My son's required calculator is $100 on average.

[Marsupialmom]

I have been homeschooling. My son wants to got to a brick and mortar school this year. He will be 9th grade..........OMG!!

Any way they want him to have a graphic calcuator that on average cost $100. I don't have that money right now.

What happens? Doesn't the school have classroom ones? Also I have a good graphing calculator that is another brand but the notice we got it has to be a specific brand and model.

I have already checked and this model I have can be used on test like ACT's and the such.

Seriously, I am like WTF...I can see needing a scientific calculator. But graphing calculators for Algerbra 1 and/or Geomtry 1 IMO is over kill.

[Mama~Love]

I hear you! My oldest 3 go to PS, and the 2 oldest are in high school. The calculators are so expensive! We will need to buy at l east 1 new one this year, as my oldest's broke (or got broken by *someone* who will not fess up).

[kathymuggle]

I would start by talking to Ds - he may care that he has the right calculator - and he may not.

I see 3 options:

1. buy him one if at all possible

2. Write the teacher, explain your concerns, and ask if another brand that has the same capacity will do. Does the school have any loaners?

3. do not bother writing the teacher - just send him with a calculator that can do the same job. I know in Universtiy I was often asked to get things I did not really need.

[Pepper44]

He will probably need that exact calculator. When I was in high school not that long ago we had to go through lessons step by step with the teacher on the calculator, so with a different one he would be lost.

But my school did have a small number of loaner calculators, though you could not take them home and sometimes you needed it for the homework. If you can't afford the calculator at all (understandable!) then I would ask at the school's guidance counseling office, because I am sure you are not the only family who finds a $100 calculator a crazy cost.

[Kushali]

Our high school "required" a specific brand and model (the TI-83 plus I believe) so that the teachers can help the students learn to use it. You were allowed to use another kind of calculator but the teacher couldn't/wouldn't help you if you couldn't figure it out.

There were a small stash of loaner calculators to use in class but often you need a calculator to do the homework and if you don't have one to use at home you're stuck.

I'd wait till after school starts to decide what to do. There's a good chance he won't need it until later in the school year anyway.

[Freeman]

I would call the school and see if the calc. model that you have can be used. It may or may not have all of the functions that he will need. If he has to have the new one, ask the school if the math dept. has any used ones it can sell to you or let you borrow. Also try ebay or craigslist to see if you can find it cheaper.

[Juvysen]

What number is the calculator? I have a graphing calculator from like 8 years ago... and it almost definitely needs batteries, but if it'll do the job, you're welcome to it. I wanna say mine is a ti-85.

Also, I'd check on e-bay or amazon (sometimes they have used items) or craigslist/freecycle to see if you can get one from someone who had it for high school but will never use it again...

[Juvysen]

uhhh... ok, so it wasn't where I thought it was, so it could take some digging... I don't *think* I got rid of it already...

[noobmom]

I had the same requirement when I started high school (15 years ago...gulp!) and they were $100 back then, too. A few students used other calculators and the school also had a few in reserve for families who couldn't afford the calculators. I don't believe they were loaners, I think they were given to the students. Anyway, I used that calculator through high school and college (and grad school for that matter), so really $100 over 10 years wasn't bad. But if you can't afford it, I'd contact the school to see if there are any discounted or free calculators available. Oh, and make sure to write your kid's name on his calculator--it's easy to get them confused when everyone has the same one.

[Drummer's Wife]

Definitely check amazon, ebay, craigslist, freecycle, etc., if the school doesn't have extras for students who need one.

I almost bought one of the newer T-whatever models that syncs with computer, but the $150+ price tag steered me away. I did find the more basic versions for a lot less on Amazon's used sales, and even one on CL. In the end, I downloaded a .99 cents graphing calculator app for my iphone ($99, less than many graph calc) that does it all, and more, and in pretty colors! The downside is that I can't use it for exams b/c our phones are required to be off and they check what kind of calc. you are using... - luckily I have gotten away with using a $10 scientific calc. and graphing on paper. But, for fall semester I am taking college algebra and will find a $50 or less graphing calculator for exam purposes.

My Dad teaches high school Algebra 2 and I believe they recommend the t-83(?), which can definitely be found for $40 or so used. The school actually has enough for the students to use while in class, they only have to purchase one if they want it at home -- but really, in Algebra 2 they shouldn't require a graphing calculator, much less algebra 1-- so that seems odd to me.

It's stupid to me, that something that doesn't function as anything more than a graphing calculator is not only so dang expensive brand new, but is also bulky! Texas instruments needs to get with the times

[bobandjess99]

chances are he does need that exact one. Like other pp's I needed one, and yes, we went step by step in class, and if you had a different one, I don't know how you possibly could have kept up. We used TI-85's, but the lower level classes used 83's Ibelieve..only students in calculus used the 85's for whatever reason....

