system
– Storage bins
– Calendar/planner
– Reference books (dictionary, thesaurus)
– Science supplies if using hands-on curriculum

Complete Budget ($500-$1,000)

Add to above:
– Printer (if you don’t have one)
– Furniture (desk, shelving)
– Supplemental materials
– Co-op fees
– Field trip costs

Where to Buy in Tennessee

New Materials

  • Amazon.com — easy, free shipping with Prime
  • Curriculum suppliers — Rainbow Resource, Homeschool Buyers Co-op, Hearts of Gold
  • Office Depot/Staples — back-to-school sales
  • Walmart/Target — office supplies, curriculum
  • Local Christian bookstores — Abeka, BJU, Sonlight available

Used Materials

  • Curriculum Fairs — THEA annual convention, regional fairs (cheapest option)
  • Facebook Groups — TN Homeschool Buy/Sell/Trade groups
  • Homeschool Co-ops — Member discounts and used sales
  • Half Price Books — Dallas-based, locations near TN border
  • ThriftBooks.com — Used books, cheap shipping
  • Your local homeschool group — Often share resources

Free Resources

  • Library — Books, audiobooks (Libby app), sometimes curriculum
  • Khan Academy — Free online math and science
  • YouTube — Educational channels (free)
  • University of Tennessee Extension — Free 4-H programs
  • Tennessee State Parks — Educational programs
  • Homeschool blogs — Free printables, lesson plans
  • THEA website — Resource directory

Don’t Overbuy

Common Mistakes

  • Buying all subjects at once (pick 1-2 to start)
  • Purchasing teacher manuals for subjects you don’t teach
  • Multiple copies of textbooks you’ll only use once
  • Decorative items before functional items
  • Expensive furniture before deciding if you need it

Better Approach

  • Start with curriculum for core subjects
  • Buy one thing at a time
  • Share resources with other homeschoolers
  • Use library heavily first year
  • Buy what you actually need

First-Year Shopping Timeline

June (Before School Year)

  • Office supplies
  • Curriculum for core subjects
  • Math manipulatives (if not in curriculum)
  • Basic science supplies
  • Maps

July

  • Any additional books or materials needed
  • Storage/organization items
  • Furniture if needed

August

  • Final preparations
  • Test materials if grade 5, 7, or 9
  • Co-op supplies if joining co-op

Throughout Year

  • Add supplemental materials as needed
  • Replace supplies as used
  • Upgrade based on what you’ve learned

Budget Summary for First Year

Absolute Minimum

  • Curriculum: $300-$500
  • Supplies: $100-$150
  • Total: $400-$650

Comfortable Budget

  • Curriculum: $500-$800
  • Supplies and materials: $200-$300
  • Testing (if applicable): $25-$75
  • Organization and furniture: $100-$200
  • Total: $825-$1,375

Well-Stocked Budget

  • Curriculum: $800-$1,200
  • Supplies: $300-$500
  • Technology (printer, etc.): $300-$400
  • Organization and furniture: $300-$500
  • Co-op or enrichment: $200-$500
  • Total: $1,900-$3,100

Final Notes

  • You don’t need everything day one
  • Many items you already have at home
  • Tennessee has excellent used curriculum resources
  • Libraries are your best friend (free books!)
  • Co-ops provide community and resource sharing
  • Start simple and add as needed
  • Adjust based on what actually works for your family

Printable Checklist

Print this section to take shopping:

ESSENTIAL OFFICE SUPPLIES
[ ] Notebooks (5-10)
[ ] Pencils (box)
[ ] Pens
[ ] Erasers
[ ] Folders
[ ] Paper
[ ] Index cards

MATH SUPPLIES
[ ] Manipulatives
[ ] Ruler
[ ] Graph paper

SCIENCE SUPPLIES
[ ] Science notebook
[ ] Measuring cups
[ ] Thermometer

ORGANIZATION
[ ] Filing system
[ ] Calendar
[ ] Storage bins

CURRICULUM
[ ] Math
[ ] Language Arts
[ ] Science
[ ] History

OTHER
[ ] Maps
[ ] Markers/colored pencils
[ ] Shelving (if needed)

Related Resources:
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– Homeschool support groups tennessee