Homeschool benefits and savings in Medford
Medford recreation scholarships reduce swim lessons and Rogue X passes by 50%, and listed youth sports by 25%. Homeschool families can apply using proof of city residency and economic assistance.
Who qualifies
Documents residency and financial assistance
Show proof of City of Medford residency or Medford public school enrollment, plus proof of economic assistance such as an Oregon Trail Card or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Homeschool families use the residency route.
Chooses an eligible activity
Swimming lessons, specified youth sports, Santo Center school-break and summer day camps, and Rogue X passes are listed.
Applies before summer camp cutoff
Completed summer camp applications must arrive by April 10. Awards are first come, first served and do not reserve a camp place.
What it is worth
The city scholarship page publishes the activity-specific discount rates and pass terms.
- Private or group swim lessons
- 50% discount
- Listed youth sports
- 25% discount
- Santo Center day camps
- Rate needs confirmation before booking
- Rogue X scholarship pass
- 50% discount; one-year pass
The program page lists 50% off day camps, but the linked application shows 25% for summer day camp; ask the department which rate it will apply before you register.
From applying to keeping it
- Before registration
Submit the scholarship form
Complete the electronic application linked on the city page.
- Within 5-7 days typically
Wait for approval
The city sends a welcome email once it approves and processes the award.
- When enrolling
Use the right payment route
Redeem swim and sports discounts online. Redeem camp and Rogue X discounts at the Santo Center or Rogue X, in person or by phone.
- Each calendar year
Reapply for assistance
Scholarships remain active for the calendar year and require a new annual application.
What it discounts
Discounted activities
- Swim lessons
- Listed youth sports
- Santo Center day camps
- Rogue X passes
Not covered
- Specialty camps under day-camp award
- Sports camps under day-camp award
- Prorated Rogue X cancellation refunds
Who to contact
The department answers scholarship eligibility and activity registration questions.
parks@cityofmedford.org 541-774-2400
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
Questions parents ask
- Does a Medford recreation scholarship discount every camp?
- No. The day-camp award covers summer and school-break camps at the Santo Center, but excludes specialty and sports camps.
- Can I use the Medford swim scholarship discount online?
- Yes. Both private and group swimming lessons qualify, and their scholarship discounts can be redeemed online.
- Does approval guarantee a summer camp place?
- No. You need to meet the April 10 application cutoff, and a scholarship does not secure registration in a camp.
- How does a Rogue X scholarship pass work?
- Pay the first month at signup, then monthly by credit card at the discounted rate. Children 13 and under need an adult, who can also get a scholarship pass, and canceling early earns no prorated refund.
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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