Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

Discount School Supply Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Homeschool Supply Company Reviews

Discount School Supply Review 4 Star Rating

Discount School Supply

4 Star Rating
  • Offers a variety of homeschooling materials, including furniture, STEM, and arts and crafts supplies
  • Potential for significant savings through product bundling
  • No specific homeschool category; products are now in general categories like Outdoor Learning and STEM/Curriculum
  • Includes educational kits for various ages, focusing on literacy and math skills
  • Free shipping on orders over $99 and a 110% low price guarantee
  • Returns within 30 days are free, but later returns or drop-shipped items incur fees
  • Best suited for craft and science supplies for students up to 7th grade

When you explore Discount School Supply, you're stepping into a vast catalog of diverse homeschool resources suitable for a wide range of ages. This retailer offers everything you need to make homeschooling a breeze, from comfortable kid-sized furniture to keep your little ones focused to a variety of STEM and craft supplies. Plus, bundling products can lead to significant savings.

Homeschool category is gone

Discount School Supply used to have a designated category for all of their homeschool products, like craft project kits, STEM activities, and Steven Spangler science kits, but it looks like this category is no more. Instead, you'll have to start out with a basic idea of what you're looking for and select the corresponding category. These include Outdoor Learning, Classroom Tools, Teacher Supplies, STEM/Curriculum, and more. Keep in mind, though, that most of the homeschool materials cater to younger students, typically up to 7th grade. We appreciate the straightforward, user-friendly design of this website. Unlike some online stores where finding homeschool materials can be overwhelming, Discount School Supply keeps things simple and organized.

Engage with Family Kits

The Family Engagement Kits really shine here. They're a great mix of learning and fun, perfect for bringing families together. For example, there's the Read, Write & Play Pack for Upper Grades. It's a well-thought-out kit put together by teachers to boost important literacy skills in older kids. It's got all sorts of interactive stuff like journals, dry erase mats, question chips, task cards, and even a literacy game. Then there's the math kit for kids 5 and older. It's aimed at helping kids get really good at addition and subtraction up to 20. This kit is packed with colorful, game-like tools like a dry erase activity book, decoders, a gumball game, and more, all designed for lots of repeat use and to make learning a family affair. These kits are usually between $25 and $40.

Affordable prices

Shopping at Discount School Supply comes with several perks. You'll enjoy free shipping on orders over $99. (This used to be a minimum of $33, but we aren't surprised prices have gone up here, too.) Otherwise, shipping will cost 15% of your order total. Discount School Supply has a 110% low price guarantee, which means that if you find a lower price on the same item from another supplier, they will match that price and give you a refund of 10% of the difference. Plus, keep an eye out for frequent promotions displayed on their homepage, like 50% off select items.

Best Homeschool Supply Companies

Restocking fees apply

The return process here is straightforward, but fees vary based on the product. Items purchased directly from Discount School Supply (as opposed to one of their manufacturers) can be returned within 30 days in original packaging for a full refund. Items returned after 30 days might incur a 30% restocking fee. For drop-shipped items, like furniture, restocking fees start at 15% and may vary depending on the manufacturer's policy.

Categories might be too broad

We do wish that Discount School Supply hadn't done away with their Homeschool category - their curriculum items are no longer in one place, so you have to shop by brand or subject instead, and some results might be intended for a classroom setting, not a homeschool. This change means you might have a harder time narrowing down the learning materials you want to use in your child's educational journey if you don't have something specific in mind.

Highly recommended

For most of your homeschooling needs, especially craft and science project supplies, Discount School Supply is an affordable option. We're especially impressed with their 110% price guarantee. While you may need to find other sources for materials for middle and high school students, this retailer is a top choice for a wide range of homeschool supplies.

Where Can You Find the Best Homeschool Supplies?

In recent years, homeschooling has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. It's no wonder, given the wealth of websites offering homeschool supplies and curriculum options for families. This idea has captivated the attention of parents seeking alternative educational approaches for their children.

Traditional educational systems often struggle to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of individual students. Homeschooling provides a flexible and customizable framework, allowing parents to tailor the curriculum to match their child's unique strengths, interests, and pace of learning. This personalized approach can foster a more engaging and effective learning experience.

