Homeschool benefits and savings in Leesburg

Leesburg's Parks and Recreation financial assistance program gives Town of Leesburg households a full scholarship, such as a free 25-visit Ida Lee Recreation Center pass worth $121 or one free class, or a partial scholarship of 50% off a pass or class. Residents who meet the Food Stamp Program income criteria qualify, homeschool families included, with up to four full scholarships per household a year. Other options include library educator cards and resources.

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

Ida Lee Recreation scholarship

Who qualifies

1. Lives in the Town of Leesburg

   The program is for Town of Leesburg residents. Proof of residency is required.

2. Meets the income criteria

   Household income must meet the criteria of the Department of Social Services Food Stamp Program. Send income verification with the form.

3. Picks one eligible service

   A full award covers one pass or one sports, recreation, or aquatic class. Camps, academies, tennis, contracted classes, and supply fees are not covered by a full award.

What an award is worth

Values use the Town resident prices on Ida Lee Park Recreation Center's admission and pass rates page.

Full: 25-visit adult Ida Lee pass

$121 free

Full: one sports, recreation, or aquatic class

Class fee free

Partial: 25-visit adult pass at 50% off

You pay $60.50

Partial: 6-month single adult pass at 50% off

You pay $118

Partial: 1-year single adult pass at 50% off

You pay $214.50

A partial award can cover one class per family member named on the application, while a full award covers one item for the household.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you apply

   Gather proof

   Collect proof that you live in the Town of Leesburg and verification of your household income.

2. To apply

   Turn in the form

   Return the completed scholarship form, in English or Spanish, with income verification to the Ida Lee front desk at 60 Ida Lee Dr. NW.

3. After review

   Get a notification letter

   The town tells you whether you have a full or partial scholarship.

4. Within one year

   Use your award

   Approved applications expire one year from the date of the notification letter.

What it pays for

Covered

• Ida Lee Recreation Center visit passes
• AV Symington Aquatic Center 10-visit passes
• Six-month or one-year Ida Lee passes (partial awards)
• Sports, recreation, and aquatic classes

Not covered

• Camps and academies
• Tennis
• Contracted classes
• Supply fees

The town lists these exclusions for full scholarships; ask Ida Lee whether they also apply to a partial award.

Who to contact

Ida Lee Park Recreation Center staff take scholarship applications and answer questions about the program.

703-737-7141 Scholarship application

Loudoun County Public Library homeschool educator card

Who qualifies

1. Teaches at home

   LCPL lists homeschool teachers among the educators eligible, along with K-12 teachers, childcare providers, and preschool teachers.

2. Lives or works in Loudoun

   Educator Cards are for educators who work and/or live in Loudoun County.

3. Shows proof of status

   Bring a current homeschool status certification or a similar document. Branch staff decide whether the documentation is valid.

What the card gives you

The limits come from LCPL's Borrowing page, which lists the Educator Card next to the loan rules for personal cards.

Items out on the Educator Card

50

Educator Card loan period

4 weeks

Personal card loan period for most items

3 weeks

Overdue fines

None

Card length

1 year

Items count as lost 21 days past the due date and are billed at replacement cost, though the charge is waived if the item comes back.

How to get the card

1. Before you go

   Gather your proof

   Bring a photo ID with your current address and your current homeschool status certification.

2. At the branch

   Ask for an Educator Card

   Apply in person at any LCPL branch; staff review your documents and issue the card.

3. Each checkout

   Return within four weeks

   Keep the card for teaching use and return items within the four-week loan period.

4. By Oct. 1 each year

   Renew at a branch

   Educator Cards expire every October 1. Renew in person with current proof of educator status.

What it includes

Included

• Up to 50 items for teaching
• Four-week loans
• No overdue fines

Not included

• Interlibrary loan
• Personal, non-teaching use

The Educator Card is for professional use and does not replace a personal card, so keep family borrowing on your own account.

Who to contact about the card

Any LCPL branch can issue an Educator Card and answer questions about your account.

703-771-5626 Contact the library

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Virginia

You must file the annual notice of intent by August 15. If you move into a Virginia division or begin after the school year starts, notify the division as soon as practicable and complete the filing within 30 days of the notice.

Virginia sets these rules:

• Subjects: Provide a curriculum and include a list of the coming year’s subjects with the annual notice. The home-instruction statute does not require the public-school curriculum.
• Testing: Submit evidence of progress by August 1 after the school year. Children under six on September 30 of that school year are exempt from this assessment requirement.
• Records: Submit the annual notice, subject list, proof of a qualifying route, and required evidence of progress. Keep copies; no routine portfolio or attendance-log filing is required.
• Teachers: Qualify through a high-school diploma, Board-prescribed teaching qualifications, providing a curriculum or program of study, or evidence that you can provide an adequate education.

Read the Virginia homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Virginia

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