Wondering about homeschool prom? Here’s everything you need to know about home school prom (homeschool formal), home school dances and homeschooling social events — including a list of best homeschooling dances in the United States! Plus, we hear from a teen homeschooled student on homeschool dance pros and cons!
Homeschool Prom 101: Everything You Wanted To Know About Homeschooling Proms
When I first started homeschooling, I was surprised that a common question that I got was ::gasp:: Won’t my homeschooler miss the prom?! Truth? Honestly, I had wondered do homeschoolers have prom (and other things homeschool students miss out on) before I completely understood home schooling. So, let’s start there with can a homeschooler go to prom and continue with whats prom like…
Can homeschoolers go to prom?
YES! Homeschoolers can go to prom and do go to local or state proms! Many homeschoolers are able to attend their local high school’s prom, while some choose to attend homeschool proms hosted by local businesses, homeschool groups, or homeschooling co-operatives. There are now a variety of organizations hosting formal dance events specifically designed for homeschooled teens.
What Is A Prom? About Prom For Homeschoolers
Homeschool proms are events organized specifically for homeschooled students to provide them with an opportunity to experience a prom-like setting.
Homeschool proms are typically organized by local homeschooling groups, co-ops, groups or parents, or other organizations.
Prom tickets vary in cost from free into hundreds of dollars based on the group, organization, and sponsorship. Based on our homeschool event research, most home school proms average ticket pricing around $50.
These homeschool events can vary in size and format, ranging from a small dance party to a larger, more formal event.
What do homeschool kids do for prom?
Homeschool proms offer homeschooled students a chance to socialize, dance, and have fun with their peers in a safe and supportive environment. They also provide an opportunity for homeschooled students to come together and celebrate the end of the school year or the achievements they have made throughout the year.
If you are interested in attending a homeschool prom, you can search for local events through homeschooling organizations in your area, online homeschooling forums, or social media groups.
Some homeschooling organizations also host regional or national homeschool proms that homeschooled students from multiple states can attend. Many prom events allow homeschooled students to bring non-homeschooler guests.
What is prom like?
Prom for homeschoolers is like any traditional prom. There may be a theme that the dance is based around. Homeschoolers dress up for the theme (or for the dress code, like semi-formal or formal) and have fun dancing, playing games, getting prom pictures taken (or having fun at selfie stations), and eating special party foods.
What do you wear to homeschooling prom?
Homeschool prom attire varies greatly by event. Homeschooling prom dress code is set up by the event organizer, so be sure to check with the organizer or the homeschool prom website. Prom attire usually ranges from semi-formal to formal, and many home school proms have strict dress codes on what homeschool students can and cannot wear to the dance.
PRO TIP: Each prom host has their own homeschool prom rules, too. Be sure you review the specific homeschool prom information for that organization!
ALSO CHECK OUT: ALL ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING HIGH SCHOOL
Why do we have prom?
Many homeschoolers have a prom as a way to get together with kids of their same age and interact in a fun environment. It’s a great way to bond with friends and meet new people that can become friends! It’s also a way to show a transition into an older more grown-up atmosphere where you get to dress up and attend formal parties that teens might not typically attend.
Why is prom so important?
The truth is that homeschoolers don’t need to have a prom. However, it is a fun way to get together with teens their own age and have a carefree evening.
Favorite Prom Things According To A Homeschool Student
As of the writing of this homeschool blog post, my daughter has attended two prom-like dances / homeschooling homecoming dances — a formal homeschool dance and a casual homeschool dance. Here are the homeschool prom ideas she came up with.
Homeschool Teen Dance Favorites:
- No footwear restrictions. With the formal dance, my daughter wore combat boots with a formal dress and it was super cute. If you are helping organize a homeschool dance, consider lifting the “no sneakers” or “no casual shoes” restrictions. My daughter does not wear dress shoes (flats or heels) for any reason, so a restriction like that would’ve prevented her from attending the dance.
- Line dances and DJ events work well. My daughter said having a DJ that led line dances / fun dances really got everyone onto the dance floor and broke the ice.
- Casual was better. She had more fun at the casual dance (that was a “hoedown” theme) than she did at the formal one. The more relaxed dress code (and dressing with the theme) made it better.
- Good refreshments are required. My teen homeschooler said good refreshments are a must, especially lots of refreshing drinks because it gets hot dancing.
- Including games was a great idea. The casual homeschool dance had additional fun things to do. My daughter said adding in games like like roping a “cow”, a bonfire / smores station, mechanical bull, hula hoops, and more made it more fun than just dancing and eating.
- Make sure to have multiple picture stations. Don’t just have a formal picture station. Have several different selfie stations. Most of the best pictures my daughter captured was at the selfie stations.
- Good seating. My daughter reported that the homeschooling formal she went to did not plan well for seating and they ended up sitting on the ground in formal dresses. Be sure to have plenty of tables and/or seating for resting, hanging out, and those that really don’t like dancing, but want to be at the event.
- Go with friends or a group. Going with friends or a group takes a lot of pressure off and just allows everyone to have fun together!