The Best Homeschool Supply Companies Compare Homeschool Supply Companies Compare Homeschool Supply Company Reviews What are the best Homeschool Supply Companies Best Homeschool Supply Company Reviews

Homeschool Supply Company FAQ

Homeschooling is a generic term used to refer to educating children outside of a traditional school setting. This is different from "homebound" students, who need to receive instruction at home due to health conditions or other challenges and receive it from a tutor provided by the student's school district.
There are as many as five million homeschool students in grades K-12 in the United States. That number has grown significantly year to year, with many more families taking advantage of the freedom and flexibility inherent in a home education program.
Homeschool philosophies run the spectrum from "school at home" , which tries to replicate the structure and content of a public or private school, to "unschooling" principles of allowing learners to follow their own interests to discover what they want to know. Other ways of structuring a homeschooling program include Montessori, Charlotte Mason, Classical Conversations, world schooling, religious-based curricula, and many more. It's common for homeschool families to experiment with several different approaches over time, so don't worry if you need to try a few on for size to find what fits.
The answers to that question are as diverse as homeschoolers themselves. The first consideration is what laws govern homeschooling in your state: you might be obligated to follow a certain curriculum or to ensure mastery of specific content areas. Beyond that, the materials you use are largely up to you. Are your kids hands-on learners? Do they need video demonstrations? Do you love science experiments? You'll find so much to choose from, it can be challenging to narrow down the possibilities!
Maybe, but not always. Your school district may be happy to give you the textbooks and workbooks that correspond to your child's grade - or they may have policies that actually prohibit them from doing so. And, while your library might have the books, DVDs and digital resources you need to homeschool, you'll probably have to return them before you're done with the unit or lesson you're teaching.
Lucky for you, there are many online retailers that offer an amazing panorama of homeschool materials. You can get all-in-one curricula that cover an entire school year of subject matter, or individual books for the topics you're covering. That doesn't even begin to scratch the surface: from puppets to papier mache kits, or beakers to leveled readers, these stores have you covered. Whether your kids are preschool or pre-college, you can get everything you need to provide a top-notch education.
Absolutely! There's a lot of buying power that comes from a community of millions, and some homeschool supply stores use that to your advantage. You can get group discounts on popular online programs and print materials, find field trip suggestions, or even get a homeschooler photo ID to qualify for student discounts at places near you. Some homeschool supply retailers offer rewards programs that give you points with each purchase. And, you might find discussion groups hosted by the homeschool supply site that can answer your questions, connect you with other homeschoolers in your area, or give you new ideas for your teaching.
Policies vary by retailer, and most require your materials to be in unused condition to be eligible for return or refund. You may also have to pay restocking fees of up to 30%. If you're purchasing a digital subscription to a homeschool program or service, you may be able to cancel within a certain timeframe or suspend your membership. Be sure to read the details before you make a purchase from a homeschool supply store.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Homeschool platforms on the internet can be grouped based on how they approach education and how they structure their payment systems. In one corner, you've got the curriculum providers that package everything up neatly, resembling what you'd typically find in a traditional school setting. These all-inclusive bundles usually come with textbooks, workbooks, teacher guides, and assessments. The deal here is a one-time payment that covers the entire curriculum - a straightforward and wallet-friendly choice.

On the flip side, there are websites that thrive on flexibility. They empower parents to cherry-pick individual resources from different publishers to craft a tailor-made curriculum. This is like a buffet where you choose what suits your educational goals or your child's unique learning needs.

Maybe you're teaching history from a textbook you bought from one homeschool provider, and it occurs to you that your child would benefit from a fascinating historical documentary. Supplementary homeschool resource websites offer exactly that. They provide videos, worksheets, and interactive activities to complement your existing curriculum. These resources, such as videos, worksheets, and interactive activities, can give your homeschooling experience an extra kick. Enhancing your educational toolkit this way usually comes at the price of a monthly subscription fee.

In another arena, you'll find platforms that champion the power of the collective. They're all about group buying, letting homeschooling families unite to score the discounts on curriculum materials that public school districts enjoy. This privilege usually requires a membership fee.

