The back-to-school ritual of buying school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers and clothing can take a bite out of your budget. I know I had sticker shock when buying school supplies for my 2 children. The total cost was insane.
And we still needed to buy new tennis shoes for both of them. I pray that they don’t grow out of their shoes before Halloween.
We’ve compiled a list of military discounts to help your child have a great school year.
The costs of getting your kids back to school is no joke. Once school starts, the expenses don’t end. There are still the after-school activities and possibly hiring a tutor to help get your student through chemistry or French.
You can reduce these growing expenses by shopping at stores that offer a military discount. We’ve compiled a list of military discounts to help your child have a great school year.
15 Military Discounts for a Great School Year
Dressing for Success
Old Navy. If you are looking to buy school uniforms (or comfortable school clothes) for your military child, be sure to stop by Old Navy and take advantage of their 10% military discount. This offer is valid for active duty, retired, reserve and military spouses. You must present your military ID card at the time of purchase at the store. This discount is not available for online purchases.
Nike. Nike offers a 10% military discount on Nike.com as well as at Nike, Converse and Hurley stores.
Foot Locker. Foot Locker offers a 20% military discount.
Finish Line. Finish Line has a 20% military discount.
Payless. This shoe store offers a 10% military discount.
Stride Rite. If you have preschoolers, don’t forget to ask about Stride Rite’s 10% military discount.
Adidas Shoes. Adidas Shoes offers a 10% military discount.
Under Armour. Under Armour offers a 10% discount to active duty and veterans on their website and in all Under Armour stores. Online purchases are verified through ID.ME.
Abercrombie & Fitch. The military discount at this store may be 10% or 15%, depending on the location.
Aeropostale. This clothing store offers a military discount of either 10% or 20% depending on the location.
American Eagle Outfitters. American Eagle Outfitters has a 10% to 15% military discount that is available, at the manager’s discretion.
Claire’s. They have a 20% military discount on accessories and jewelry.
Kohl’s. Kohl’s offers a 15% military discount at select stores nationwide.
Gap. The Gap offers a 10% discount on the first of every month. It is available in store only.
When Your Child Needs Help on His Homework
Tutor.com. Active duty service members and their dependents (grades K-12) can receive free tutoring and homework help through Tutor.com. Tutor.com says that “Students can get personalized help in 40 Math, Science, Social Studies, English and World Language subjects, including Algebra, Statistics, Biology, Essay Writing, Spanish, German and French.”
Tutors are also available to help students prepare for the SAT and ACT.
Students can connect with tutors online through their smart phones and tablets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available every day except on January 1, Thanksgiving and December 25.
This free service is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) MWR Library Program, the DoD Navy General Library Program, the DoD Voluntary Education Program and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance.
Hire a military spouse. Let’s say your wife is the math whiz in your house, but she’s away for training when your teenager is asking you questions about his geometry homework. Consider hiring a military spouse to temporarily or occasionally tutor your child.
Many military spouses have degrees in education and because of various circumstances they aren’t working full-time. They may be interested in spending 5 hours a week teaching your military child. This can be an affordable option for face-to-face tutoring for military families.
Preparing for College Testing
eKnowledge. Is your military child dreading the ACT or SAT test? Consider enrolling her in eKnowledge’s SAT and ACT College Test Preparation Programs. This interactive, multimedia and online course is available to military dependents for free.
When You’re Feeling the Pinch of Private Tuition
Many private schools offer a military discount, but you need to ask for it. Before you pay the enrollment fees, be sure to speak with a school administrator. Parents should be ready to explain their situation (active duty family, one income) and then ask directly if there’s a possibility of a discount.