Examples of Homeschool Prom Events In the United States [UPDATED FOR THIS YEAR]
NOTE: These are in no particular order and information changes on a regular basis. I have done my best to research the best homeschool proms. If you find any homeschooling prom information incorrect on this list (or want your homeschool event added), please let me know! I’m happy to update this list of homeschool dance events that I put together.
Most of these proms take place in the Spring (March, April, or May), but since dates vary each year I did not include them in the information.
Also, these are just examples. Be sure to search homeschool dances near me or homeschool prom near me / homeschool proms near me for your local areas.
Alabama Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location:Birmingham, Alabama
Open To: High schooler grade 9 and up
Affiliation: Unclear
Dress Code: Unclear
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $30 pay at door (no reservations required)
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes
Notes: N/A
Florida Learning And Families Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Sarasota, Florida
Open To: Homeschooled high school students, grades 9-12 (at least 14 years old)
Affiliation: Learning & Families Co-op
Dress Code: Formal
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $55+
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes, as guests
Notes: Appears to be Christian-based
Florida Tampa Bay’s Homeschool Inclusive Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Tampa Bay, Florida
Open To: All 9-12th grade homeschool students
Affiliation: None
Dress Code: Formal / semi-formal (sneakers OK)
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee:
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Unclear
Notes: LGBTQ+ friendly. **UNCLEAR IF THIS HOMESCHOOL EVENT IS STILL ACTIVE
Georgia Colorfully Created Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Dawsonville, Georgia
Open To: Teenagers, Teen Parents, Foster children, Youth Groups and Homeschoolers from Georgia
Affiliation: Total Victory Family Services
Dress Code: Prom Attire
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $50+
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes
Notes: N/A
Indiana Heartland Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Open To: Homeschool High Schoolers (ages 14-19)
Affiliation: None
Dress Code: Black Tie, strictly enforced
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $100+
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? As guest of homeschool student, if room is available
Notes: Pre-screened songs (no suggestive lyrics, cursing, etc.). May be asked to leave if dress code not followed.
Minnesota West Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Open To: All homeschool high school students (grades 9-12)
Affiliation: West Homeschool Classes
Dress Code: Formal
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $60+
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? As guest of homeschool student, if room is available
Notes: Christian-based organization
Mississippi Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Mississippi
Open To: Eagle Home School students grade 9-12
Affiliation: Eagle Home School
Dress Code: Formal (strict)
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $25
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes, as guests
Notes: Christian-based prom
Missouri Faith Teens Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Missouri
Open To: Unclear
Affiliation: GRACE HOMESCHOOL FAMILY CO-OP
Dress Code: “Dress up”
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $25+ (Chaperone tickets available for $10)
Allow Non-Homeschoolers?
Notes: Christian-based
North Carolina Capital Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Wake Forest, North Carolina
Open To: North Carolina homeschooled students ages 15-19
Affiliation: Unclear
Dress Code: Dressy / Formal
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee:
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes, as guests
Notes: May be Christian-based organization
North Carolina Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Kinston, North Carolina
Open To: Ages 14-19 (no exceptions)
Affiliation: Proceeds will go to the CSS Neuse Gunboat Association (nonprofit support group of the CSS Neuse Museum)
Dress Code: Unclear
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $40
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes, as guests
Notes: Hard to find information / website
Texas Christian Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Texas
Open To: Homeschoolers ages 14-18 (or enrolled in a 2-3 day university model school), be listed as student in family’s TxCHP Registration,
Affiliation: Texas Christian Homeschool Prom
Dress Code: Formal (with pre-checks by staff before entering event)
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $125
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes (if they meet list of eligibility requirements)
Notes: Christian-based. More eligibility requirements: “Have a family member complete the Family Service Credit for each Ticket and Companion Voucher purchased as per the Family Service Credit policy” (This homeschool prom Texas is huge!)
Virginia Homeschool Prom
Homeschool Prom Location: Virginia
Open To: Homeschooled students in Virginia, ages 14-19 years
Affiliation: Virginia Homeschool Prom
Dress Code: Formal, modest
General Ticket Prices Per Attendee: $65
Allow Non-Homeschoolers? Yes, as guest.
Notes: Homeschool prom Virginia also throw additional homeschool dances throughout the year.
**THIS IS BY NO MEANS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF HOME SCHOOLING PROM EVENTS** If a home school prom did not have a clear way to get information (like a website or social media page) and only had an event ticket page, I did not include them. (Event ticket pages change yearly, so that wouldn’t be helpful.)
Have fun at your homeschool prom!
STARTING HOME SCHOOL? CHECK OUT OUR HOW TO HOMESCHOOL GUIDE
My grandson just got invited to to a high school prom with his close friend. When she went to buy the prom tickets they said she had to know what ACCREDITED homeschool program he does and verification that he is passing his classes. We are in Missouri and this is not required.
We’re just one year into homeschooling and are not affiliated with any specific program, just focusing on what he needs to finish for high school.
He is so excited about going to Prom. How can I make this happen???
Hi Lisa,
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I would email the prom coordinator at the high school and explain to them about homeschool laws in your state. Most of the time it’s just because people don’t really understand homeschooling laws.
HSLDA may be interested in this too. (If you wanted to reach out to them.)
Good luck!