Do You Get Paid to Homeschool? 15 Legit Ways to Earn

Homeschooling is a growing educational choice for many families seeking flexibility, personalized learning, and a more hands-on approach to their child’s development. However, one of the most common questions new homeschoolers ask is: “Do you get paid to homeschool your child?”

The short answer is no the government typically does not pay parents a salary simply for choosing to homeschool. Homeschooling is considered a personal choice, and unlike public school teachers, homeschool parents are not employees of the state. That said, there are several ways you can offset the costs of homeschooling or even earn an income while teaching your children at home.

In this article, I’ll explore 15 practical and legitimate ways to receive financial support, benefits, or direct income while homeschooling. Whether through state assistance, part-time work, or creating a business around your homeschooling experience, these strategies can help make home education more financially sustainable.

Do You Get Paid to Homeschool? 15 Legit Ways to Earn While Educating at Home

Below are the details:

Government Assistance and Support Programs

While homeschooling doesn’t usually come with a paycheck, some government programs and policies can help offset your educational expenses. Here’s a breakdown of support options that may be available to homeschooling families:

1. State-Specific Homeschool Stipends or Grants

Some U.S. states offer educational funding for homeschooling families, particularly through charter school systems or virtual public school programs.
For example, in California, families who enroll in a charter homeschool program may receive funds (often around $2,000–$3,000 per student per year) to use on approved educational materials and extracurriculars. These funds are managed by the school and can only be used for curriculum, classes, or learning tools not for personal income.
Always check your state’s Department of Education website to see if similar programs are available.

2. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)

ESAs are government-authorized savings programs that allocate public education funds directly to parents, which can be used for private schooling, tutoring, curriculum, and more, including homeschooling in eligible states.
For example, Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program gives qualifying families thousands of dollars annually per child. Other states like Florida, West Virginia, and Tennessee have launched similar initiatives.
These funds aren’t cash payments, but can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket homeschool expenses.

3. Tax Credits and Deductions

Some states offer tax credits or deductions for homeschooling-related expenses. These benefits vary by location but may cover curriculum, textbooks, online classes, or supplies.

For instance, Illinois allows a limited education expense credit on your state income tax return. Indiana also provides a deduction of up to $1,000 per child for homeschool costs.

Although there is no federal tax credit specifically for homeschooling, always consult a tax professional to explore your eligibility at the state level.

Freelance and Online Work Options

Homeschooling can be time-intensive, but many parents find flexible ways to earn income online. These options allow you to leverage your skills, interests, or even your homeschooling experience to create a reliable source of side or full-time income.

4. Freelance Writing or Blogging About Homeschooling

If you enjoy writing, you can get paid to share your homeschooling journey, lesson plans, or educational philosophies. Many parenting and education blogs accept guest posts, and platforms like Medium and Substack allow you to build your own following and monetize content.

You can also start your blog and earn through ads, affiliate links, and sponsored posts over time. Writing about what you’re already doing makes this a natural fit for homeschoolers.

5. Virtual Tutoring or Teaching

With your hands-on teaching experience, you can offer tutoring services in subjects like math, English, science, or test prep. Sites like Wyzant, Preply, or Outschool let you teach students online on your own schedule.

Some homeschoolers also create private tutoring businesses or teach small group classes over Zoom, charging per hour or per session.

6. Selling Educational Printables or Lesson Plans

If you design worksheets, planners, or curriculum guides, you can turn them into digital products and sell them on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers, Etsy, or Gumroad.

Well-designed educational printables are in high demand, especially from other homeschool families and teachers looking for engaging resources. Once created, these products can generate passive income for months or years.

Turning Homeschooling into a Business

For parents who are deeply committed to homeschooling, it’s possible to turn that commitment into a source of income. By using your teaching experience and creativity, you can build a home-based business that supports both your family and other homeschoolers.

7. Start a Homeschool Co-op and Charge Tuition

If you have teaching expertise in certain subjects, consider forming a local homeschool co-op or micro-school. These are small groups where families come together to share teaching responsibilities.

