As the homeschool teacher, you may graduate your homeschool student(s) when they have met the requirements you have set forth for them. FED does not oversee that process, nor will we ask you to prove that your student has met a specific number of credits or classes before allowing them to graduate.

We do ask that all parents certify on the application form that they have considered their homeschool’s graduation requirements and that the student applying for graduation has met those requirements.

FED does not oversee whether a Senior is graduating with honors. These decisions are left to individual homeschooling families.

FED encourages families to consider the TEA requirements when determining if their student is prepared to graduate, especially if the student might be college-bound. The Texas Homeschool Coalition lists the current Texas Education Association’s guidelines for public schools on their website.

All families who apply to participate in the FED graduation must agree to the following:

• To review and agree to abide by our Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct as published on our website
• To review and agree to abide by the guidelines FED has set forth
• To recognize that all expenses for the graduation events are divided equally among the families participating. A budget is provided to families by the end of October, but this is subject to adjustment based on exact costs. Coordinators will be open with all families on expenses, and any outstanding fees are expected to be paid prior to graduation day. The FED Treasurer collects funds and is responsible for distributing them as needed
• To actively participate in planning activities and volunteer as needed to ensure a successful graduation

Facility Rental

The first call to action is putting down a deposit on the venue. A portion of the graduation fee covers facility usage, sound technician, reception area, and janitorial services. The initial deposit of $140.00 allows us to set things in motion.

Caps and Gowns

Graduates wear traditional black caps and gowns. Each student is permitted to wear their choice of tassel color. Pearl white stoles will be worn by honor students. The caps and gowns are purchased with a group discount from Graduation Source – the gown is yours to keep.

T-Shirts

Each graduating class selects a senior T-shirt. Shirts are ordered as a group and used for Senior Group Picture Day along with Senior outings. This does not include the outing to Shadow Creek Pumpkin Farm. Wear something fall-ish for group pictures!

Senior Moments

In order to gather photos for the Group slideshow and programs, we will host a few opportunities for our seniors to gather together. There will be two Senior outings, one in October and the other in January. A Senior Retreat in March, Senior Picture Day in March on FED grounds, Senior Lunch at FED, and Senior Clap-Out on the Last Day of School. Of course FED does have other student activities, like the Fall Festival, High School Christmas Party, and Prom. The italicized and highlighted activities are included in the price of graduation. Any activities not highlighted will have an additional cost associated with it.

Group Pictures / Graduation Pictures

A photographer(s) will be selected for taking group pictures of the senior class. A photographer will also take pictures the day of the graduation ceremony. The photo shoot will be available to each senior family.

Gift for Commencement Speaker

The senior class will enjoy hearing from a special speaker at the ceremony. The speaker will receive a gift card to show them our appreciation. (Included in cost)

Group and Individual Slideshows

Two slideshows will be shown at the graduation ceremony: the group slideshow and a collective slideshow that holds each individual student’s slideshow. The person who creates these slideshows receives payment for their time. Directions for this process will be provided at a later date.

Programs and Printing

The graduation fee covers the costs of development and printing of programs. Each student receives 5 color programs for family members, while remaining guests will access the program through a QR code. In early April, each senior will send over one picture and a short bio to include in the program.

Reception Costs

The reception will include table cloths, tableware, food, drink, and decorations. Typically, there will be cake and punch served and décor that includes a balloon arch and a coordinating photo backdrop.

Individual Costs

Parents will pay for their own student’s graduation announcements/invitations, individual senior pictures, and diploma. They will also provide their “senior table”. These items are not covered in the group expenses.

* This online store is an excellent place to purchase your student’s diploma and cover. https://www.homeschooldiploma.com/