Putting a Price on Your Passion (Without Losing Sleep or Your Shirt)
Pricing. It’s the part of the homeschool business journey that makes even the bravest microschool leader pause mid-curriculum order. Charge too much, and you worry no one will sign up. Charge too little, and suddenly you’re running a full educational program on a ramen noodle budget. (Fun fact: enthusiasm is not a valid currency at Office Depot.)
But here’s the good news: pricing doesn’t have to be a guessing game or a guilt trip. With the right mindset and a little math (don’t panic—we promise it’s gentle), you can set prices that are fair, sustainable, and reflective of the value you bring to families.
Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Pricing ≠ Greed
A lot of homeschool business owners—especially those with a service mindset—struggle with charging “too much.” But here’s a secret: your pricing is not just about what families can afford. It’s about what it takes to keep your business running, growing, and thriving.
And let’s be real: passion doesn’t pay the insurance bill.
So no, you’re not greedy. You’re responsible. You’re trying to build something that lasts—and maybe even pays you enough to replace that worn-out laminator.
What Goes Into the Price Tag?
When it comes to setting prices, you’re not just pulling numbers out of a hat (even if it’s a very cute homeschool co-op hat). Here’s what should factor into your pricing formula:
1. Costs (The Non-Negotiables)
- Supplies, books, and materials
- Facility fees, insurance, permits
- Instructor or assistant pay
- Admin and planning time (yes, YOUR time counts)
- Technology, printing, and all the unexpected “extras”
Time (The Invisible Expense)
Teaching is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s prep, follow-up, parent communication, scheduling, supply runs, and reprinting worksheets after someone uses them for a paper airplane competition. Your time has value—don’t pretend it’s free.
Market Research (a.k.a. “What are the neighbors charging?”)
Check out similar offerings in your area. Not to copy, but to get a sense of the range. Are you offering more personalized instruction, smaller class sizes, or unique materials? Great—factor that in.
Value (What They’re Really Paying For)
People aren’t just buying a product or signing up for a class. They’re investing in peace of mind, community, personalized education, and fewer arguments at the kitchen table. That’s worth more than just your hourly rate.
Different Ways to Structure Pricing (Because One Size Doesn’t Fit All)
Depending on your homeschool business model, you can get creative with how you charge:
- Per Class or Workshop – Great for drop-ins or casual enrichment
- Monthly Tuition – More stability for recurring programs or microschools
- Semester or Annual Packages – Useful for curriculum bundles or co-ops
- Sliding Scale or Tiered Pricing – Allows for accessibility while still covering costs
- Membership Models – Recurring income and added value (like exclusive content or community perks)
Select the model that suits your style and provides you with sufficient financial flexibility.
Talking About Pricing Without Breaking Into a Cold Sweat
Once you’ve figured out your pricing, the next challenge is saying it out loud. Or putting it on your website. Or emailing it to that one parent who always asks for discounts.
Here’s how to make it easier:
- Be clear and confident. Pricing should be easy to find and easy to understand. No fine print or treasure hunts required.
- Explain the value. Help people understand what they’re getting. If it includes planning time, prep materials, take-home resources, or access to your homeschool brain trust, say so!
- Offer options if possible. Payment plans, discounts for siblings, or occasional scholarship spots show flexibility without devaluing your work.
Pricing Pitfalls to Avoid (Learn From the Veterans)
- Don’t forget the hidden costs. Gas money, extra admin time, software fees—sneaky but real.
- Don’t race to the bottom. Competing solely on price often leads to burnout. Compete on value, not bargain basement deals.
- Don’t set it and forget it. Review your pricing annually. If costs go up, it’s okay for your rates to follow.
You Deserve to Get Paid
You’re not just teaching a class or selling a resource. You’re shaping learning experiences, solving problems, building relationships, and probably answering emails at 10 p.m. That’s real work. That’s worth something.
So take a deep breath, crunch the numbers, and set prices that make sense for you and the families you serve. Your homeschool business can be both heart-led and financially sound.
And yes—go ahead and get the fancy stapler this time. You’ve earned it.
