Homeschool benefits and savings in Raleigh

With a Youth GoPass, teens ages 13-18 ride GoRaleigh and GoTriangle buses free all year, instead of paying the 60-cent reduced fare. A parent or guardian signs the teen up through the Umo app, and nothing on the sign-up page asks for school enrollment, so homeschooled teens enroll the same way. Other options include recreation and camp discounts.

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

Raleigh Youth GoPass free transit for teens

Who qualifies

1. Is 13 to 18

   The Youth GoPass is for young adults ages 13 to 18. Children 12 and under already ride GoRaleigh free with an adult.

2. Has a Umo account

   A Umo account is required to use GoPass benefits, so download Umo and create an account for your teen.

3. Signed up by a parent

   A parent or guardian enrolls the teen, with the teen's consent, using the email address on the teen's Umo account.

What the pass saves

The prices come from the City of Raleigh's GoRaleigh fare table; a teen with a Youth GoPass pays none of them.

Youth GoPass ride

Free

Reduced one-way fare

$0.60

Reduced day pass

$1.25

Reduced 7-day pass

$6.00

Reduced 31-day pass

$20.00

Full one-way fare

$1.25

Without the GoPass, a teen paying the reduced fare must show a GoRaleigh ID, so enrolling also saves that step.

How to get the pass

1. Before you enroll

   Set up Umo

   Download the Umo app and create an account for your teen.

2. To enroll

   Submit the GoPass form

   On GoTriangle's Youth GoPass page, complete the form using the email address from your teen's Umo account.

3. Each ride

   Ride free

   Your teen uses Umo to ride GoRaleigh and GoTriangle buses for free.

4. If it does not work

   Call for help

   Call 919-485-7433 (919-485-RIDE) if you have trouble activating the pass.

What it includes

Included

• GoRaleigh buses
• GoTriangle buses

Who to contact about the pass

GoRaleigh customer service answers fare questions and helps with pass activation.

goraleigh@raleighnc.gov 919-485-7433 Youth GoPass sign-up

Raleigh Play It Forward

Who qualifies

1. Registers for a Raleigh Parks program

   All patrons who want to register for City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources programs can apply. There is no school enrollment requirement.

2. Shows household income

   Send your last two pay stubs and your last tax return or an IRS transcript. If you do not file taxes, send a Verification of Non-Filing or proof of enrollment in public assistance.

3. Counts the whole household

   Include everyone living in your household, related or not, who shares in its income. One application covers the family.

4. Program costs $15 or more

   Assistance is not available for programs under $15, specialty camps, adult teams, special events, trips, or rentals.

What the assistance gives you

These terms come from the City of Raleigh's Play It Forward pages and FAQ; the city does not publish its discount percentages.

Fee reduction

Sliding scale by income

Payment plan

Installments by program fee

Deposit while you wait

$15

Smallest eligible program

$15

Approval lasts

July 1 to June 30

Assistance never covers the whole program cost, and classes or memberships bought before approval are not discounted or refunded, so apply before you pay.

How to apply

1. At least 3 weeks ahead

   Apply with documents

   Send the financial assistance application and income documents to Fee.Assistance@raleighnc.gov, by fax to 919-996-7016, or by mail to City of Raleigh, Financial Assistance Program 6107, P.O. Box 590, Raleigh, NC 27602.

2. When you register

   Pay the $15 deposit

   The deposit secures your child's spot while the application is processed. If you cannot afford it, call the Program Administrator.

3. Within 2 weeks

   Get your answer

   The city notifies you of its decision by email within two weeks of receiving your application.

4. Each July 1

   Apply again

   Approval lasts one fiscal year, July 1 to June 30. Tell the Program Administrator if your household income changes during the year.

What it includes

Included

• Raleigh Parks programs and classes
• School programs and camps
• Payment plans

Not included

• Programs under $15
• Specialty camps
• Adult teams and trips
• Special events
• Rentals

Who to contact

The Financial Assistance Program Administrator reviews applications and sets up appointments for families who need help applying.

Fee.Assistance@raleighnc.gov 919-996-4839 Play It Forward FAQ

Homeschool rules and statewide help in North Carolina

You must file the Notice of Intent with DNPE at least five business days before home instruction begins; wait for DNPE acknowledgment before withdrawing or starting. No annual renewal is required while operating; notify DNPE when the school closes.

North Carolina sets these rules:

• Subjects: Parents choose the curriculum. Operate on a regular schedule for at least nine calendar months each year, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations.
• Testing: Administer a nationally standardized achievement test each year covering English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics.
• Records: Keep attendance and immunization records. Retain annual test results for at least one year and make them available to DNPE on request.
• Teachers: The teaching parent needs a high school diploma or equivalent in North Carolina.

North Carolina also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.

• Education Student Accounts (ESA+) pay $9,000 a year, or $17,000 for certain disabilities, to students with a documented disability, including homeschooled students. Funding can run out before the school year starts.

Read the North Carolina homeschooling guide See statewide programs in North Carolina

Find benefits for your ZIP code