How much does it cost to hire a private homeschool teacher?
How much does it cost to hire a private homeschool teacher?
$1,300 – $4,000 cost per month (group share & full-time)
$4,000 – $8,000 cost per month (private & full-time)
$20 – $60 cost per hour (private & part-time)
Cost to hire a private homeschool teacher
The average cost to hire a full-time private teacher is $1,300 to $4,000 per month when split between multiple homeschool families or $4,000 to $8,000 monthly for private instruction. A part-time homeschool tutor costs $20 to $60 per hour or $400 to $3,000 per month.
| Type | Monthly cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time private tutor or teacher | $400 – $3,000 | $3,600 – $32,400 |
| Full-time homeschool teacher for a group* | $1,300 – $4,000 | $12,000 – $35,000 |
| Full-time private homeschool teacher | $4,000 – $8,000 | $35,000 – $70,000 |
*Cost per family when split between two to three families.
Private homeschool teacher salary
A homeschool teacher’s salary is $35,000 to $70,000 per year on average for the 9-month school year. New college graduate teachers start as low as $20,000 per year in some locations. Private teachers with advanced degrees and many years of experience earn up to $95,000+ per year homeschooling.
| Experience level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Student teacher or new college graduate with no teaching experience | $20,000 – $35,000 | $10 – $20 |
| Bachelor’s degree with several years teaching experience | $35,000 – $70,000 | $20 – $60 |
| Master’s degree or higher with extensive teaching experience | $70,000 – $95,000+ | $60 – $80+ |
Homeschool teacher costs for a group
Hiring a full-time homeschool teacher costs $1,300 to $4,000 per month or $10 to $30 per hour on average, depending on how many families split the teacher’s salary.
Joining a learning group reduces other homeschooling costs, including:
Sharing curriculum among multiple students
Passing down books and supplies to younger students
Parent volunteers to teach specialty subjects, reducing the hours a teacher is needed
Homeschool tutor cost
A homeschool tutor costs $20 to $60 per hour, with the highest rates for more experienced teachers or more difficult subjects. Online tutoring programs offer packages costing $20 to $200 per month and tutoring centers charge $100 to $400 per month.
| Tutoring option | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Private home tutoring | $20 – $60 per hour |
| Online tutoring | $20 – $200 per month |
| Tutoring centers | $100 – $400 per month |
| SAT and test prep tutoring | $200 – $1,200 per program |
Tutors can take over teaching the more difficult subjects in parent-led homeschooling or help students that have fallen behind.
Online tutoring offers more convenience and flexibility with access to more tutors, courses, videos, and lessons than in-home tutoring.
Local tutoring centers offer customized tutoring programs in a classroom like experience to build a student’s skills, confidence, and motivation to learn.
SAT and test prep tutoring help students improve their scores by teaching students test-taking strategies and giving practice tests to reduce anxiety and increase familiarity.
Additional costs of hiring a private teacher for homeschooling
Homeschooling costs $500 to $2,500 per student annually for curriculum, school supplies, and supplemental learning activities on top of the private teacher’s or tutor’s salary. Parents spend $200 to $700 on average for curriculum that satisfies state education requirements.
| Factor | Average cost per student per year |
|---|---|
| Curriculum and testing fees | $200 – $700 |
| Books and supplies | $100 – $600 |
| Field Trips | $100 – $250 |
| Extracurricular activities and sports | $100 – $1,000 |
| Total cost per year | $500 – $2,500+ |
Curriculum and testing fees – Parents purchase a comprehensive 36-week all-subject package or pick-and-choose different courses based on their student’s needs.
Books and supplies – Parents spend more to initially set up an at-home classroom but save money over time by reusing those supplies each year.
Field Trips – Annual student passes to local museums, zoos, and nature centers help homeschool parents save money. Older students often volunteer for local non-profit organizations to gain firsthand experience and help their community.
Extracurricular activities and sports –
Individual sports training like gymnastics, swimming, and tennis have costs for professional instruction or equipment.
Team sports like hockey and lacrosse have high equipment costs.
Local community centers sometimes offer dance, art, or music lessons at a reduced cost for homeschool students.
Homeschool nanny cost
A nanny costs $15 to $25 per hour to care for younger children while parents teach the older siblings. Parents also rely on a nanny to watch the kids when school is out of session, or the private teacher is out sick.
Private teaching FAQs
What are the benefits of hiring a homeschool teacher?
Hiring a homeschool teacher allows busy parents to homeschool by reducing the time they spend planning, teaching, and grading. Parents often choose the curriculum but rely on the teacher to develop lesson plans and carry-out classroom instruction.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Do you need a certified teacher for homeschool?
Parents may homeschool without being a certified teacher or hiring one. Most states require parents to have a minimum high school diploma or GED to homeschool their children.
Some states set strict homeschool rules for parents. In New York, parents must send a notice of intent to homeschool, quarterly reports, and an annual progress assessment. Alaska has no requirements. Most state laws fall between these two extremes.
How long do homeschool teachers teach?
Homeschool teachers spend 2 to 4 hours per day teaching elementary school students and longer for middle and high school students. Part-time instructors teach fewer hours on limited subjects.
Most homeschoolers follow a 180-day school schedule like public school, but with shorter days since lessons are more efficient.
How to find and hire a private teacher or tutor
When hiring a homeschool teacher or tutor, be sure to:
Get referrals from trusted friends or teachers.
Look for a tutor with several years of experience teaching the subject areas your students need.
Confirm their teaching credentials and qualifications.
Browse their reviews on Tutors.com or other online sources.
Schedule interviews with at least three educators that fit your needs, schedule, and budget.
Questions to ask
How many years have you been tutoring or teaching?
What teaching qualifications or certifications do you hold?
What expertise do you have in the subject area my child is studying?
Do you personalize the lessons for my child’s needs and abilities?
What is your teaching philosophy?
How do you measure my child’s progress?
What happens if my child doesn’t achieve the expected results according to schedule?
How often will you communicate with me, and what is your preferred method of communication?
How will you work and communicate with my child’s other teachers?
What is your availability?
Where will the lessons take place?
How long is each learning session?
How much do you charge per session?
Are there any additional fees for materials or testing I need to plan for?
What is your policy for cancellations and make-up lessons?