Homeschool benefits and savings in Arlington
Arlington's Naturally Fun Scholarship lowers registration prices for city residents on swim classes, school-break camps, youth sports, after-school care, and recreation center memberships, for anyone 4 months and older. A family of four qualifies with income up to $88,250 under the city's table, and the award lasts 12 months.
Who qualifies
Lives in Arlington
The scholarship is for Arlington residents only. Send a utility bill or lease as proof of residency.
Meets the income guideline
Eligibility follows federal income guidelines based on HUD figures. Send your current federal tax return, or a short explanation of your income sources with official letters if you did not file.
Chooses a listed program
The scholarship applies to listed swim classes, camps, after-school care, youth sports, Tae Kwon Do, and recreation center memberships.
What it is worth
Arlington's table lists two annual income figures for each household size, labeled "less than" and "not exceeding."
- 2 members
- Under $26,500; up to $70,600
- 3 members
- Under $29,800; up to $79,450
- 4 members
- Under $33,100; up to $88,250
- 5 members
- Under $35,750; up to $95,350
- 6 members
- Under $38,400; up to $102,400
The city does not publish the discount percentage or what each income figure means, so call 817-459-5474 and ask what discount your income level gets before you register.
From applying to keeping it
- Before you apply
Gather documents
Collect your current federal tax return and a utility bill or lease.
- To apply
Apply online
Submit the fiscal year 2027 application with your documents to save time. Income verification is due on approval.
- After approval
Register
Your award letter explains how to register, and you pay whatever remains after the scholarship discount.
- 12 months after the letter
Apply again
The scholarship expires 12 months after the date of your award letter.
What it pays for
Covered
- Swim classes, ages 6 months-17
- Summer, winter, and spring break camps, ages 5-12
- Youth sports leagues, ages 3-14
- After-school care
- Recreation center memberships
Not covered
- Facility rentals
- Private swim lessons
- Activities not on the list
- Other discount offers at the same time
Funding is limited, so scholarships are awarded first come, first served.
Good to know
Eligibility is based on residency and income
The city bases eligibility on Arlington residency and household income and does not mention school enrollment, so you apply with your tax return and proof of address.
Ask the city what your discount will be
The city does not publish the discount amount. You pay the remaining cost after the discount, so call the Administrative Office to ask what your discount will be.
Who to contact
The Administrative Office answers questions about the scholarship and income documents.
parksdepartment@arlingtontx.gov 817-459-5474 Scholarship application
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Texas
You do not have to file a homeschool notice to the state.
Texas sets these rules:
- Subjects: Instruction in Texas must include reading, spelling, grammar, math, and good citizenship.
- Testing: No routine annual homeschool standardized test is required. UIL participation and public-school transfer can have separate testing requirements.
- Records: Texas does not require homeschool records, but keeping them is recommended.
- Teachers: Texas does not require homeschool parents to hold a teaching certificate.
Texas also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) awards $2,000 a year to selected home-education students for approved expenses. Applications for 2026-27 closed March 31, 2026; families who missed that cycle can join the 2027-28 interest list.
Read the Texas homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Texas
Questions parents ask
- Can my child use it for a recreation center membership?
- Yes. Memberships cover fitness classes, the weight room, gym courts, open and lap swim, and more, depending on the package, but memberships are non-refundable.
- We did not file taxes. Can we still apply?
- Yes. Send a brief explanation of your financial situation with your income or support sources, such as official verification letters.
- Is there a discount for more than one child?
- Yes, for camps and after-school care. The department offers separate multi-child discounts for those; email parksdepartment@arlingtontx.gov for details.
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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