Homeschool benefits and savings in Manchester
Manchester's P.L.A.Y. (Programs and Lessons for All Youth) Scholarship pays up to $100 per child each year toward Manchester Parks, Recreation, and Arts programs such as summer camp and swimming lessons. Families facing economic challenges with children 17 and under can apply online at least 7 days before the program starts; Manchester residents get priority.
Who qualifies
Child 17 or younger
The scholarship covers children ages 17 and under in Manchester Parks, Recreation, and Arts programs.
Family facing economic challenges
The application asks for a brief summary of your need. The city lists no income chart or school requirement.
Lives in the area
Area residents can apply, and Manchester residents get priority.
What it is worth
The City of Manchester caps the scholarship at $100 per child per year while limited funds last.
- One child
- $100
- Two children
- $200
- Three children
- $300
- Four children
- $400
The page does not say whether the $100 resets by calendar year or program year, so ask the park office when you apply.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you apply
Pick the program
Note the program or class you want, with its date and time, for the application.
- At least 7 days before it starts
Apply online
Fill out the P.L.A.Y. Scholarship Application with your child's details and a short summary of need.
- Within 7-10 working days
Hear back
The department reviews the application and contacts you by email or phone with its decision.
- Each year
Apply again
The cap is $100 per child per year, so apply again for the next year's programs.
What it pays for
Covered
- Summer camp
- Swimming lessons
- Other Manchester Parks, Recreation, and Arts programs
Not covered
- Costs above $100 per child per year
- Programs that start less than 7 days after you apply
Scholarships are limited, given first come, first served, and supported by donations to the program.
Good to know
Homeschool families can apply
The scholarship is for children 17 and under in families facing economic challenges, and it does not ask about school enrollment.
Who to contact
The Manchester Park Office answers questions about the P.L.A.Y. Scholarship and donations to it.
bjones@manchestermo.gov 636-391-6326, ext. 400 Scholarship application
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Missouri
No annual homeschool registration required. If withdrawing from public school, a written notice requesting removal from its rolls documents the change.
Missouri sets these rules:
- Subjects: For students under 16, offer at least 1,000 hours of instruction: 600 in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, or related courses, including 400 at the regular homeschool location. The statutory hours and recordkeeping rules do not apply at age 16 or older.
- Testing: Missouri does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: For students under 16, keep a subject and activity record, a work-sample portfolio, and progress evaluations, or equivalent written or credible evidence.
- Teachers: No state teaching-license or degree requirement for a homeschool instructor.
Read the Missouri homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Missouri
Questions parents ask
- Do we have to live in Manchester to get a P.L.A.Y. Scholarship?
- No. Area residents can apply, but Manchester residents get priority because funds are limited.
- What does the application ask for?
- Your child's name, age, and address, your contact details, the program you want, and a brief summary of need. You certify the information and allow the department to verify it.
- How soon should we apply?
- At least 7 days before the program begins. Processing takes 7-10 working days, so earlier is safer.
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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