Online learning homeschool platforms allow kids to learn while still getting the screen time they might crave. For a monthly or yearly fee, you gain access to a virtual world of learning. It's an enticing option for those who prefer a high-tech homeschooling experience with the convenience of online access, or for those parents who would prefer their iPad Kid be exposed to something more educational (or wholesome) than YouTube's algorithm.

When it comes to homeschooling materials and curriculum websites, you've got plenty of options to consider. To make a smart choice, take these factors into account:

  • Cost. Is the curriculum or resource within your budget? Think about the overall price and whether it's a good deal for what you're getting.
  • Teaching style. Does it match your child's learning approach and your teaching philosophy? Does it offer the flexibility and customization you need?
  • Ease of use. How much time and effort will it take to set up and use the materials? Is it user-friendly or complicated?
  • Support and assurance. What kind of support or warranty is provided? Does it cover not just the curriculum but also potential issues with other resources or services?
  • Returns and adaptability. Are there any return conditions or restrictions if the curriculum doesn't work for your family? Can you adjust it as your child's needs change?

Before making your final decision, it's wise to read reviews, explore product descriptions, and, if available, watch demo videos or sample lessons. Keep in mind that choosing homeschool materials is an investment in your child's education and growth. The right choice should align with your educational goals, your child's learning style, and your family's lifestyle. Top Consumer Reviews has ranked and reviewed the best homeschool supply and curriculum websites, and we hope our evaluation helps you make a confident decision about the next step in your child's educational journey.

Compare Homeschool Supply Companies

Select any 2 Homeschool Supply Companies to compare them head to head

best-homeschool-supplies
  • Homeschool Buyers Club
  • Time 4 Learning
  • Discount School Supply
  • BrainPOP
  • HomeSchool+
  • Alpha Omega Publications
  • Evan-Moor
  • 7 Sisters Homeschool
  • Knowledge Box Central
  • Abeka
Homeschool Buyers Club vs Time 4 Learning Homeschool Buyers Club vs Discount School Supply Homeschool Buyers Club vs BrainPOP Homeschool Buyers Club vs HomeSchool+ Homeschool Buyers Club vs Alpha Omega Publications Homeschool Buyers Club vs Evan-Moor Homeschool Buyers Club vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Homeschool Buyers Club vs Knowledge Box Central Homeschool Buyers Club vs Abeka Time 4 Learning vs Discount School Supply Time 4 Learning vs BrainPOP Time 4 Learning vs HomeSchool+ Time 4 Learning vs Alpha Omega Publications Time 4 Learning vs Evan-Moor Time 4 Learning vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Time 4 Learning vs Knowledge Box Central Time 4 Learning vs Abeka Discount School Supply vs BrainPOP Discount School Supply vs HomeSchool+ Discount School Supply vs Alpha Omega Publications Discount School Supply vs Evan-Moor Discount School Supply vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Discount School Supply vs Knowledge Box Central Discount School Supply vs Abeka BrainPOP vs HomeSchool+ BrainPOP vs Alpha Omega Publications BrainPOP vs Evan-Moor BrainPOP vs 7 Sisters Homeschool BrainPOP vs Knowledge Box Central BrainPOP vs Abeka HomeSchool+ vs Alpha Omega Publications HomeSchool+ vs Evan-Moor HomeSchool+ vs 7 Sisters Homeschool HomeSchool+ vs Knowledge Box Central HomeSchool+ vs Abeka Alpha Omega Publications vs Evan-Moor Alpha Omega Publications vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Alpha Omega Publications vs Knowledge Box Central Alpha Omega Publications vs Abeka Evan-Moor vs 7 Sisters Homeschool Evan-Moor vs Knowledge Box Central Evan-Moor vs Abeka 7 Sisters Homeschool vs Knowledge Box Central 7 Sisters Homeschool vs Abeka Knowledge Box Central vs Abeka
Compare the Best Homeschool Supply Companies
- VS -
Review the Best Homeschool Supply Companies
The Best Reviews of Homeschool Supply Companies