Who Says Homeschoolers Don't Have a Prom?by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger 01 Dec 2006 06:42 AM I am a bit embarrassed to admit this (not for me but for those who ask me), that after the two big questions: are you qualified to do this, and what about socialization--the next most popular objection to home schooling that I get is that my kids will miss prom. Apparently, prom is an all American rite of passage but even homeschoolers provide alternatives to their kids for the big night! Have a prom For one Midland area home schooling group in Southern Carolina the answer is obvious. Parents and students worked together to provide a prom on their own terms. Held in November at a fancy club, girls in floor length gowns shared ball room dancing with friends, fathers, and siblings. In fact at this prom, whole families attended. This might sound weird to some of us who did the traditional prom in public school but the students say it was a magical night to remember. I must add here that one thing I love about home schooling is that it tends to bring families closer together. Rather than being embarrassed of their parents, most of the home schooled teens I know embrace their parents and their presence in their lives. The Banquet For many Christian families, dancing--even the ballroom variety--is unacceptable. So instead of prom they throw their kids a big banquet. I've heard someone once say that a banquet cannot possible compete with a full blown prom but they've obviously never been to one of these banquets. Last year, my husband and I were invited to be the keynote speakers at one such banquet--one that was organized by the students. The theme was the Four Corners of the Earth and let me tell you these kids held back nothing. Full scale sets were designed by the students and the food was cooked by various parents of the home schooling group. The affair was complete with waiters and waitresses and of course, the attire was formal. What made the night so special, is the students. I think that they were thrilled with what they had done, because they did it. There was a pride in their workmanship and you could tell that they were happy with a job well done. Does your home school group provide alternatives to proms or other "rites of passage" for your youth? Related Articles: What About Prom? Silly Answers to the Silliest Questions About Homeschooling Homeschools Run by Well Meaning Amateurs Part 1 Homeschools Run by Well Meaning Amateurs Part 2 Learn more about Valorie Delp  Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line. Relevanthomeschooling tags User Comments Nola Redd (7081) 01 Dec 2006 12:25 PMOf course, our poor HSed kids have a harder time spiking the punch and experiencing their 'first time' on prom night. Oh, those poor deprived teens!  Andrea Hermitt (5512) 02 Dec 2006 06:58 AMThe Fine Arts program my kids attend every week, and next year will attend twice a week when we add academic classes, has several events each year. In the fall, there is a square dance, they put on several performances, in the winter the older kids take a European trip, and yes, at the end of every year there is a Prom (of sorts) and Graduation. There are too many homeschoolers these days for a close community to NOT form.  Valorie Delp (49340) 02 Dec 2006 11:00 AMI agree Andrea. I think too, kids get a lot more benefit out of taking responsibilities for their own events. I have friends (well actually lots of them) whose homeschooled kids did a "prom" of sorts where the kids dressed up in historical costumes. It was, in essence a historical ball. And the kids LOVED it. (I'm sorry I should say the "youth" huh?) I love how they can take an idea and really invest themselves in it to make a great and meaningful event. Square dance--I hadn't thought of that one! Community Tags homeschooling, prom Discuss this article
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