Homeschool benefits and savings in Lynnwood

Lynnwood's Recreation Benefit Fund (RBF) takes 75% off recreation course fees, up to $200 per person a year, for children 17 and younger, adults 62 and older, and disabled adults who live in Lynnwood city limits. A homeschool family without a school lunch letter qualifies with a tax return under the 2026 income limit, such as $41,795 for a household of four.

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

Who qualifies

1. Lives in Lynnwood city limits

   The fund serves residents inside Lynnwood city limits only.

2. Is a child, senior, or disabled

   Children 17 and younger, adults 62 and older, and disabled adults can receive the discount.

3. Shows one qualifying document

   Bring proof of free lunch through the Edmonds School District, a Social Security Administration permanent disability letter, or a tax return under the income limit.

What it is worth

The RBF takes 75% off course fees until the $200 yearly maximum per person is used.

$40 class

$10

$100 class

$25

$200 camp

$50

$300 camp (discount capped at $200)

$100

Yearly cap per person

$200

Income limits for 2026 start at $20,345 for one person and rise by $7,150 for each additional household member.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you apply

   Check the income chart

   Compare your household's annual income with the 2026 limit for your household size and find your qualifying document.

2. Before the class starts

   Turn in the 2026 application

   Bring the completed RBF application and paperwork to the Recreation Center Customer Service Desk; applications must arrive before the class start date.

3. At the desk

   Get a decision

   Staff may approve the application when you submit it, depending on staff availability and remaining funds.

4. Each year

   Track the $200 limit

   The discount applies until each person reaches the $200 yearly maximum.

What it pays for

Covered

• Lynnwood recreation course fees
• Children 17 and younger
• Adults 62 and older and disabled adults

Not covered

• The remaining 25% of each fee
• Applications turned in after a class starts
• Residents outside Lynnwood city limits

The City of Lynnwood, local businesses, and organizations fund the RBF, and every approval depends on available funds.

Who to contact

Customer Service at the Lynnwood Recreation Center takes RBF applications and answers questions about eligibility.

Lynnwood_Rec@LynnwoodWA.gov 425-670-5732 RBF page

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Washington

You must file a declaration of intent by September 15 for the school year, or within two weeks after the start of a public-school quarter or term for a later start.

Washington sets these rules:

• Subjects: Teach occupational education, science, mathematics, language, social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and art and music appreciation. Provide hours equivalent to the annual program hours per grade for approved private schools under RCW 28A.195.010 and .040.
• Testing: Each year, obtain a state-board-approved standardized test administered by a qualified person or a written assessment by a Washington-certificated person currently working in education.
• Records: Keep annual test or assessment results permanently, along with immunization records. Forward required records if your child transfers to a public or approved private school.
• Teachers: The parent needs 45 college quarter credits or the semester equivalent, a home-instruction course at a postsecondary or vocational-technical institute, supervision by a certificated teacher, or the superintendent’s finding of sufficient qualifications. Teacher supervision includes planned objectives, an average of at least one contact hour per week with the child each month, and progress evaluation; the teacher may supervise no more than 30 children.

Read the Washington homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Washington

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