Homeschool benefits and savings in Colchester

The Colchester Parks and Recreation scholarship pays 25%, 50%, or 75% of program fees, up to $200 a year, for Colchester residents with limited income or a hardship. It is open to youth and adults with no school enrollment requirement, so a homeschool family applies with its tax return and proof of residency.

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

Who qualifies

1. Lives in Colchester

   The fund serves youth and adults who are Town of Colchester residents. Every document must show your correct name, address, and a current date.

2. Meets the income guideline

   Household income must be at or below the 2025 HUD Vermont guideline for your household size. If you are over the limit but facing a hardship, attach a letter explaining your circumstances, and the department reviews it case by case.

3. Sends proof of income and residency

   Attach your most recent income tax return. The other option, Colchester School District free lunch documentation with a driver's license and a utility or tax bill, fits only families with a school lunch record.

What it is worth

Colchester awards 25%, 50%, or 75% of a program fee, up to $200 a year, and you pay the remaining balance.

$100 program at 25%

$75

$100 program at 50%

$50

$100 program at 75%

$25

$300 program at 75% (award capped at $200)

$100

Most the scholarship pays in a year

$200

Income limits run from $45,450 for one person to $85,700 for a household of eight, with $64,900 for a household of four, based on 2025 HUD Vermont poverty guidelines.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you apply

   Gather proof

   Get a copy of your latest income tax return and list each person, birth date, class name, and class fee on the 2026 application.

2. At least 7 days before the program

   Submit the application

   Drop it off at 80 Dick Mazza Drive, Colchester, or mail it in a sealed envelope to keep it confidential.

3. After approval

   Pay the balance

   Staff mark the percentage granted and the amount you owe, and you pay the rest of the fee.

4. For the calendar year

   Use your file again

   Once your eligibility paperwork is complete, it stays on file for one calendar year.

What it pays for

Covered

• Colchester Parks and Recreation sponsored programs
• Youth and adult participants

Not covered

• A.C.E. afterschool program
• Colchester Recreation Center memberships
• Facility rentals

Scholarships are first come, first served until the year's fund runs out, and awards in two or more consecutive years depend on available funds.

Who to contact

The Parks and Recreation office provides applications and answers questions about scholarship eligibility.

802-264-5640 2026 scholarship application

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Vermont

You must submit the initial Home Study Notice of Intent, then an Annual Notice of Continued Enrollment each year, at least 10 business days before starting. Wait for Agency of Education confirmation. You must notify the Secretary in writing within 10 business days after a student leaves the home-study program.

Vermont sets these rules:

• Subjects: For children under 13, teach reading, writing, numbers, citizenship/history/government, PE and health, literature, natural sciences, and fine arts. At 13 or older, PE/health and fine arts are not mandated. Provide the equivalent of at least 175 days of instruction annually.
• Testing: Complete an annual assessment and retain it; routine submission to the Agency of Education is not required. Options include a qualifying test, teacher assessment, parent report with work samples, online-academy grades, or a GED certificate.
• Records: Keep the annual assessment evidence. A parent report used for assessment must include at least four work samples. Retaining the enrollment confirmation is also recommended.
• Teachers: Vermont does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.

Read the Vermont homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Vermont

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