Homeschool benefits and savings in Inver Grove Heights

Inver Grove Heights Parks and Recreation pays half the program fee, up to $200 per child each calendar year, for residents 18 and younger who show financial need. A homeschooled child qualifies through the application's "Other" option, where you explain your need instead of showing school lunch enrollment.

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

Who qualifies

1. Lives in Inver Grove Heights

   Your child must be a resident of the City of Inver Grove Heights.

2. Is 18 or younger

   Scholarships are for children 18 years of age or younger.

3. Shows financial need

   The application lists free or reduced-price lunch in School District 199 or 196 as one qualification. A homeschool family chooses "Other" and explains its need in the comments.

4. Applies each year

   Applications stay on file with the Parks and Recreation office for one calendar year, so you complete a new form each year.

What it is worth

The 2026 Scholarship Assistance Application pays 50% of each program fee per child until the child reaches $200 for the calendar year.

$50 program

$25

$100 program

$50

$200 program

$100

$400 in programs over the year

$200

Most per child in a calendar year

$200

Awards are first come, first served based on qualifications and available funding, so apply before you register for the season's programs.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you register

   Fill out the application

   List each child, the program name and number, and the fee, and explain your need in the comments.

2. To apply

   Turn it in

   Email it to parksandrecreation@ighmn.gov or bring it to the Parks and Recreation office at the Veterans Memorial Community Center.

3. If accepted

   Pay your half

   You pay 50% of each program fee until your child's scholarship reaches $200 for the year.

4. By December 31

   Use it this year

   Funds apply to programs held in the calendar year, and the 2026 form expires December 31, 2026.

What it pays for

Covered

• Parks and Recreation Department programs

Not covered

• Kids Rock
• Programs that require tickets or paid admission
• Community center memberships
• Late fees

American Legion Post 424 funds the scholarships, and sales of $15 scholarship T-shirts at the Veterans Memorial Community Center guest services desk also support it.

Who to contact about the scholarship

The Parks and Recreation office at the Veterans Memorial Community Center accepts applications and answers questions about the scholarship.

parksandrecreation@ighmn.gov 651-450-2585 Scholarship page

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

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