Homeschool benefits and savings in Eau Claire

Eau Claire Parks and Recreation gives discounted scholarship rates on its youth programs and Fairfax Pool memberships to families inside city limits who receive federal, state, or local assistance. A scholarship lasts from approval through November 30 and is renewed each calendar year.

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

Who qualifies

1. Lives inside Eau Claire city limits

   Your family must live within city boundaries and pay taxes to the City of Eau Claire. Addresses in a township, another county, or another city do not qualify.

2. Receives public assistance

   Show current federal, state, or local assistance for every family member applying, such as SSI, FoodShare verification, BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin Shares, or WHEAP letters.

3. Shows address and photo ID

   Bring a piece of mail in the head of household's name with your current address and a valid photo ID.

4. Has one ActiveNet account

   Keep a single ActiveNet registration account with updated family information. Do not create a second account.

What it is worth

These are the city resident fees in the 2026-2027 Fall/Winter Prime Times activity guide; the scholarship takes a discount off them.

Group swim lessons, Levels 1-6

$63

Individual swim lessons

$187

Youth volleyball, ages 9-11

$63

Youth basketball, ages 6-9

$63

Scholarship valid

Approval through Nov. 30

The city's page and guide do not state the scholarship rate, so ask the Recreation Administrative Office what share of the resident fee you will pay before you register.

From applying to keeping it

1. Before you apply

   Gather your documents

   Collect a benefits letter or MyACCESS screenshot covering every family member, a piece of mail showing your address, a photo ID, and the completed scholarship application.

2. To apply

   Email or drop off

   Send everything to recscholarships@eauclairewi.gov, or bring it to 915 Menomonie Street, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. After approval

   Register for approved classes

   Register before the program starts. Classes approved for the Scholarship Program are marked with a percent symbol in the activity guide.

4. Each calendar year

   Renew your eligibility

   Show proof of address, ID, and assistance again; FoodShare and BadgerCare cards are not accepted, only letters.

What it pays for

Covered

• Eau Claire Parks and Recreation youth programs
• Fairfax Pool memberships

Not covered

• Township and out-of-city residents
• FoodShare or BadgerCare cards as proof
• Classes not marked for the Scholarship Program

Good to know

• Homeschooled children can get a scholarship

  Eligibility depends on living in the city and receiving public assistance, not on school enrollment.

• Any current assistance document works

  Use any current assistance document listing each family member, such as an SSI, FoodShare, BadgerCare Plus, Wisconsin Works, Wisconsin Shares, energy assistance, or county human services letter.

Who to contact

The Recreation Administrative Office at 915 Menomonie Street reviews scholarship applications and answers registration questions.

recscholarships@eauclairewi.gov 715-839-5032 Scholarship Program page

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Wisconsin

You must file PI-1206 with DPI each year between July 1 and October 15. For withdrawal from public or private school after October 15, submit or update it on or before the date attendance ends. Update it when changing districts or the number of enrolled children.

Wisconsin sets these rules:

• Subjects: Provide at least 875 instructional hours each year and a sequentially progressive curriculum in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and health.
• Testing: Wisconsin does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
• Records: Keep copies of submitted PI-1206 reports; DPI retains them for seven years. Detailed instructional records are recommended, with no routine state submission required.
• Teachers: Wisconsin does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.

Read the Wisconsin homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Wisconsin

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