Free or low-cost homeschool resources are available.
You just need to know where to find them.
Homeschool Iowa is here to help!
Check out our extensive list of homeschool helps that are completely free or very inexpensive.
- Free or Low-Cost Homeschool Resources & Curriculum
- Free or Low-Cost Homeschool Destinations & Programs
Free or Low-Cost Homeschool Resources
1. Public Libraries
You'll find a wide variety of free resources at your local public library. These include books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, and kits. If your local library doesn't have what you're looking for, you can request it from another library through an interlibrary loan.
Iowa libraries also offer downloadable books, research tools (both on-site and online), and language learning options.
Find more details on our website blog post on public library services.
2. ISU Extension
Browse the Iowa State Extension Service store to find lots of options to use in your homeschool studies. Some are free, and others are very reasonably priced.
Check out all the sections, as there are many hidden treasures. For example, in the Agriculture section, you'll find a Mammals of Iowa Field Guide covering all 57 species found in our state. In the Families & Health section, you'll find free financial literacy lesson plans. Go to the Yard & Garden section for a wide selection of free garden and flower guides.
And don't miss the 4-H section. There you'll find free curriculum, like the free Agriculture Every Day resource with lessons for Grades 4-12.
Look Locally
Locate your local county extension office.
www.extension.iastate.edu/
countyservices/
Some county offices offer educational enrichment.
Here are a few examples:
www.extension.iastate.edu/
dallas/school-enrichment
www.extension.iastate.edu/
scott/school-enrichment
www.extension.iastate.edu/
woodbury/school-enrichment
Try putting your county's name in that URL.
3. State Historical Society
If you're looking for free homeschool resources for teaching history, you'll want to visit the expansive State Historical Society's Educator Resources website page.
There you'll find an amazing array of primary source history material, tool kits, videos, and digital resources – all for free.
4. Iowa Public Television
The Iowa PBS website has a huge selection of free resources that you can use in your homeschool instruction.
Use the filter tool provided to find the grade level and type of resource you want. Subjects include fine arts, language arts, social studies, and STEM for grades pre-K to 12th.
5. Iowa Secretary of State
Check out the free resource, Elections 101, from the Iowa Secretary of State's office. This no-cost curriculum was developed by Iowans to be used by Iowa students. It offers instruction in civic responsibility and covers the history and processes of elections.
Your student can also participate in the Iowa Youth Straw Poll, a free opportunity offered each year in connection with the Elections 101 initiative.
6. Iowa DNR
Find free resources for your homeschool on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website.
Here are some examples:
• Iowa's Wildlife
• Project Learning Tree
• Environmental Education
7. Science Center of Iowa
Want to explore science in your own home? The Science Center of Iowa offers free resources to do just that.
You'll be amazed at the lengthy list of at-home activities, experiment ideas, and videos available.
8. Homeschool Iowa
Don't forget Homeschool Iowa as a source for free homeschool resources!
Search our website for lots of helpful information. Here are some examples (click to view):
• Links to companies offering free or low-cost curriculum
• Free Start Homeschooling Guide
• Free support group referrals and supervising teacher referrals
• Free assistance from our Homeschool Iowa Regional Representatives
We also offer our members many additional free resources on our website Member Portal, including:
• Our Homeschool Iowa Planner
• Our Homeschool Iowa Field Trip Guide
• Our Homeschool Iowa Homeschooling 101 Guide
• Our Homeschool Iowa high school transcript templates,
and much more!
9. Public Schools
Accessing "free" resources from the public school system is not for everyone. Many homeschooling families prefer to remain independent, with full parental control over their children's education.
However, if you are interested in public school options for Iowa homeschoolers, here are some links for more information:
• Dual enrollment
• Home School Assistance Programs
• Senior Year Plus, including PSEO and concurrent enrollment
Keep in mind that access to public school services and programs requires you to file paperwork with the school district and, for students ages 6-16, to follow up with either licensed teacher supervision or reporting of annual assessment results.
10. Open Educational Resources
You might also consider exploring Open Educational Resources [OER].
OER are teaching, learning, and research resources that are platformed in the public domain or have been released under intellectual property licenses that permit their free use by the public.
There are several OER available in Iowa, including those offered by universities in our state. If you'd like to explore an OER that provides resources for higher level students, check out iowaoer.com. If you have younger students, investigate the Iowa AEA OER.
Free or Low-Cost Homeschool Destinations
1. Iowa Museums & Attractions
There are dozens of museums across our state that do not charge an entrance fee to visit.
Here's a list with links to 77 free admission museums and attractions in Iowa for your homeschooling family to explore.
In case you're interested, here's a list of all 272 museums in Iowa, regardless of whether or not they charge admission.
Many of these museums and destinations offer free or low-cost homeschool resources, programs, and camps for students, including homeschoolers.
2. Iowa County Parks
Did you know that there are 99 county parks in Iowa? They offer a variety of programs that are free or very inexpensive for homeschooling families.
Check out the mycountyparks.com website to find county parks near you.
While you're there, make sure to click the page that lists all of the events offered by Iowa county parks. Wow! There is a huge listing! You can even filter for the events that are specifically designed for homeschoolers.
3. Iowa State Parks
The State of Iowa offers different state parks and forests for your family to enjoy at no cost.
Use this Iowa state park locator to locate parks near you. You can also find an alphabetized list of all the state parks and forests with direct links to more information on the Iowa DNR website.
4. National Parks & Trails
Another free destination idea for your homeschool family's field trips are the four national historic sites and trails in Iowa:
• Effigy Mounds National Monument
• Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
• Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
• Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
5. Iowa Young Birders
Founded in 2011 to encourage Iowa students ages 8-18 to study and enjoy birds and birding, Iowa Young Birders offers free field trips all around Iowa. You can sign up on their website.
They also offer free young birder resources as well.
Do you have a favorite
free or low-cost homeschool resource
that you'd like to share?
Please tell us about it in the comments section below.
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