Homeschool benefits and savings in Chisholm

The City of Chisholm pays up to $100 per child a year, and up to $200 per family, toward youth leagues and the seven-week Chisholm Summer Recreation Program, whose early-bird fee was $80 in 2026. Children 17 and under in Chisholm or Balkan Township qualify if the family receives WIC, MFIP, SNAP, or free or reduced-price lunch in Independent School District (ISD) 695, and you always pay at least 20% of the fee.

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

Who qualifies

1. Lives in Chisholm or Balkan Township

   A parent or guardian shows proof of residence and a valid state-issued picture ID with the application.

2. Gets WIC, MFIP, or SNAP

   Families who receive WIC, MFIP (the Minnesota Family Investment Program), SNAP food benefits, or free or reduced-price lunch in ISD 695 qualify. A homeschool family without school lunch can qualify through WIC, MFIP, or SNAP.

3. Child is 17 or younger

   Scholarships are for children 17 years and younger. The summer program itself is for youth entering grade 2 and up.

4. Owes the city nothing

   Families with an outstanding balance with the City of Chisholm cannot get a scholarship.

What it is worth

The 2026 Chisholm Summer Recreation Program fees were $80 early bird and $95 after June 7, and the scholarship pays up to $100 per child after your 20% co-payment.

Summer program, early bird ($80)

$64

Summer program, regular ($95)

$76

Summer program day pass ($15)

$12

Cap per child each year

$100

Cap per family each year

$200

Funds are limited and handed out first come, first served, and payment plans cannot cover your 20% share, so apply as soon as registration opens.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you register

   Gather proof

   Have your WIC, MFIP, SNAP, or ISD 695 lunch documentation, proof of residence, and a state-issued photo ID ready.

2. At registration

   Apply and pay 20%

   Turn in the Program Scholarship application naming the program, and pay at least 20% of the fee. Your child is not added to the roster until that payment arrives.

3. Before June 8

   Register early for summer

   In 2026 the early-bird fee of $80 ran through June 8, and registration fees are nonrefundable.

4. If plans change

   Tell the city

   Contact the Parks and Recreation Director if your child will not attend. Not giving notice can lead to probation or loss of the scholarship.

5. Each year

   Apply again

   The per-child and family limits reset each year.

What it pays for

Covered

• Chisholm Summer Recreation Program fees
• Youth league fees

Not covered

• Your 20% co-payment
• Amounts over $100 per child or $200 per family a year
• Other city programs

Scholarships are given as resources allow, first come, first served, so the city can run out of funds.

Who to contact about the scholarship

The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Director runs the scholarship and needs to hear from you if your child stops attending.

218-254-7960 Summer recreation program

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Minnesota

You must file the initial report by October 1 of the first instructional year after the child turns seven, or after establishing a new resident district. You must file within 15 days of withdrawing a child seven or older from public school, or of moving out of a district. You must file annual continuation letters by October 1 for the required ages.

Minnesota sets these rules:

• Subjects: Teach reading, writing, literature, fine arts, math, science, history, geography, economics, government, citizenship, health, and PE. Instruction and materials are in English unless the statutory language-program exception applies.
• Testing: Annual nationally normed achievement test for ages 7–16, plus certain 16–17-year-olds first reported after age 16. Agree on the test, administration, and location with the superintendent. State-recognized accredited instruction is exempt.
• Records: Unless the accreditation exemption applies, keep schedules, materials, assessment methods, and proof of testing. Keep immunization or exemption records for five years after adulthood. File immunization statements by October 1 of the first homeschool year and grade 7.
• Teachers: A parent may teach without a degree if the assessment requirements are met. Other instructors need a qualifying license, licensed supervision, bachelor’s degree, or recognized accredited-school route.

Read the Minnesota homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Minnesota

Find benefits for your ZIP code