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Homeschool benefits and savings in Pittsburgh

Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) dual enrollment lets homeschooled students in grade 11 or 12 take college courses on campus or online for $130 per credit if they live in Allegheny County, about $500 for a 3-credit course with fees. There is no application fee and no entrance exam, and the credits count toward a CCAC certificate or degree or transfer to a four-year college. Other options include museum and arts admission, recreation and camp discounts, and transit fare savings.

By , founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed .

Benefits in Pittsburgh

  1. Community College of Allegheny County homeschool dual enrollment
  2. Museum free teen membership
  3. Museum youth admission waiver
  4. Zoo EBT admission discount
  5. Community College of Allegheny County BNY Early College
  6. Allegheny Go reduced transit fare
  7. County library cultural pass

Community College of Allegheny County homeschool dual enrollment

Who qualifies

  1. In grade 11 or 12

    Dual enrollment is open to 11th and 12th graders or the home-school equivalent.

  2. Younger students add a letter

    Students not yet in 11th grade need a written recommendation from a counselor, teacher, or principal, must take all three placement tests, sign a parent contract, and are reviewed by a CCAC committee.

  3. Shows a transcript and ID

    Send your homeschool transcript to dualenrollment@ccac.edu, and bring a photo ID and proof of permanent residence when you check in with Registration.

  4. County residents pay $130

    The $130 rate is for county residents. Students from other Pennsylvania counties pay $260 per credit, and out-of-state students pay $390.

What it is worth

CCAC's 2026-27 rates are $130 per credit for Allegheny County residents plus $37.50 per credit in college, student service, and technology fees.

One 3-credit course, tuition
$390
One 3-credit course, tuition and fees
$502.50
Two 3-credit courses, tuition and fees
$1,005
Full time (12-18 credits), tuition per semester
$1,950
First-time matriculation fee
$25
One 3-credit course, other Pennsylvania county
$780

Online courses add $20 each, and lab and other course fees vary, so check the course listing before you register.

From applying to keeping it

  1. First semester

    Apply and authorize

    Submit the Dual Enrollment application and the Parent/Guardian Authorization Form, and send your homeschool transcript to dualenrollment@ccac.edu.

  2. Before registering

    Check in and test

    Confirm your identity and residency with the Registration Welcome Center in person or on Zoom, create a NetID, take any placement tests your courses require, and complete the online orientation.

  3. By November 30, 2026

    Register for spring

    CCAC takes $50 off spring 2027 tuition for registering for at least 4 credits by November 30. Ask the dual enrollment office whether dual enrollment students get it.

  4. By the tuition due date

    Pay for classes

    Pay in the Online Student Account Center by the semester's due date to avoid a $15 late fee.

  5. Later semesters

    Keep enrolling

    You do not reapply for later semesters, and the authorization form and transcript are needed only the first time.

What it pays for

Covered

Not covered

This route is pay-per-credit: CCAC bills the family, and the free BNY Early College Program is a separate option limited to accounting, business, and computer courses.

Who to contact

The Dual Enrollment office, led by Director Gabrielle Matich at South Campus, answers questions about eligibility, transcripts, and registration, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DualEnrollment@ccac.edu 412-469-4339 Dual Enrollment steps

Museum free teen membership

Who qualifies

  1. Is 13 to 18 years old

    Teens can join between ages 13 and 18, and the benefits last until the 19th birthday.

  2. Lives in Pennsylvania

    The teen must be a Pennsylvania resident. The page lists no school enrollment requirement.

  3. Has a parent's consent

    For teens under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give consent.

What the membership gives you

Carnegie Museums' current admission prices for the visits the membership makes free.

Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History (ages 3-18)
$15
The Andy Warhol Museum (ages 3-18)
$13
Kamin Science Center adult ticket (no teen price listed)
$25
Museum store and cafe discount
10%
Store discount on Member Shopping Days
20%
Membership cost
Free

The membership covers only the named teen: parents, siblings, and other guests pay regular admission.

How to get the membership

  1. Before you join

    Confirm age and residency

    Your teen must be 13 to 18 and live in Pennsylvania, and a parent consents for teens under 18.

  2. Any time

    Sign up

    Join online at my.carnegiemuseums.org/teen, or return a printed application to any of the four museums or by mail to Carnegie Museums, ATTN: Membership, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

  3. Each visit

    Visit free

    Your teen gets free general admission at all four museums and can use the member discounts.

  4. At 19

    Membership ends

    Benefits stop on your teen's 19th birthday.

What it includes

Included

Not included

The reciprocal benefit is through the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC), which links more than 300 museums and science centers.

Who to contact about the membership

Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History answer visitor and membership questions.

412-622-3131 Free teen membership

Museum youth admission waiver

Who qualifies

  1. Is 17 or younger

    Free general admission is based on age, with no school or residency requirement.

  2. Has a ticket

    Children 17 and under still need a ticket for entry, but it is free.

  3. Comes with an adult

    An adult must accompany every child 17 and under for the whole visit, and adult admission rates apply.

