Homeschool Discount Home Educator Discounts - Homeschooling on a Shoestring

A Plus Teachers Store (Waterford, MI) 5725 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI, 248-623-0002, offers 10% discount on regular priced items. It's located in the Waterfall Plaza (by Trims & Togs Costumes & Dancewear).

A.C. Moore To apply for a teacher discount card, please mail a copy of one of the following requirements to the address below. I have not included information for teachers, but you can visit their website at http://www.acmoore.com/faq.aspx#c3 for more detailed information. Please note that discounts only apply to merchandise purchased in an A.C. Moore store. You cannot use the discount online. If you do not fall into one of the categories, or if you have any questions, please call 1-888-ACMOORE, extension 171. You can also email your question to TeachersClub@acmoore.com.

All The Right Stuff offers a 10% discount for home educators and scouts (as well as seniors and military). To receive your discount certificate code, email them at and note your affiliation (i.e. AARP, Senior Search, Military unit or location, homeschool) in your email. They will email you your special discount code which can be used for a 10% discount whenever you make a purchase.

Apple's Home for Homeschools Apple now recognizes the growing demand of homeschoolers, and they are making the full range of Apple’s educational products and solutions available to homeschools. Visit online or call 1-800-MY-APPLE.

ASTC Passport Program The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) allows members to sample some of the world’s most exciting science centers and museums while on the road. The Passport Program entitles visitors to free general admission. It does not include free admission to planetarium and larger-screen theater presentations nor does it include museum store discounts and other discounts associated with museum membership unless stated otherwise. Please see their website for program details at at http://www.astc.org/members/passlist_about.htm.

Barnes & Noble offers PreK-12 educators, librarians and homeschoolers a 20% discount off the publisher's list price on most hardcover and paperback books used in the classroom (school materials). To receive the discount, present your Educator's Discount Card and valid photo ID at time of purchase. Discount does not apply to café, music, DVDs, videos, periodicals, textbooks, gift cards, membership or shipping fees, shop-to-home orders and bn.com orders. This discount may not be combined with any other promotional or special discount, including the Barnes & Noble Membership program. The educator's discount card is accepted at: Barnes & Noble, Bookstop, Bookstar, B.Dalton Bookseller, Doubleday, Scribner's. My local Barnes & Noble has a used book section where you can also receive the Educator Discount on. Note: Not all Barnes & Noble has a used book section.

Book Warehouse For educators, librarians or home schoolers with a current ID, they offer an additional 15% discount off of their already low prices. It’s part of their Teachers of America program, and you can sign up at any National Book Warehouse, Foozles or Book Market location.

Borders (Borders, Borders Outlet, Borders Express, Waldenbooks, or Brentano's store) Border's program is called "Borders Classroom Discount" (scroll down on their page to "Teachers & Librarians".) If you are a homeschooler and can provide any applicable state certification, you are eligible for the 20% Classroom Discount Card. The 20% discount applies to materials used in the classroom or for classroom preparation. Homeschoolers in states without certification should contact a manger at the store for instructions on how to document your status as a homeschooler. They offer their discount program to teachers of pre-school through high school including school librarians and homeschoolers. The card entitles the bearer to 20% off list price on books, music or videos for classroom/homeschool use only. DVD discount not to exceed 15%. Excludes gift certificates, non-stock special orders, net books, periodicals, newspapers, shipping and Borders.com orders.

Dinosaur World 15% off to educators. Also offers a free educators guide to paleontology.

Discovery's program is called "Discovery Passport Rewards". You sign up for the free program. You can also fill out an application in store and receive your card. Use it whenever you make a purchase from a Discovery Channel Store, from Discovery.com or from most Discovery Channel Catalogs. You will earn one point for every dollar you spend. Each time you accumulate 150 points, they'll mail you a reward certificate good for $10 off your next purchase. If you want to check on your point totals or have other questions, ask a store associate, go to https://passport.discovery.com/ or call 800-814-3137.

FedEx Kinko's Educator Savings Program offers 15% discount on most products and services at participating FedEx Kinko’s nationwide. To receive your discount, present your discount card when making a purchase in-store or at fedexkinkos.com and the discount will automatically be applied. Unlike other educator discount programs, the Educator Savings Program has no limit on the savings you can acquire each quarter and each year. You’ll also receive special e-mail messages from time to time with information and special offers geared specifically to educators. Card must be presented at time of order to receive benefit and is non-transferable. Stop in to your local Kinko's for an enrollment form or fill out the online application. Your card will be processed and mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. View restrictions and more info at https://psg.kinkos.com/educator/.

