Indiana has many great homeschool opportunities across the state, many of which can be found at little to no cost. Indiana Association of Home Educators (IAHE) has a wealth of information and resources on its website, emails, and Facebook group. Let’s take a look at just some of Indiana’s affordable opportunities!
Affordable Homeschool Curriculum
Choosing a curriculum can be an exciting adventure and absolutely can be done on a budget. If you are searching for free to low-cost home school curricula, check out IAHE’s list of affordable curricula and the following links to find discounted used curricula.
IAHE – Homeschooling on a Budget
IAHE Ebooks and Printables – As an IAHE member, you can receive free and discounted ebooks and printables.
IAHE Indiana Homeschool Marketplace – IAHE has a Facebook group for buying and selling curriculum.
Local Homeschool Sale Sites – Search your county and homeschool to find sale sites on Facebook for curriculum near you.
Used Curriculum Sales and Curriculum Closets – Search the IAHE Facebook group for other parents sharing events for used curriculum sales and curriculum closets.
Library Resources – Several libraries across the state have some homeschool curricula and textbooks available. Indianapolis Library has a Homeschool Collection that includes a few curricula and books on homeschooling.
Virtual Workshops
IAHE offers exciting virtual workshops throughout the year at a low cost per family such as painting parties, science classes, writing classes, and more! Sign up for IAHE’s emails to keep up to date on future workshops.
IAHE Events
Each January, IAHE puts on a fantastic Day at the Capitol for only $5 per family! Not only is it a budget-friendly event, but they have great learning opportunities and a free ebook that is included with the cost. Check out IAHE Events for Day at the Capital and other exciting upcoming events.
Indiana Libraries
Visiting your local library is a great start in locating free resources. Indiana has an exceptional interlibrary loan system where your local library can access books from across the state. If your local library does not have the books from your reading list, speak with your librarian. They can often purchase the book or get it on loan from another library.
Here is a list of just some of the additional resources found in libraries across the state:
- Audiobooks on CDs
- Movies and documentaries on DVDS
- Digital access to books, audiobooks, music, and other digital media
- “Experiences Passes” – Passes to zoos, parks, or museums*
- STEM kits*
- Board games*
- Outdoor games*
- Various gadgets*
- Wifi at the library
- Wifi hotspots to check out*
- Access to public computers*
- Ability to print, scan, copy (typically a cost)*
- Meeting rooms and study rooms*
*Check with your library and any reciprocal libraries for availability.
The library directory can help you access library info across the state!
Library Classes
Many of the local libraries across the state have free classes specifically for homeschoolers. Below is a list of just some Indiana libraries offering free homeschool programs. Check with your local library and surrounding libraries to learn more about their programs. Even if they do not have a homeschool class, they might have other programs that work for your family.
Here are just some of the libraries that offer homeschool programs:
- Westfield Washington Public Library
- Monroe County Public Library
- Carmel Clay Public Library
- Johnson County Public Library
- Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library
- Mooresville Public Library
National Parks, State Parks, and More
National Parks – Indiana and the surrounding states have some amazing opportunities for history and science! If you have a 4th grade child, you can get a free National Park Pass with Every Kid Outdoor. The parks often have free educational programs that you learn more about on each park’s website. Check out the calendar for a park near you.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services – There are two U.S. Fish & Wildlife Properties across Indiana that can be accessed for free, Muscatatuck and Patoka properties. The Big Oaks property can be accessed at a low cost for those over 15 years of age and free for those younger. These properties offer visitor centers with interpretive exhibits and staff that are ready to help you learn more about the property and the opportunities available. Check out their websites to learn more about the habitats, types of species found, and what you will find at each property.
- Muscatatuck National Wildlife Services (Seymore, IN)
- Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area (Oakland City, IN)
- Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge (Madison, IN)
Indiana State Parks – Indiana State Parks offer free educational classes at many of their locations. The cost for entrance is per car, making this a great option for small or large families. Many of the parks have Nature Centers with interactive exhibits and staff to answer questions. Check out the event calendars for Indiana’s State Parks and State Forests.
Indiana Fish & Wildlife Areas – DNR Properties – Many of the Department of Natural Resource properties can be accessed for free or for a low-cost. There are many educational opportunities across the state by visiting these properties. Explore the locations, calendar, and what they have to offer.
