Our Favorite Free or Low-Cost Homeschool Resources

Written By Be Free .

Written by Laura Abbott for Be Free Ministries

1.Using your library like a pro

Taking advantage of your public library is one of the most overlooked homeschool hacks. From complete deep dives into history subjects, building your own unit studies and just simply fostering a love for reading the library is your best friend.

How to make the most of it:

  • creating your own unit study: choose one subject a month (oceans, the human body, pioneers etc) and check out books that go along with your subject.

  • make free library activities part of your weekly homeschool rhythm. Our local library has hosted Lego building days, crafts, story time, and more.

  • borrow audiobooks to listen to in the car or a part of your morning rhythm.

2. KAHN ACADEMY

A completely free online program offering lessons in math, grammar, science, history, and more.

Why we love it:

  • Self-paced with built-in instruction.

  • Great for supplementing or reviewing concepts.

  • Helpful for older kids or visual learners.

Great for:
Math practice, independent learning, and filling in gaps.

3. YouTube Channels for Homeschoolers (Free)

Used carefully and intentionally, YouTube can be an incredible source of educational content.

Some family-friendly topics to explore:

  • Nature studies

  • Science experiments

  • Art lessons

  • Geography and world culture

  • Faith-based kids’ biographies or Bible stories

Great for:
Visual learners, hands-on projects, and reinforcing concepts in fun ways.

4. Nature-Based Learning (Free or Very Low Cost)

One of the most valuable (and biblical!) learning environments is right outside your door.

Ways to use nature as curriculum:

  • keep nature journals

  • observe bird behaviors

  • collect leaves, rocks, or flowers

  • study weather, clouds, or seasons

  • start a small garden

  • walk, explore, and talk

These moments count as science, art, writing, physical education, and discipleship — all wrapped in beauty.

Great for:
Families who value slow living, natural learning, and God’s creation as the classroom.

5. Homeschool Partnerships (Free)

Some local public schools offer free extracurriculars through what they call homeschool partnerships. Some districts also call them “virtual academy” or “online school”

Michigan has a handful of these, and they are by district, so search “public school homeschool partnerships” to get information about offerings in your area. Some local partnerships in the West Michigan Area include: Gull Lake Virtual Partnership, Berrien Springs Partnership, Jenison Innovation Academy, and Niles Virtual Partnership. These are publicly funded and free for homeschool families.

Some things they include:

  • physical education classes such as: martial arts, dance, gymnastics and swimming

  • art classes- online and in person depending on the area resources

  • science classes like robotics, tinkering (connecting kiwi co boxes to science concepts), chemistry, health science and more!

This is not at all a definitive list, the offerings truly have surprised me and it’s been an amazing addition to our homeschool rhythm.

7. The Good and the Beautiful Free Curriculum Options

The Good and The Beautiful is loved by the homeschool community for many reasons including the fact that they offer free curriculum for Math and Language Arts for K-8.

Why we love it:

  • The curriculum emphasizes wholesome literature, nature appreciation, and character-building themes.

  • It’s gentle, rich, and visually beautiful, all in a way that fits a slower, intentional lifestyle.

  • Free PDF downloads let you start immediately, print what you need, and try it out before investing in physical books.

Be Free .