GreatScopes GreatScopes Microscopes is now offering a 10% discount to homeschoolers on any microscope $149 or more. Their microscopes are already discounted 25% or more from retail, so the total value to homeschoolers is very high.

As a microscope dealer for twelve years and a homeschooler for twenty years, John Lind can tell you there really is no one-size-fits-all microscope for homeschoolers. At GreatScopes they have a microscope to meet the needs of just about any homeschooler.

How do you get the discount? Homeschoolers are invited to use the customer code "HS10" at checkout, and the discount will immediately be taken off your microscope order of $149 or more.

Quality equipment, great prices. Call toll-free 877-454-6364
Many thanks to John Lind for providing this information.

Half Price Books You will receive a 10% discount card good at all of their brick-and-mortar locations. Homeschoolers should provide some sort of identification that verifies you're an educator from their state or local homeschooling organization where applicable. Discount cards must be renewed annually. Apply in-store for their Educator's Discount Card to save 10%. View program info at http://www.halfpricebooks.com/educators.html.

Halfway Down the Stairs (Rochester, MI) This children's book shop recently closed shop January 2008. I had enjoyed this little independent book seller and hope you did too. You can read about the decision to close and the owner's fond farwell to all her customers.

Hancock Fabrics does have educator discount cards offering 15% off purchases. It's called the Red Apple Card. You can obtain a Red Apple card at any Hancock Fabrics store or email them at .

Holcomb's KnowPlace has phased out their Frequent Buyer Card program. In its place they offer Partner Cards. This free card allows customers to take advantage of sales prices that they have on hundreds of items in their stores. It also places you on their email and mailing lists so you can receive coupons and information about events happening in stores. For a store near you: http://www.holcombs.com/locations.html.

Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts Offers a 15% discount card to educators for purchases in-store or online. The discount is available for both regular & sale priced items. Discount excludes special orders, leased department merchandise and gift cards. For this year 2007-2008, when you visit Jo-Ann's, take your card from last year with you to the service desk and ask for the new one. The store can then provide you with the 2007-2008 Teacher Card. More info about the card and how to use it online is on the back of the Jo-Ann Teacher Rewards card. You do not need to join any business or consumer group to receive your card in-store. If you do not have a card from last year, bring along other information such as your homeschool support group membership card or the cover of a homeschool publication showing your subscription information, you could also bring your other educator discount cards -- which are probably already in your wallet anyway :o). If you need any further assistance, please feel free to contact Cyndie Hood-Taylor of Guest Services directly at 1-888-739-4120 ext 6672. Ms Hood-Taylor gave me that phone number in 2005. If you cannot contact her there, you can email Guest Services through Jo-Ann's website at http://www.joann.com/joann/help/contact_us.jsp.

Lakeshore Learning offers a Teacher's Club Card that is valid on in-store purchases only. You'll save 15% on most teacher resource items; receive advance notice of upcoming sales & events, and more. Fill out the application in the store & they'll hand you your card. New store opened May 2006 in Michigan at 12210 Hall Rd, Sterling Heights, phone: 586-803-1435. The store has Saturday afternoon craft time for kids ages 3-up.

The Learning Shop (Wisconsin) Educator's Discount Program is available to all educators with proof. The discount card entitles educators to an in-store 10% discount on selected traditional classroom supplies. View program info at http://www.learningshop.com/teachers.cfm.

Makin' Music Rockin' Rhythms Fun, Educational Music for Families with Young Children. They offer a 10% discount. If you order online, just indicate under special instructions that you would like the home school discount, and they'll make the adjustment to your final bill.

Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO) The Garden is pleased to offer teachers a 15% discount in the Garden's gift shop to purchase materials such as curriculum guides, children's literature, educational toys, plants, and planting supplies, for classroom use. The cost of the discount card is just $1 and the card does not expire. To receive a discount card, please bring proof as an educator and ask for an educator's discount form. The discount applies only to educational materials. View program info at Teacher Resources.