- Goose Pond (Linton, IN) – Goose Pond is a Fish & Wildlife Area that is free to access. They have a visitor center with an observation deck and interactive display.
Project Wet – DNR – The Department of Natural Resources offers free workshops to home educators and teachers on water education.
Project Wild – DNR – The Department of Natural Resources also offers free workshops on conservation and environmental education.
NICHES Properties – The NICHES Land Trust manages lands in northwest Indiana. These properties are free of charge to access and offer many educational opportunities.
Nature Centers – Several counties have free or low-cost nature centers with interactive exhibits and educational opportunities.
Musical Events
Fort Wayne Philharmonic – Family Series Concert (Fort Wayne, IN) – The Fort Wayne Philharmonic has a free family series at the following website, register for the matinee concert of your choice on their website. In addition, The Fort Wayne Philharmonic has free educational resources available online.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra – Teddy Bear Concerts (Indianapolis, IN) – This free program introduces children (3-7 years old) to instruments through storytelling, movement, and music. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has also put together some additional digital resources.
Northwest Indiana Symphony – Education concert (Munster, IN) – Each year the Northwest Indiana Symphony offers a free educational concert for youth.
Circle City Orchestra (Indianapolis, IN) – Circle City Orchestra is a non-profit group that offers free concerts to the public.
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (Indianapolis, IN) – The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra offers free student tickets (must still purchase an adult ticket).
College Music Performances – Many universities and colleges with music departments will offer low-cost or free concerts, workshops, guest performances, and other musical events. Most music departments will have an events calendar you can search.
Here are just some of the many music departments across our state:
- Jacob School of Music (Bloomington, IN)
- Purdue Musical Organizations (West Lafayette, IN)
- Notre Dame Department of Music (South Bend, IN)
- University of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN)
- Indian State University School of Music (Terre Haute, IN)
- Ball State School of Music (Muncie, IN)
Theatrical Performances
Several performing arts theaters offer low-cost or free weekday matinees to students. Many will also include study guides or educational materials to review before the performance. Also, check your local theaters and performing arts programs at colleges for similar opportunities. You can try searching for “educational matinees” or “student matinees” near you. Some theaters do have a 10 student minimum count—grab some friends and enjoy the performance as a group!
Here are just some in Indiana that offer discounted matinees:
- The Center for the Performing Arts (Carmel, IN)
- Butler Arts Center (Indianapolis, IN)
- Constellation See & Screen (Bloomington, IN)
- Derby Dinner (Louisville, KY)
- Honeywell Education (Wabash, IN)
- Fort Wayne Youth Theatre (Fort Wayne, IN)
Field Trips
Several zoos, museums, and historical sites around Indiana offer free or discounted days. These days and offers can vary by location and year. If there is a field trip you are interested in adding to your school year, give the location a call and see what discounts they will offer. Many field trip destinations will give groups of at least 10-15 homeschool students a discount, making a great opportunity to schedule a field trip with friends.
- Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (Multiple Locations) – Members of the IAHE can receive free teacher admission with proof of membership, just pay admission for your students.
- Indiana Historical Society (Indianapolis, IN) – Free on Thursdays.
- Newfields (Indianapolis, IN) – Free on the first Thursday of each month.
Below is a list of just some of the free museums and sites in Indiana. Many also have great study guides or educational resources to view before visiting.
- Indiana War Memorial Museum (Indianapolis, IN)
- Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Spencer County, IN)
- George Rodger Clark National Park (Vincennes, IN)
- Indy Art Center (Indianapolis, IN)
- Swope Art Museum (Terre Haute, IN)
- Elwood Haynes Museum (Kokomo, IN)
- Clegg Memorial Garden (Tippecanoe County, IN)
- Raclin Murphy Museum of Art (Notre Dame, IN)
- Orange County History Museum (Orange County, IN)
- David Owsley Museum (Muncie, IN)
- Kirkwood Observatory (Bloomington, IN)
- Richmond Art Museum (Richmond, IN)
- Petting Zoo & Aviary (Frankfort, IN)
- Indianapolis Firefighter Museum (Indianapolis, IN)
- Indianapolis State Museum (Indianapolis, IN)
These are just some of the free or low-cost opportunities in Indiana to add to your homeschool year. Keep an eye out on IAHE’s emails and IAHE’s Facebook group as parents share additional sales, events, and opportunities that come up!