Pomp and Circumstance: Planning your teen’s homeschool graduation

Planning your teen’s homeschool graduation ~
Written by Kris Bales of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

I still remember my high school graduation. Giddy with excitement, I marched on the football field with about 350 classmates. The moment I’d worked toward for the last 12 years was happening! I was finished with school and could get on with the business of having fun adulting and doing whatever I wanted!

Ah, the innocence of youth with no concept of jobs, bills, mortgages.

No matter where you attend school, graduation is a milestone worth celebrating.

Whether your teen prefers a big ceremony with the local homeschool group or an intimate gathering of friends and family, take time to celebrate their accomplishment – and yours!

Planning Your Teen’s Homeschool Graduation

Decide on the Type of Celebration

First, consider your teen’s preferences and take into account what is available in your area.

Because we live in an area with a large, active homeschooling community, we have the option to participate in a formal ceremony hosted by the city-wide support group.

It comes complete with programs, a choir, speakers, and a banquet the night before.

Some of the smaller homeschool groups host their own graduation celebrations. Sometimes they are only for graduating seniors. Other times, they include elementary and middle school graduates and recognition for various student achievements.

Despite the availability of other options, some teens prefer a quiet celebration with family and friends.

Take into account your teen’s personality. For example, an introvert may not want to participate in a big event. But, also remind your teen that his friends and family are proud of him and want to celebrate.

(If all else fails, mention the words “graduation money.”)

Decide Who Will Handle Planning

If you’re taking part in a large support group graduation, there is likely a team of group leaders and parent volunteers heading up the planning. Check your group’s website or Facebook page to find out about fees and deadlines. Many deadlines will be early in the year (January or February) so plan ahead.

Smaller group graduations are usually more relaxed. But you’ll still want to find out who the contact person is and start making plans by March or early April.

You will likely be more directly involved with planning and organizing a small group event. For example, our group hosted a reception after graduation, so participating families brought drinks and finger foods.

Although it’s probably the most low-key option, a celebration with family and friends requires the most work on your part. Don’t forget that, as the teaching parent, you’ll want to enjoy the event with your student, so enlist the help of a trusted friend or relative.

Planning Your Teen’s Graduation

Once you’ve decided on the type of graduation your student will have, it’s time to start planning.

Two of my favorite places to purchase graduation supplies are from Homeschool Legal Defense Association and Homeschool Diplomas. My personal preference is Homeschool Diplomas, but both sites offer quality supplies including announcements, diplomas, caps, gowns, and tassels.

1. Order your diploma and attire.

You should order your graduate’s diploma, cap, gown, and tassel as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary stress. Both sites from which I’ve ordered offer rush shipping, but I like to place orders by at least the end of March.

If your student is graduating with a large homeschool group, they may place a group order so pay attention to due dates.

For small events with more than one student, decide if matching gowns (color or texture) are important to your students. If so, you’ll want to place a group order or ask all parents to order from the same vendor.

2. Secure a location.

If your student is graduating alone or with a small group, you’ll probably need to find a location for the event. Our small group usually holds graduations at a member’s church.

You may also check the availability of community rooms or group event rooms at a local restaurant.

We held my son’s graduation party at my mom and stepdad’s house because they have more room and an open floor plan. (And, they don’t have four dogs and six cats!) A backyard ceremony is another option.

3. Send graduation announcements.

Plan to send your graduation announcements/invitations 2-3 weeks before the event.

You can order personalized announcements, use generic cards from somewhere like Target or Walmart, or {ahem} send texts to friends and relatives.

We’re pretty laid back, so we’ve gone the text route and the generic grad party invitation routes.

4. Decide on refreshments.

No matter where your teen graduates, you’ll probably want to gather friends and family for refreshments afterward. Some possible locations include a local restaurant, the fellowship hall of the church your group is using, or your home.

We did simple finger foods, drinks, and a graduation cake. You might also consider having the event catered or host a pot-luck meal.

Planning a celebration for your homeschooler’s graduation doesn’t need to be stressful. Follow these simple tips and enjoy recognizing your student’s accomplishments – and yours!

If you’ve graduated a homeschooler, how did you celebrate?

What’s Your Homeschool Mom Personality? Take Jamie’s quiz now and receive a free personality report to help you organize your homeschool based on what your personality type needs most!