You can lead the co-op and charge participating families a tuition or class fee in exchange for structured instruction, curriculum planning, and resources. Many parents appreciate the support and are willing to pay for high-quality guidance.

8. Create an Online Course or YouTube Channel

Homeschooling parents often build niche audiences by teaching online. You can develop an online course in subjects like reading strategies, math games, or even “how to start homeschooling” and sell it through platforms like Teachable or Udemy.

Alternatively, start a YouTube channel to share your homeschooling routines, curriculum reviews, or educational tips. Once your channel is monetized through ads, sponsorships, or Patreon, it can become a steady income stream.

9. Sell Homeschooling Curriculum or Materials

If you’ve developed your own curriculum, workbooks, or activity kits, consider publishing and selling them. Many homeschool parents prefer real-world-tested resources created by fellow homeschoolers.

You can self-publish eBooks or PDFs, offer physical kits on Etsy, or even license your materials to homeschool supply companies. Some parents also become curriculum consultants, helping others choose or customize programs.

Paid Research or Pilot Programs

Homeschooling families may also find income opportunities by participating in educational research or pilot programs. These are often funded by universities, nonprofits, or edtech companies looking for real-world feedback from parents and students engaged in home-based learning.

10. Participate in Educational Research Studies

Universities and research institutions frequently conduct studies on learning styles, curriculum effectiveness, or homeschooling outcomes. As a participant, you may be asked to complete surveys, test new materials, or track your child’s learning progress.

These studies often provide compensation in the form of stipends, gift cards, or direct payments. Participation is usually voluntary, flexible, and designed to fit into your homeschooling schedule. Keep an eye on academic research boards, local university outreach, and homeschooling forums for opportunities.

11. Join State or Nonprofit Pilot Programs

Some states and education nonprofits run pilot programs to test new curricula, digital platforms, or learning models. As a homeschool parent, you can apply to participate and receive early access to free educational tools, sometimes along with financial incentives or stipends.

For example, you might test a math software for a semester in exchange for detailed feedback, or try out a new phonics curriculum as part of a pilot homeschool group.

These programs help shape future education offerings and can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses or provide added income.

Part-Time and Flexible Work While Homeschooling

Many homeschooling parents successfully balance part-time or flexible jobs alongside their teaching responsibilities. These roles typically offer the freedom to set your own schedule, work from home, or earn income in short, manageable shifts.

12. Remote Administrative or Customer Support Jobs

Work-from-home positions like virtual assistant, customer service rep, or data entry clerk can fit well around homeschooling hours. Many companies now offer part-time remote roles that require just a few hours per day.

You can find these jobs on platforms like FlexJobs, Upwork, or Remote.co. Tasks might include scheduling, email management, or answering support tickets, all of which can be done during your family’s quiet time or independent study hours.

13. Babysitting or Nannying for Other Homeschool Families

If you’re already at home with your kids, you might consider caring for other children, especially those from families who also homeschool.

You can turn your home into a safe and educational environment for a small group of children, earning a steady income while incorporating them into your homeschool routine. This also helps other working homeschool parents who need trusted childcare during the day.

14. Teaching or Coaching Local Extracurriculars

Use your personal skills, such as music, art, sports, or languages, to offer classes in your community. Many homeschool families look for affordable, local enrichment programs, and you can provide them during the daytime when others are available.

You might rent a space, teach from home, or partner with a local homeschool co-op to provide regular workshops. Charging a small fee per student can add up quickly and allow you to stay within your educational comfort zone.

15. Invest in or Promote Affiliate Programs

Affiliate marketing can be a simple and effective way for homeschooling parents to earn passive income while sharing products or services they already use and trust. As an affiliate, you promote educational tools, books, curriculum, or homeschool supplies through a personal blog, social media, YouTube channel, or email newsletter. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.

Many homeschool-friendly brands and marketplaces offer affiliate programs, such as Amazon, Christianbook, Teachers Pay Teachers, and homeschool curriculum publishers. You don’t need a large audience to start; a focused, engaged community of fellow homeschoolers is often more valuable than broad reach.

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