How to Plan a Meaningful Homeschool Graduation

Inside: Learn how to plan a memorable homeschool graduation ceremony to celebrate your homeschool graduate.

The notes to Pomp and Circumstance fill the air along with the smell of grass as you sit uncomfortably on hard bleachers while trying to pick your child out among the crowd.

This scene is what most parents of high school seniors envision.

We knew as homeschoolers ours would look different. What wasn’t different was the years spent looking forward to and envisioning the day our oldest daughter would graduate.

The COVID Graduation Difference

What we didn’t know at the time was what it would mean to be part of the graduating class of 2020.

Even though we homeschool, we still planned to have our daughter participate in a celebration and walk with other homeschool graduates.

Many state homeschool organizations hold graduation ceremonies. Some are large, others more intimate. But typically, grads don their cap and gown to walk across a stage and receive their diploma. There are talks and musical numbers. Family attends. The absence of a football field is the biggest distinguishing factor.

Plans to participate in a state homeschool graduation went up in smoke as COVID-19 took root.

With a recent move out-of-state away from family, and everything still shut down, any type of gathering was also out of the question.

However, we still wanted to celebrate this special and momentous occasion.

Making Our Homeschool Graduation Memorable

Part of the experience I didn’t want my daughter to miss out on was wearing a cap and gown. Even if it was just for our immediate family, I wanted her to have that experience.

I still remember hanging my tassel from graduation from my rearview mirror–a symbol of my accomplishments. It was important to me to allow her those memories of donning a cap and gown. And, of course, a keepsake tassel to hang in her rearview mirror!

Having reviewed Homeschool Diploma in the past, I knew they had a great selection, quality items, and excellent customer service. (Even in COVID chaos, we received our order speedily.)

From them I purchased her cap and gown, tassel, honor cords and personalized diploma and diploma holder.

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Personalized Homeschool Diploma

Personalizing Raena’s homeschool diploma made it all the more special for both her and us. We chose the wording and even included a meaningful quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We ordered Raena’s diploma before the world erupted into chaos over the death of George Floyd and it just made the quote she chose even more meaningful for her life moving forward.

In case you are interested, the wording on her diploma read,

Whereas our daughter, Raena, has not only mastered a body of knowledge pursuant to a high school education, but has also demonstrated Godly wisdom and personal maturity based upon faith in Jesus Christ, We, her parents, present her with this

High School Diploma

It is evidence that she has fulfilled all requirements for graduation and is given with confidence that she is equipped, by the grace of God, to meet the challenges of life as an adult.

Wording from Homeschool Diploma

Taking Senior Pictures to Capture Homeschool Graduates Accomplishments

COVID put a bit of a damper on our ability to get Senior pictures done. In the end, we ordered an outfit online, and then a second outfit when the first was delayed, and I ended up taking her pictures.

I am sure a professional could have done a much better job, but we managed a few we were happy with.

And, I got to spend time with just Raena, so that was a plus.

Send Graduation Announcements for your Homeschool Graduate

Once we had taken her Senior pictures we ordered graduation announcements for her to send out.

We put together our own with a Shutterfly template.

Raena enjoyed sending announcements to family and friends.

I know some homeschool families are on the fence about sending announcements, but I say DO IT!

Graduation announcements invite others to share in your joy in celebrating your child’s accomplishments. That is their sole purpose.

They are not a solicitation for money. If people are generous to your child, that is their prerogative. However, sending out an announcement is not a plea for money. It is simply sharing your joy with those you care about.

Planning an Unforgettable Homeschool Graduation Ceremony

This section could also be labeled, “How to Plan an Unforgettable Homeschool Graduation While Social Distancing.”

Our states guidelines coupled with the size of our family meant any addition would violate their “gathering guidelines.” Thankfully, we are creative and know how to use technology.

The circumstances surrounding this years graduating class make it unforgettable. Our job was to make it great anyway.

Special Family Graduation Dinner

We started with a special pre-graduation family dinner from a restaurant Raena picked. With restaurants closed except for take-out, we ordered in.

Since this was a special occasion we gave our kids the run of the menu and let them order whatever they wanted.

For those with a large family, you know this is a big deal. Not only did they not have a price limit, but they didn’t have to share. We even let them order drinks. I know, living on the wild side. But in reality, spending $3 a drink may not seem like much until you are buying nine of them. And when at least two of them are going to spill said drink, you might understand why we usually stick to water. But, I digress.

In a non-pandemic world, we would have held an open house and had a buffet set up. Nacho bars or sub sandwiches are both inexpensive ideas that will feed many while also allowing people to eat and mingle.

Online Graduation Ceremony

Banned from an in-person ceremony, we chose to hold an online graduation. Our graduation program looked like this:

• Welcome by Dad
• Opening Prayer by Sister
• Talk by Mom
• Slideshow
• Talk by Graduate
• Presenting of Diploma by Dad
• Closing Remarks by Dad
• Closing Prayer by Sister
• Visiting with Guests

Raena and I both pre-recorded our talks because I was concerned about people being able to hear over possible sibling interruptions.

I spoke a little about why we homeschool, about Raena, and then advice I had for Raena going forward.

Raena spoke about lessons she learned from homeschool that would help her throughout life.

The only in-person difference we would have made is pre-recording the talks. Obviously, if everyone was present, it would have been live.

Afterwards, we had cake and ice cream.

Benefit of an Online Graduation

One of the biggest benefits was being able to record the entire ceremony. It wasn’t something I would have thought to do and I am glad to have it.

It also allowed family and friends who would not have been able to travel anyway a way to participate.

Drive-By Graduation Celebrations

Due to circumstances regarding this years graduating class our church put on a drive-by celebration where members could come and toss candy, honk, or just wave congratulations.

This could also be adapted to a co-op setting as a way to still honor your graduates.

Celebrate Your Homeschool Grad!

The worst celebration is no celebration. Whether you choose an intimate gathering with just your immediate family, an online gathering, or a large celebration, find a way to let your graduate know you are proud of them.

Celebrate their accomplishment. Let’s face it, celebrate your accomplishment! As homeschool moms, we put in a lot of sweat, prayers, and the occasional tears, getting our child to this point. Let’s not fail to recognize all that effort!