I'm torn on the issue personally...because frankly, I've never ever ever used any of my higher math knowledge since i took the classes. now - if your son is pursuing an interest in math/comp sci/engineering, I can see putting a lot of effort and time into it...bit otherwise...I think ANY math above basic daily living is a comeplte waste for most people.

[Marcella_Moxley]

You will need that calculator, and you will need that exact brand. The reason why is like another poster mentioned, they tell the kids exactly what key to press and how to get the answer. Also, technology is high, like at my dd's school. The teachers hook up the calculators to a smart board/screen sort of contraption and can do the calculation so the whole class can see it.

The reason why they ask the kids to get a graphing calculator in algebra one is to get used to using it, and get familiar with the basic functions, because next year in adv. algebra, calculus and years on down the line, they will be expected to perform more difficult calculations. If they didn't require the calculator until then, they would spend half the year learning the calculator in calculus. It's a progression, a way to spend several years learning with the calculator. It takes a while to learn how to use it.

I would buy it. It's an investment. Your child will use it for years, and even take it to college. Get the thing engraved with a name in case it is lost or stolen. IMO the calculator is the one purchase you must make, new shoes and new clothes can wait, but the calculator can't. If you can't afford it, see if you can get other high school fees delayed/waived so you can buy the calculator now. Fees for things like locker rental and textbook rental maybe be able to be delayed if you talk to the school and explain your situation.

[vegasgrl]

I still have my TI-81...from 1990 I think. They had just started making them. It was only $91 then, but I remember it being a big deal for my parents too. The thing is...

1) There's really cool stuff on there that you do need for even Algebra I

2) Everyone else will have that calculator and your DS will likely be embarassed if he doesn't have it

3) I used that thing for all of high school, and then all through college (engineering school), and it's still the calculator I choose to use now for mundane tasks like checkbook balancing. It's my favorite calculator ever ever ever. It really will be an investment that he'll get the money out of.

I just did a craigslist search for my area, and found a TI-83 for $50, a TI-84 for $60, and two TI-86's for $45 and $50. I'd definitely try craigslist or similar before you give up all hope.

[DanaDane]

I would also check craigslist. I needed on that cost 175 at the time and paid like 35 on CL.

[1growingsprout]

Originally Posted by Marcella_Moxley

You will need that calculator, and you will need that exact brand. The reason why is like another poster mentioned, they tell the kids exactly what key to press and how to get the answer. Also, technology is high, like at my dd's school. The teachers hook up the calculators to a smart board/screen sort of contraption and can do the calculation so the whole class can see it.

The reason why they ask the kids to get a graphing calculator in algebra one is to get used to using it, and get familiar with the basic functions, because next year in adv. algebra, calculus and years on down the line, they will be expected to perform more difficult calculations. If they didn't require the calculator until then, they would spend half the year learning the calculator in calculus. It's a progression, a way to spend several years learning with the calculator. It takes a while to learn how to use it.

I would buy it. It's an investment. Your child will use it for years, and even take it to college. Get the thing engraved with a name in case it is lost or stolen. IMO the calculator is the one purchase you must make, new shoes and new clothes can wait, but the calculator can't. If you can't afford it, see if you can get other high school fees delayed/waived so you can buy the calculator now. Fees for things like locker rental and textbook rental maybe be able to be delayed if you talk to the school and explain your situation.

This exactly... and Im not trying to overload you with info and possible fee's but do you know if the school is going to send home requests for more 'fees' and specific items? With budget cuts, larger classes and just standard operating items, around here a typical high school 'fee schedule' can be upwards of $300 per student. Thats before athletics, clubs, etc.

Public school isnt even close to 'free'.

[Oztok5]

I agree with most of the previous posters. I used my TI 83 Plus all through HS and college. It is still my go to. My husband is an engineer, and he still uses this graphing calculator from HS at work. Having the correct model will be extreemly helpful for following along in class. I would see if the district has some they can loan out for the first months of school so that you can slowly save for one. I know that when I was in school they had a few, but they couldn't be taken home. I know some students were able to go to the classroom to do their homework right after the school day so that they could use the calculator while the teacher was still there.

There has been great advice about looking around on Craigslist and such, but I would also recommend a local pawn shop if you have a nice one in the area. We happened to wander into one near us to look around, and we found quite a few of them with the other electronics. It's the type of thing that a 19 or 20 year old might think of to pawn...

[BedHead]

Originally Posted by 1growingsprout

Public school isnt even close to 'free'.

You can say that again. After paying for 6 years of high school for my older two, I am SO happy the youngest is home schooling!!!

[BedHead]

Oh, and I did get a discounted calculator from a grade 12 grad who was selling his. The school put me in touch with them. Ask the school if there's anyone wanting to sell theirs that they know of.

[tinyblackdot]

YEah check craigslist, or ebay, dh got one for like $30.

[iamama]

I have loaned my ti 85 to many people I'm sure you can find one just ask!