What free admission gives you

The History Center's family FAQ describes the free youth admission under its Kamin Free for Kids Initiative.

Heinz History Center general admission
Free
Franco Harris Sports Museum
Free
Fort Pitt Museum
Free
K-12 school group field trips, booked ahead
Admission covered
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
Standard rates
Special programs, tours, and add-ons
May cost extra

How to visit free

  1. Before you go

    Get tickets

    Get a free ticket for each child and a paid ticket for each adult.

  2. On the day

    Visit with your children

    Stay with children 17 and under for the whole visit. The History Center and Sports Museum are at 1212 Smallman Street.

  3. The next day

    Visit Fort Pitt

    Your History Center ticket includes free admission to the Fort Pitt Museum, 601 Commonwealth Place, the following day.

What it includes

Included

Not included

Who to contact about admission

The History Center answers questions about tickets, admission, and field trips for the History Center and the Franco Harris Sports Museum.

412-454-6000 Family FAQ

Zoo EBT admission discount

Who qualifies

  1. Holds a Pennsylvania ACCESS or EBT card

    You need a valid Pennsylvania ACCESS card or Pennsylvania EBT card to apply.

  2. Lives in an eligible county

    Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland, or Somerset County.

  3. Has a matching photo ID

    Your government-issued photo ID and your EBT card must show the same address you put on the application.

What you save

Regular prices are the zoo's online single-day prices for September 8 to October 31; the zoo says prices change monthly and gate tickets cost $2 more.

Adult
$5 ($27)
Child, ages 2-13
$5 ($23)
Senior, 60 and older
$5 ($25)
Two adults and two children
$20 ($100)
Children under 24 months
Free (free)

Special ticketed events such as the Jack O'Lantern Extravaganza and Wild Illuminations are not covered, though programming included with daytime admission, such as ZooBoo, is.

How to get the card

  1. At least 10 days ahead

    Apply online

    Submit the free online application with your card and photo ID details. The zoo does not take applications in person.

  2. 5-10 business days later

    Get your digital card

    The zoo issues a digital card. If you visit before it arrives, you pay full price and get no refund.

  3. At the gate

    Show the digital card and ID

    The cardholder shows the digital card and photo ID. Gate staff do not accept physical EBT or SNAP cards, and without ID you pay full admission.

  4. Each visit

    Use it once a day

    The card works once per day for up to four people at $5 each.

  5. After one year

    Renew

    The card is valid for one year from issue, so apply again each year to keep the price.

What it includes

Included

Not included

Who to contact about the program

The zoo answers questions about OpporZOOnity applications, cards, and appeals.

412-665-3640 OpporZOOnity program page

Community College of Allegheny County BNY Early College

Who qualifies

  1. Lives in Allegheny County

    The program is open to high schoolers who reside in Allegheny County, from any school or district in the county.

  2. In grade 11 or 12

    CCAC accepts the home-school equivalent of 11th or 12th grade, so your homeschool transcript shows your student's grade level.

  3. Younger students add a letter

    Ninth and 10th graders, and students under 16, need a recommendation letter from a teacher or school counselor, must pass all three CCAC placement tests, and are reviewed by a CCAC committee.

  4. Takes a track course

    Courses come from the program's accounting, business, and computer information technology course map, and not every class runs every semester.

What it is worth

CCAC charges Allegheny County residents $130 per credit in 2026-27, plus $37.50 per credit in college, student service, and technology fees; the BNY grant pays these and books.

Tuition, one 3-credit course
$390
Per-credit fees, one 3-credit course
$112.50
Tuition and fees, one 3-credit course
$502.50
Two 3-credit courses, tuition and fees
$1,005
Required books
Covered
What your family pays
$0

Students who finish their courses successfully receive a stipend, which requires a W-9 form; CCAC does not list the amount, so ask the program team.

From applying to keeping it

  1. Before you apply

    Pick a track

    Review the BNY Early College course map and talk with the program team about which classes run next semester.

  2. To apply

    Submit the forms

    Complete the BNY Early College Interest Form, the CCAC Dual Enrollment Application, the Parent/Guardian Authorization Form, and a W-9 for the stipend, and send your homeschool transcript to EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu.

  3. Before registering

    Onboarding and placement

    Attend a New Student Onboarding Session and take any placement tests your courses require. Ninth and 10th graders must take and pass all three.

  4. Each semester

    Take courses free

    Take a few classes or complete a full certificate. Continuing students do not resubmit the forms.

What it pays for

Covered

Not covered

The four certificates in the program are Accounting, Supervision & Leadership, Network Support Specialist, and Software Development.

A grant from the BNY Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, part of a $20 million multiyear commitment BNY announced in 2020, pays for the program.

Who to contact

The BNY Early College team answers questions about eligibility, applications, and which courses are offered each semester.

EarlyCollegeProgram@ccac.edu 412-237-2535 BNY Early College Program

Allegheny Go reduced transit fare

Who qualifies

  1. Lives in Allegheny County

    Allegheny Go is for county residents only.

