Homeschool benefits and savings in Corvallis

A Corvallis Parks and Recreation scholarship pays 100% of most recreation classes and activities, up to $150 per person each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Benton County residents with household income up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify, and the application does not ask about school enrollment. Other options include transit fare savings.

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

Corvallis Parks and Recreation scholarship

Who qualifies

1. Lives in Benton County

   Scholarships are for Benton County residents only, not just people inside Corvallis city limits.

2. Earns up to 150% of poverty

   Total household income from 0 to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualifies for 100% assistance up to the cap.

3. Sends proof of income

   Send a TANF or WIC letter or Oregon Health Plan card, or else a recent paycheck, tax return, Social Security letter, or unemployment statement. Bank statements and Oregon Trail Cards do not count.

What it is worth

Corvallis Parks and Recreation pays 100% of eligible costs up to $150 per family member each fiscal year for households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

One person, one fiscal year

Up to $150

Two people

Up to $300

Family of four

Up to $600

Share of each class fee paid

100%

Balance after June 30

Ends

As of October 12, 2026, the page still says applications are accepted for fiscal year 2025-26, which ended June 30, 2026, so ask the office whether 2026-27 awards are open before you register.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you apply

   Gather proof of income

   Use a TANF or WIC letter, an Oregon Health Plan card, or a recent paycheck, tax return, or benefits statement.

2. Any time in the fiscal year

   Submit the application

   Get it online in English or Spanish or at a Parks and Recreation facility, and return it in person, by mail, by fax, or by email.

3. Within 10 business days

   Get a decision

   Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, and the office tells you the result by phone or email.

4. Through June 30

   Use it on classes

   Apply the award to most classes in the Activity Guide until you reach $150 per person.

5. Each July

   Apply again

   Awards run on the July 1 to June 30 fiscal year, so a new year needs a new application.

What it pays for

Covered

• Most recreation classes in the Activity Guide
• Activities run by Corvallis Parks and Recreation

Not covered

• Linn-Benton Community College co-sponsored classes
• Classes paid directly to the instructor
• Reservations and rentals
• Osborn Aquatic Center admission for people without a scholarship

Donations from the Benton County Foundation, businesses, and individuals help pay for the program.

Who to contact

The administrative office at Avery Park processes scholarship applications and answers eligibility questions.

ParksandRecreation@corvallisoregon.gov 541-766-6918 Scholarship program page

Corvallis Transit System fare-free service

Who can ride free

1. Anyone can ride

   All CTS riders get on without paying a fare, whatever their age, school, or address.

2. No ID to show

   You do not need a pass or special ID, and transfer slips between CTS buses are not needed.

3. Paratransit riders certify first

   BAT Lift paratransit rides are also fareless, but the rider must be certified by the City of Corvallis and recertify every three years.

What rides cost

The City of Corvallis lists CTS and its connecting services as fareless, except the Coast to Valley Express.

CTS city routes

Free

Philomath Connection

Free

Linn-Benton Loop

Free

99 Express

Free

BAT Lift ADA paratransit

Free

Coast to Valley Express

Fare required

Transfers from CTS to the Coast to Valley Express need a fare, which you buy in the Token Transit app.

How to ride

1. Before you ride

   Plan the trip

   Use the Where's My Bus tool, Google Trip Planner, or TripCheck, or call CTS for help.

2. At the stop

   Board any CTS bus

   Every route stops at the Downtown Transit Center at SW 5th Street and Monroe Avenue.

3. When changing buses

   Tell the driver

   Let the driver know you are transferring so they can radio the connecting bus to expect you.

What it includes

Free to ride

• All CTS routes
• Transfers between CTS buses
• Philomath Connection
• Linn-Benton Loop and 99 Express
• BAT Lift paratransit for certified riders

Not included

• Coast to Valley Express fares
• Service on six major holidays

CTS and the Philomath Connection do not run on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day.

Who to contact about riding CTS

CTS customer service helps with trip planning, routes, and service alerts, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

cts@corvallisoregon.gov 541-766-6998 Routes and schedules

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Oregon

You must notify your local Education Service District (ESD) within 10 days of withdrawing from school, or of the school year's start if not withdrawing. You must notify the ESD if you leave your school district or stop homeschooling. After a move to a new ESD, notify the new ESD within 10 days.

Oregon sets these rules:

• Subjects: Oregon does not require specific subjects or a particular curriculum.
• Testing: Use an approved standardized test by August 15 after grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, subject to the initial 18-month testing grace period and disability-plan alternatives. Interscholastic participants meet annual testing or district-adopted alternative academic-evidence requirements, which may include an approved portfolio or work sample.
• Records: Keep test results and submit them to the Education Service District when requested. Retaining the ESD notification acknowledgment is also recommended.
• Teachers: Oregon does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.

Read the Oregon homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Oregon

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