Office Depot The program is called "Office Depot Star Teacher Program". The information sheet I picked up states that you'll receive a 5% discount on every purchase you make, plus 15% off all Copy & Print Center Services. When you sign up, you can use the discount that day but be sure to get your enrollment confirmation sheet. It will take approximately 10 - 14 business days to receive your card. Office Depot was very courteous and helpful when I asked them about their educator's discount, and they had their information sheet readily available. Savings not valid for purchases from Tech Depot, purchases of Gift Cards, computers, postage stamps, package delivery services, wireless, satellite or Internet services or online orders. Please see their terms & conditions for more info on the program. Discount valid for in-store purchases only. The snail mail address is: The Office Depot Star Teacher Program, P.O. Box 1276, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443 To phone Office Depot: 877.789.4544 Mon-Fri 9:00am-8:00pm EST. For more information or questions about the Star Teacher program please call 1-877-789-4544.

Office Max Sign up for a free "MaxPerks for Teachers" Membership that will earn $10 for every $75 spent on eligible OfficeMax products whether in-store, online, or by phone at 1-877-OFFICEMAX. You will be issued Membership Card, Key Fobs to put on your keyring, and ID Stickers to put where convenient which has your MaxPerks ID number. They send you a quarterly detailed statement and any MaxPerks Certificates you might have accumulated. Offer available nationwide. Items not eligible for merchandise credit: computer hardware, software, peripherals as well as Specialty Shops and Business Service purchases. If you any any questions about your account or the MaxPerks Program, email them at or call at 1-866-MAXPERKS.

PrintPal.com Eligible organizations receive a 10% discount on all orders over $100. They offer free shipping on orders over $40 and same day shipping on in-stock items. For more information, or to confirm your eligibility; please call 541-770-3298 or email .

The Rag Shop offers discounts to teachers who buy supplies for student use. Teacher Discount Card: Teachers of elementary school through college age children may obtain a special discount card good for 15% off purchases. To apply for your 15% Rag Shop Discount Card, present your teacher identification to the manager at your local store. You will be issued a discount card for future school purchases. Student Discounts: Extend your 15% discount to your students! To receive this discount, your student must present a letter on school stationery, signed by you. The letter should indicate the project and supplies needed. The sales associate can assist your student and guarantee he or she is totally prepared with the necessary supplies. The Rag Shop has over 60 locations in five states. Excludes sale and reduced price merchandise, sewing machines, custom framing and candy. Be sure to check out their children's craft projects for fun things to do! Discount also applies to scout leaders.

Scholastic Book Fairs The link will take you to their webpage and you can find your nearest location. My first book fair was pretty amazing. Boxes of books all over the place, and they carry cd's too! Scholastic does not advertise their book fairs. Since we are homeschoolers we may attend. I do not recall them checking my id when we went the previous times. I know public and private school teachers have their "card" and I also have one for the local homeschool group I belong to. You can always make a card if you do not have one and put your school name on it. I made myself business cards with my school name printed on them.

Staples Program is named "Staples Teacher Rewards". Reward Checks - Earn 2% back in rewards up to $15 per quarter when you spend $200 or more at Staples within a calendar quarter on most items with a few exceptions. Get all your phone and online orders delivered FREE, no matter how much you spend. Find out more information on Staples' savings programs such as Reward Checks, Teacher Bonus Seasons, Staples Bonus Rewards, Free Delivery, 20% back on Copy & Print Center purchases, Upgrade Benefits, Exclusive Offers by visiting their website. Staples also offers Upromise points.

Teacher's Helper (Rochester Hills, MI) 117 South Livernois, Rochester Hills, MI, 248-652-8444 has a 10% discount on regular priced items. It's located in the Campus Corner shopping plaza south of University (near Kublai Khan Chinese Restaurant).

The Teachers Store (Michigan) Sign up in-store for their Valued Customer program. They'll give you a plastic card with a customer id on it. You'll get get 5% of your total (before tax) plus the amount of sales tax to use toward future purchases in the form of a Store Credit Voucher (which expires in one year) -- The savings begins when you've accumulated $100.00. I called to double-check the info and was told the saving offer fluctuates. When I first wrote of this discount, it was minimum purchase of $25.00 required to take advantage of the savings. Don't lose the voucher - treat it like cash. I asked them if the credit voucher reflects on the card -- it does not. Example of the discount: When I found the store the other day, I spent $58.72. My total (before tax) was 55.40 and the sales tax was 3.32. The next time I make a purchase there, I will get a store credit of 2.77 (5% of 55.40) + 3.32 (the sales tax) totalling $6.09. It's a really neat store and has a clearance area.
Tell them Homeschooling on a Shoestring sent you.

