Homeschool benefits and savings in Lewiston
Lewiston Recreation's scholarship cuts the fee for city recreation programs on a sliding scale by income, with a payment plan for the rest, for Lewiston residents under 18. Apply at least 21 business days before the program with your tax return or pay stubs; one application covers the whole family for the calendar year.
Who qualifies
Lives in Lewiston
The program is for Lewiston residents under 18. Include proof of residency if your pay stub does not show your address.
Shows household income
Provide your latest 1040 and two latest pay stubs, or another document such as an IRS non-filing letter, a food stamp, SSA, SSI, or unemployment benefit letter, or a Section 8 voucher.
Lists the whole household
Name everyone living in the home who shares the household income, related or not, including yourself and all children.
Is in good standing
Applicants must be in good financial standing with the department to be considered for future scholarships.
What it is worth
The terms come from Lewiston Recreation's scholarship application and its Recreation Scholarship Policy adopted February 20, 2024.
- How the award is set
- Sliding scale by income
- Smallest eligible program fee
- $15
- Apply before the program starts
- 21 business days
- Decision
- Within 2 weeks, by email
- Approval lasts
- One calendar year
- Award cycles
- July-Dec. and Jan.-June
The written policy allows up to 100% assistance, but the application says the fee reduction will not cover a program's entire cost, so expect to pay part of the fee.
From applying to keeping it
- 21 business days ahead
Register for the program
Register online at lewistonrecreation.com, in person, or by phone. You do not pay at registration when you are applying for a scholarship.
- Same time
Send the application packet
Mail or bring the Financial Assistance Application and copies of your documents to the Recreation Director, 65 Central Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240.
- Within 2 weeks
Get your final amount
The department emails your award, the remaining balance, and a payment deadline or payment plan.
- Each January
Reapply
Approval runs January through December. File a new application each year and report any change in your situation during the year.
What it pays for
Covered
- Part of the registration fee for Lewiston Recreation programs
- Payment plans for the remaining balance
- Summer camp, with a fee reduction and payment plan combined
Not covered
- Programs that cost less than $15
- Specialty camps and special events
- Trips, memberships, and rentals
- Adult teams and outside organizations
Donations, sponsorships, and department fundraisers pay for the scholarships, and the Recreation Director sets an award maximum before each six-month cycle.
Good to know
Homeschooled children can get a scholarship
The scholarship depends on living in Lewiston, being under 18, and household income. The application asks only for each child's employer or school, with no enrollment requirement.
Who to contact
The Recreation Department at 65 Central Ave. answers scholarship questions Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
207-513-3005 Scholarship applications page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Maine
You must submit the initial notice to the resident school unit and education commissioner within 10 calendar days of starting. You must submit annual continuation notice and assessment by September 1. Maine’s online portal serves both recipients; paper notices go to the resident superintendent for forwarding.
Maine sets these rules:
- Subjects: At least 175 instructional days annually covering English/language arts, math, science, social studies, PE, health, library skills, and fine arts. Include Maine studies in one grade from 6–12 and demonstrate computer proficiency in one grade from 7–12.
- Testing: Annual assessment required, with a test or an accepted progress review; submit the result with the September 1 continuation notice.
- Records: Retain copies of filed notices and annual assessments until the home instruction program ends; make them available to the commissioner on request.
- Teachers: No state teaching credential required for the home instructor. Some assessment-review options require a Maine-certified teacher or administrator.
Read the Maine homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Maine
Questions parents ask
- Do I need a separate Lewiston scholarship application for each child?
- No. List every household member on one application and it covers all your children for the calendar year.
- Will the instructor know we have a scholarship?
- No. Class instructors and program leaders are not told who receives assistance, and your forms are kept confidential.
- Can we apply mid-year if our income drops?
- Yes. You can apply any time in the calendar year, for example if a parent loses a job.
- Can I get an answer at the front desk?
- No. The department reviews applications in the order received and does not make onsite or immediate approvals.
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.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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