Homeschool Idaho
Graduation Ceremony
A formal, reverent ceremony designed to honor and celebrate your graduate!
Homeschool graduation is a milestone worth celebrating for both students and their parents. Come together with families from across Idaho for a meaningful and memorable ceremony honoring the dedication and achievements of our homeschool graduates.
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, May 16, 2026
3:30 PM
Brandt Center
Northwest Nazarene University
707 Fern Street
Nampa, Idaho
Important Dates
Application Window: The Graduation Application window will open September 1st and close when capacity is met. Plan to apply early. In recent years the class has met capacity within a few weeks.
Informational Meeting: 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025, Kleiner Park, Meridian
Commencement Speaker & Class Hymn Nominations: December 1
Commencement Speaker & Class Hymn Election: December 15
Graduate Photos Uploaded: February 1
Graduate Bios Uploaded: February 1
Parent Trubute Uploaded: February 1
Student Speeches Uploaded: February 15
Ceremony Rehearsal: Graduation Day, May 16
Please be mindful of all deadlines, as they ensure a smooth and meaningful celebration for every graduate. Graduates who do not meet the required deadlines will be removed from the ceremony, and refunds will not be issued.
General Information
Ceremony Application
The Class of 2026 Graduation Application window will open September 1st and close when capacity has been met.
Informational Meeting
Join us at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 7th for an informational meeting for graduates and their parents at Kleiner Park in Meridian.
Honor Cords
Ceremony Photography
Fees
Graduation
The 2026 graduation fee is $250.00. The fee covers the cost of the facility, cap and gown, diploma with cover, printed ceremony programs, and professional photography package.
Honor Cords
Gold and white cords are $15.00 each.
Photography Package
A professional photography package of graduation day, and all associated digital downloads, is included at no additional cost.
Graduate Checklist
Commencement Speaker & Class Hymn
Graduates will nominate and elect a commencement speaker and class hymn.
Photos of Graduates
Graduate Bios
Parents will write and upload a graduate biography for the printed program.
Student Speeches
Graduates may submit speeches for the Senior Class Address. Two speeches will be selected.
Parent Tributes
A pre-recorded parent tribute will play while each graduate receives their diploma.
Ceremony Rehearsal
Stay up-to-date on announcements by joining our Facebook Group for the Class of 2026.
FAQ
Is there a deadline for participation?
The application window opens on September 1st and remains open until the class reaches capacity. In most years, capacity is reached within a few weeks, so early application is strongly encouraged to secure your spot.
Once capacity is reached, applicants will have the option to join a waiting list. Typically, those on the waiting list will not have the opportunity to join the class until after the February 1 drop date. If you are placed on the waiting list, please be prepared to submit your graduate photo, student biography, and parent tribute within two weeks of being notified that you have been moved from the waiting list to the graduate list.
Do I need to provide a cap and gown?
Nope! We take care of the details so that you can enjoy the day!
The following is included in the graduation fees:
- Cap and Gown
- Diploma with Cover
- Professional Photography Package
- Beautiful Keepsake Program
Eligible graduates may add honor cords for an additional fee
Does Homeschool Idaho provide graduation announcements?
We do not. We have found that families prefer to customize their own graduation announcements. We love seeing your creative ideas!
Is there a ceremony dress code for graduates?
Graduates will wear caps and gowns provided by Homeschool Idaho and given to students on graduation day.
Young men must wear dress shirts and slacks, tie optional. Young women must wear dresses or skirts.
All graduates must wear dress shoes, dress boots, or dress cowboy boots (no athletic shoes, flip-flops or bare feet, please).
Please recognize that gowns are polyester and the stage lights are hot. We do not recommend layers, suit jackets, or heavy clothing. Keep in mind that it gets very warm for the graduates during the two hours when they are on stage.
No embellishments or personalization of caps and gowns will be permitted during the ceremony (with the exception of Honor Cords, which are provided by Homeschool Idaho for an additional fee, and Congressional Medals).
The caps and gowns will belong to the graduates following the ceremony. Please contact us if further clarification is needed.
Should I have Senior Photos taken of my graduate?
Yes! You will need to submit graduate photos by February 1st. So please make arrangements to have photos taken of your Senior during the autumn months.
Are there additional special activities for the graduating class?
That is up to the graduating class and their parents. Participating families may plan as many or as few activities as they wish.
Will I be able to reserve seats for our family at the ceremony?
Upon checking in on graduation day, each graduate will be given 12 reserved seating signs with their family name on them. Seats are first come, first served, so if you want to reserve specific seats, aim to be on time. When placing signs, please do not leave space between your reserved seats and another reservation block. We expect a standing-room-only crowd.
Why is there a class size limit?
Class size limits are based on the capacity of the graduation venue. Graduates are seated on stage during the ceremony so they can be highly visible to the audience. Our stage accommodates only 75 graduates, which also allows seating for 75 additional guests in the audience.
Is there a waiting list once the class is full?
Yes, a waiting list is maintained; however, movement from the waiting list to the participant list has historically been uncommon and typically occurs only if a registered participant withdraws. Under a new policy, any participant who fails to submit their graduate photo, student biography, and parent tribute by the February 1st deadline will be removed from the ceremony roster. This change increases the likelihood that individuals on the waiting list may be offered a place.
Should an opening become available, you will be notified by February 2nd. Please be prepared to submit all required materials—graduate photo, student biography, and parent tribute—within two weeks of receiving notification.