The UPS Store The discount, if available, is store-by-store, you must ask for it. The Auburn Hills, MI location at the NE corner of Walton & Squirrel will honor an educator discount. You must notify them you are a home educator. It would be helpful to show your homeschool support group card. If you go to the Auburn Hills, MI location, tell Jeff that Jodi sent you! The discount, I believe (ask first!), is available on copying, laminating and binding services. It is a 10% discount.
More information on this program is in the works so please check back.

Educational Rewards Programs

Chuck E. Cheese's program Tokens For Grades Up to a 15 token maximum, kids can receive 3 tokens for each "A", 2 tokens for each "B" and 1 token for each "C" on their report card. You should be able to benefit from the program if you have any documentation showing a student's progress and explain to the manager that they are homeschooled. View their website for more info.

McDonald's Students with a straight "A" report card receive: Kindergarten-5th grades - free Happy Meal. 6th-12th grades - free Value Meal. I had emailed McDonalds to verify this information. Their response is basically since each McDonalds is independently owned & operated, any educational reward program is handled by each store. It would be best to ask your nearest location if they participate in such a program and what it entails.

Pizza Hut's BookIt Program Parents set monthly reading goals, and Pizza Hut provides special rewards to recognize children’s reading accomplishments. Enrollment deadline for the coming public school calendar year is June 09, 2006.

Pizza Hut's Three A's Program Each marking period, any child who has 3 A's or the equivalent thereof, will receive one Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk by presenting his or her report card to the manager. This offer is good for Elementary and Middle School students. Dine-in only. Student must be present. Available at participating locations.

Showcase Cinema's Bookworm Wednesdays is a fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months. It entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film every Wednesday from June 28th to August 16th at 10 a.m. when they present a book report at participating Showcase/Multiplex Cinemas or Cinema de Lux box office. Accompanying parents or guardians and children under six receive free admission and do not need to submit a book report. Stay tuned for more details about this year's program.

Showcase Cinema's Baby Pictures Parents and babies can enjoy the latest movies in a baby-friendly setting. Join them every week at select theatres. Program features: Dim lighting to allow for easy child care in the auditorium, movie volume will be lowered for babies' sensitive hearing, baby changing stations, area for strollers, food cart offering breakfast goodies and concessions for sale. See their website for more info on participating theaters, dates, films and pricing.

The Weekly Reader's Read To Succeed Program is designed to enhance your curriculum and includes free lesson plans, posters, stickers, and the popular Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club where students earn free tickets to participating Six Flags theme parks. To learn more or find out if your school is eligible to participate, call 1-866-308-1362 or visit the Read To Succeed website at www.weeklyreader.com/rts.asp.
Thanks to reader Stephanie B., Bristow, VA

Four Seasons Bowling Center (Hillsboro, OR) Games for Grades incentive program for free bowling. Ask your favorite bowling alley near you if they also offer a program.

Miscellaneous Discount Information

AMC/Loews/Star Summer Movie Camp invites kids and adults alike to enjoy FREE entertainment and G- and PG-rated Hollywood movies on the big screen every Wednesday morning at participating locations. Summer MovieCamp is, of course, seasonal so check their website in the spring. Tickets are available up to a week in advance at all participating AMC theatre locations, with doors opening one hour before scheduled showtimes.

AMC/Loews/Star Theatres Reel Moms Mainly on Tuesdays, some locations offer the program on Saturdays, at participating movie theatres around the country, moms and their babies get together at AMC for a first-run movie and each other's company. Reel Moms is exclusively for moms (and dads, too!) with infants. They give you a special theatre environment: the lights are dimmed and the sound level is reduced so you can see and hear your baby throughout the show. Stroller check and changing tables are available. And babies get in free! Tickets to Reel Moms are NOT limited, and go on sale online or at the box office the day of the show. Admission for grown-ups is regular ticket price. Click http://www.moviewatcher.com/jsp/reelmoms.jsp for additional information as well as participating theatre locations.

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Home Educator Discounts

Educational Rewards Programs

Miscellaneous Discount Information

Have discount info to share?

Homeschooling on a Shoestring
P. O. Box 210425
Auburn Hills, MI 48321-0425
www.homeschoolingonashoestring.com

E-mail the

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