Homeschool benefits: City of St. Cloud and surrounding

St. Cloud Park and Recreation Financial Aid Grants cut recreation program fees on a sliding scale, so a qualifying family pays 25%, 50%, or 75% of the fee based on household size and income. Apply with proof of income and a registration form for the activities you want; school enrollment is not part of the form.

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

Who qualifies

1. Meets the income levels

   Aid is granted on a sliding scale set by family size and family income. A family of four qualifies at incomes up to $49,500, with the most help at $33,000 or less.

2. Proves household income

   Attach last year's federal tax return, or another accepted document such as a W-2, the two most recent pay stubs, or an unemployment or Social Security benefit statement.

3. Lists everyone in the household

   The form asks for the name and birthdate of each person living in your household, which sets your family size.

4. Registers for a recreation program

   Submit a registration form for your selected St. Cloud Park and Recreation activities with the aid application.

What the grant saves

St. Cloud's Financial Assistance Form sets three income levels by family size, each with the share of program fees the family pays.

Up to $33,000 (Level 1)

25% of fees

Up to $41,250 (Level 2)

50% of fees

Up to $49,500 (Level 3)

75% of fees

$100 program at Level 1

$25

$100 program at Level 2

$50

Families living outside St. Cloud city limits pay a non-resident fee of 20% of the activity fee, so ask how aid applies to that charge.

How to get a grant

1. Before you apply

   Pick activities and gather proof

   Choose the programs, fill out a registration form, and collect last year's tax return or other income proof.

2. To apply

   Submit the form

   Print the Financial Assistance Form or pick one up at the Whitney Recreation Center, 1529 Northway Drive, and turn it in with your income proof, registration form, and signed waiver.

3. After review

   Staff set your level

   Staff verify your income, assign Level 1, 2, or 3, and record the amount of aid the city grants.

4. At registration

   Pay your share

   You pay your responsibility percentage of the total program fees, by check payable to City of St Cloud or another accepted method.

What it includes

Included

• St. Cloud Park and Recreation program fees

Not included

• Households above the Level 3 income limits

Who to contact about financial aid

Park and Recreation registration staff take program registrations and financial aid applications.

320-255-7276 Registration information

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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