  2. Is 12 to 64 years old

    Every household member in that range can enroll. Children 6 to 11 already ride half fare through PRT, and seniors 65 and older ride free with ID.

  3. Has a SNAP household member

    Someone in the household must currently receive SNAP. If only your minor child receives SNAP, you can apply using that child's Social Security number or EBT card number.

  4. Has no other fare discount

    You may not qualify if you already get a fare discount through another program.

What the discount saves

PRT's fares page lists each fare at full price and at the reduced half fare that Allegheny Go's 50% discount matches.

3-Hour Pass
$2.75 / $1.35
7-Day Pass
$25 / $12.50
31-Day Pass
$97.50 / $48.75
Card or app transfers within 3 hours
Free
Fare card replacement
$1

The Allegheny Go pages do not say how long enrollment lasts or what happens when SNAP ends, so ask the Allegheny Go team when you apply.

How to get half fare

  1. Before you apply

    Choose a card or the app

    Decide between a physical fare card mailed by PRT or the Ready2Ride app. For the app, download it and create an account first.

  2. Any time

    Apply

    Apply online at acgo.alleghenycounty.us, request a paper application by email or at 412-244-3558, or get help at an Allegheny Go community event.

  3. After approval

    Get your discount

    PRT mails a fare card, or the app adds Half Fares under Buy Tickets. PRT is replacing ConnectCard with the ReadyFare card.

  4. Each ride

    Ride at half fare

    Use the card or buy half-fare tickets in Ready2Ride for PRT buses and light rail.

What it includes

Included

Not included

Who to contact about Allegheny Go

The Allegheny Go team decides eligibility, mails paper applications, and offers interpreters; PRT Customer Service at 412-442-2000 handles fare cards.

dhs-allegheny-go@alleghenycounty.us 412-244-3558 Allegheny Go FAQ

County library cultural pass

Who qualifies

  1. Has an Allegheny County library card

    Unexpired cards from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and other Allegheny County libraries work. Get one online or at any county library with valid ID and proof of a county address.

  2. Lives in an eligible ZIP code

    Most offers are limited to Allegheny County ZIP codes.

  3. Meets the offer's age rule

    Anyone can use a pass, but some offers can be booked only by cardholders 18 or older, so a parent should reserve on their own card.

What the pass gives you

The terms come from RAD Pass's FAQ and participating organizations list; each partner sets its own discount and how often you can book it.

Participating organizations
49
Active reservations per card
3
Phipps Conservatory pass
Up to 4 people
Booking notice
At least 1 day
Pass printing at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Free
Passes per site each year
Set by each partner

The RAD Pass pages do not say how many people most passes admit, so read the offer details for each attraction before you book.

How to use RAD Pass

  1. Before you book

    Get a library card

    Apply online at selfreg.einetwork.net or at any Allegheny County library, and make sure the card is not expired.

  2. At least a day ahead

    Reserve a pass

    Log in to Reserve a Pass with your library card number and PIN and pick a date. You can hold three active reservations; after your soonest pass date, you can book another.

  3. On the date

    Use the pass

    Show the digital or printed pass with ID, or use the promo code or discount link, depending on the offer. Passes are good only on the date you chose.

  4. If plans change

    Cancel

    Cancel under My Reservations before you print or download the pass. After that, use Contact Us and allow 2-3 business days.

What it includes

Included

Not included

The Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) supports RAD Pass, and each partner decides how many passes it offers.

Who to contact about RAD Pass

RAD Pass answers questions about reservations and cancellations through its online contact form.

Contact form

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Pennsylvania

You must file a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration with the superintendent before starting and by August 1 in subsequent years. Include educational objectives and required health and immunization documentation or exemptions. Certify that the supervisor, adults living in the home, and persons with legal custody have no conviction for the listed statutory offenses in the preceding five years.

Pennsylvania sets these rules:

Read the Pennsylvania homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Pennsylvania

Questions parents ask

Can a homeschooled student dual enroll at CCAC?
Yes. CCAC has a homeschool student page and opens dual enrollment to students in 11th and 12th grade or the home-school equivalent. You provide the transcript that a school office would normally send.
Can I come along free with my teen's Carnegie Museums membership?
No. Benefits apply only to the named teen and do not extend to parents, caregivers, household members, or guests.
Do parents get into the Heinz History Center free too?
No. Adult admission rates apply, and the FAQ does not list them, so check prices before you go or call 412-454-6000.
Can more than four of us get the $5 OpporZOOnity price?
No. The card covers up to four people at $5 each, once a day, and children under 24 months are free anyway.
Can a homeschooled student join BNY Early College?
Yes. CCAC opens the program to students in 11th and 12th grade or the home-school equivalent who live in Allegheny County. You send the homeschool transcript yourself, since there is no school office to send it.
Can my younger children ride with Allegheny Go?
They do not need Allegheny Go. PRT gives children 6 to 11 half fare with a Kid's Card, and the youngest children ride free.
Can my child reserve RAD Passes on their own library card?
Only for some offers. Others are limited to cardholders 18 or older, so check each offer's details before booking.

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