Homeschool benefits and savings in Lakewood

The Lakewood Possibilities Fund pays 75% of the fee for City of Lakewood classes, Lakewood camps, swim lessons, and recreation center and pool access for Lakewood residents who show financial need. Apply for 2026 by November 13, or for 2027 starting November 16, 2026, with one proof of residency and one proof of income.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Who qualifies

1. Lives in Lakewood

   Show one proof of residency: a utility bill, lease, vehicle registration, or a current letter from a homeless shelter or support service.

2. Meets the income requirement

   Show one proof of income, such as last month's pay stubs, last year's tax return, or an unemployment, TANF, Social Security, or financial aid award letter, and check your household's HUD income range on the form.

3. Lists each family member

   Name everyone in the household who will use the funds. Dependents 26 and older apply on their own.

4. Explains if proof is missing

   If you cannot provide proof of residency or income, write an explanation of need on the application.

What it is worth

The 2026 application sets the fund's share at 75% of the total fee, and you pay the remaining 25% when you register.

A $40 arts class

$10

A $100 swim lesson session

$25

A $200 week of Lakewood camp

$50

Share the fund pays on any eligible fee

75%

Funds left after December 1

Expire

Once your own award is used up you cannot draw on another family member's funds, so ask at a recreation center whether more money is available.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you apply

   Gather two proofs

   Have one proof of Lakewood residency and one proof of household income ready.

2. By November 13, 2026

   Send the application

   Email the 2026 application and proofs to LPF@LakewoodCO.gov, or return them at a Lakewood recreation center or the Community Resources Department.

3. Within 5 business days

   Hear back

   Lakewood notifies you by phone or email, and approved funds go on your household account.

4. After approval

   Register and pay 25%

   Call or visit a recreation center to register and pay the reduced fee.

5. From November 16, 2026

   Apply for 2027

   2026 funds expire December 1, 2026. 2027 funds can be used from December 7, 2026, through December 1, 2027.

What it pays for

Covered

• Arts and fitness classes
• Lakewood summer and break camps
• Learn-to-swim lessons
• Recreation center and pool access

Not covered

• Contract and third-party camps
• The 25% of the fee you pay

Who to contact

Community Resources runs the Possibilities Fund and takes applications and questions by email or at 480 S. Allison Parkway.

LPF@LakewoodCO.gov 303-987-7845 How to apply

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Colorado

Give written notice to a Colorado school district 14 days before starting and each year the program continues. Notice is not required before age 6; instruction need not begin until age 7 or continue after age 16.

Colorado sets these rules:

• Subjects: Provide at least 172 days of instruction averaging four instructional contact hours daily, covering reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, history, civics, literature, science, and regular instruction in the U.S. Constitution.
• Testing: Academic evaluation in grades 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11: standardized test or evaluation by a qualified person.
• Records: Permanently keep attendance, test or evaluation results, and required immunization records; produce them on 14 days’ written notice when the superintendent has probable cause to believe the program is noncompliant.
• Teachers: Instruction is provided by a parent or legal guardian, or an adult relative designated by the parent; no teaching license is required.

Read the Colorado homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Colorado

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