Homeschool Graduation - Online Graduation - High School Graduation for Homeschoolers

Looking out over the sea of happy families and friends at our recent graduation ceremony, I was reminded of just how far Laurel Springs has come in its seventeen-year existence on our planet.

Our first graduation was a small affair, a fraction of the host of families who now attend. And because of our small numbers at the time, having a prom wasn’t even on our radar. But there was no mistaking the love, the caring, the joy we all felt. It really seemed magical.

Standing on the stage for this graduation, my mind flitted back through the years, remembering precious moments from each one. Along with those memories was a running list of all the improvements we’ve made to our curriculum, our student and parent services, our individualized guidance for each child, and the steady enrichment of communication with families among our dedicated teachers and staff. Not to mention...Prom!

“Way back when,” at our first graduation, we established a ceremony unlike any I’ve seen anywhere. It continues to today.

Graduation 2009Each graduate is acknowledged by a teacher, with little anecdotes about their close student-teacher relationship. And graduates tell about their most poignant times with their teachers. Any student who wishes to may perform for the audience – and it’s amazing to watch these young men and women display their wide range of talents. We have enjoyed a martial arts demonstration, cello piece, ballet, ballroom, tap, and jazz dancers. We have been serenaded by an opera singer, R & B artist, rock bands, and more.

As my thoughts progressed through our parade of graduations, I saw how we’d evolved from more traditional homeschooling into true distance learning that emphasizes expansive thinking and global citizenry. Our growth has been deliberate and measured. We continue to see our school as a living, breathing community, always looking for ways to improve and ensure each of our students receives the best education possible. And now that we’re focusing heavily on college preparation, I realize it’s even more important that we never lose sight of the heart of our school; the basic philosophy we hold. Watching our accomplished graduates and their families, I was reassured that we’ve always been on the right track...creating a safe environment where our children are encouraged to fearlessly follow their dreams, knowing we believe in them as capable, competent, unique human beings.

Yes...we’ve come a long way, and many things change over time. But as I witnessed this year’s graduation ceremony, I realized that the most important characteristic of Laurel Springs will never change. Acknowledging, cherishing, and empowering our students to live their dreams while they fortify their minds for the future will always be our guiding inspiration.

Marilyn Mosley blog

A Graduation like No Other

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