Homeschool benefits and savings in Tucson
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Discount Program takes 20% to 80% off KIDCO, School's Out, In-Betweener's Club, Therapeutic Recreation, and swim lessons, and 25% off center passes, for Tucson residents with household income up to 200% of the federal poverty level. A family of four earning $33,000 a year or less gets the full 80% off.
Who qualifies
Lives in the City of Tucson
Bring proof dated within the last 60 days that matches your application address. A PO box is not accepted, and if your ID shows another address you need two documents, such as a utility bill and a lease.
Earns up to 200% of poverty
Show current income for everyone in the household: last year's tax return with W-2s, two pay stubs from the last 30 days, or a benefits letter. A Tucson Water or Environmental Services award letter qualifies you automatically; AHCCCS letters are not accepted.
Proves household size
A homeschool family can use birth certificates, a prior-year tax return, or insurance or immunization records in place of a school report card or lunch letter.
Shows a photo ID
The ID must carry the same name as the application, such as an Arizona driver license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID.
What it is worth
The city's 2026 income table sets the discount levels at 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, and 200% of the federal poverty level; these rows show the limits for a household of four.
- Up to $33,000
- 80% off
- $33,001 to $41,250
- 60% off
- $41,251 to $49,500
- 40% off
- $49,501 to $57,750
- 25% off
- $57,751 to $66,000
- 20% off
Center quarterly passes, annual passes, the swim annual pass, and the Senior Activity Card get a flat 25% off at any qualifying income instead of the sliding scale.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you apply
Gather four proofs
Collect proof of identity, City of Tucson residency, household size, and income for every household member.
- Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Apply in person
Schedule an appointment or go to any recreation center or Registration Services. Fill in the application completely and legibly.
- Before you register
Get approved first
The discount applies only after approval, so finish the application before you sign your child up for a class or swim session.
- One year after approval
Reapply
The discount expires one year from the approval date. The city may also audit an approved application and ask you to resubmit every document.
What it pays for
Covered
- KIDCO and KIDCO Inclusion
- School's Out and In-Betweener's Club
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Swim lessons
- Center quarterly and annual passes
Not covered
- Households outside City of Tucson limits
- Households above 200% of the poverty level
- PO boxes as proof of address
Good to know
Homeschool families can use the discount
The program looks at City of Tucson residency and household income, not school enrollment. Prove household size with birth certificates or your tax return, since you will not have a school lunch letter or report card.
Who to contact
Parks and Recreation staff take discount applications and answer questions about eligibility and documents.
520-791-4873 Discount Program page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Arizona
Within 30 days of starting, file an affidavit of intent and a certified birth certificate or other authorized ID with the county superintendent. The ID rule exempts homeless pupils. Within 30 days, notify the superintendent if you stop or file a new affidavit if you resume.
Arizona sets these rules:
- Subjects: Reading, grammar, math, social studies, and science required.
- Testing: Arizona does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Arizona does not prescribe routine academic portfolios or attendance reports; required identity documentation is filed with the county superintendent.
- Teachers: Arizona does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Arizona also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Empowerment Scholarship Account pays about 90% of the state funding your child's district or charter school would have received, for curriculum, tutoring, and other approved expenses. Using it is a separate path from homeschooling under state law.
- TheHomeschoolingCompany is an approved vendor for it.
Read the Arizona homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Arizona
Questions parents ask
- What is the Tucson Parks discount income limit for a larger family?
- The 20% level stops at $77,360 for five people, $88,720 for six, $100,080 for seven, and $111,440 for eight. Add $11,360 for each person over eight.
- Which programs can my child get discounted?
- KIDCO, KIDCO Inclusion, School's Out, In-Betweener's Club, Therapeutic Recreation, and swim lessons get the sliding 20% to 80% discount. Recreation center passes get 25% off.
- Can I apply online?
- No. Apply in person at a recreation center or Registration Services, by appointment or walk-in. Call 520-791-4873 to set up a visit.
- Where is Registration Services?
- On South Randolph, but the page lists both 900 South Randolph and 920 S. Randolph Way, so call 520-791-4873 to confirm the address before you go.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Camps and local activities give your child new interests to explore. Their discoveries can shape the examples and questions they study at home. We are an approved Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) vendor, so your ClassWallet balance can pay for it.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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