Save the Date for 2027!
Friday, May 14, 2027
3:30PM–5:30PM
Hope Bible Church
9112 Guilford Road
Columbia, MD 21046
Registration information for the 2027 graduation will be announced late Fall 2026.
Want to be notified when registration opens? Complete the interest form below to receive graduation updates.
Questions? Email the MACHE Graduation Coordinator at graduation@machemd.org.
Click Here to Fill Out the Interest Form
Class of 2026 Commencement Speaker
Dr. Roger Smith
Dr. Roger Smith of Gilbert, Louisiana, began his family while attending Louisiana Tech University before completing medical school and four years of training in Kentucky. He later returned to Louisiana, where he established his Internal Medicine practice, which he continues today. From the beginning of their family life, Dr. Smith and his wife chose to homeschool their four children through high school. He credits homeschooling with strengthening their family and relationships, calling his adult children his greatest accomplishment.
For more than 25 years, Dr. Smith has spoken and mentored others on marriage, family, homeschooling, and leadership. He has served in leadership roles with organizations such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Homeschool Speech and Debate, Homeschool Louisiana, and the Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Smith also serves on the board of his state homeschool organization and the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leaders, and hosts a weekly parenting video blog, Parenting Matters Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the MACHE Maryland graduation ceremony below.
General & Eligibility Question & Answers
Who is eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony?
The MACHE Homeschool Graduation Ceremony is open to homeschool graduates whose families have determined that they have completed, or are on track to complete, their homeschool high school program. Students may participate whether they homeschool independently or through a co-op or umbrella program. Students with special needs are welcome to participate, and families may contact MACHE with any accessibility questions or accommodation needs.
Can a graduate participate if they are graduating early, later than the traditional senior year, or have already received their diploma?
Yes. Homeschool students may complete high school on different timelines, and graduates are welcome to participate whether they are graduating early, later than the traditional senior year, or have already received their diploma.
Can graduates participate if they live outside Maryland?
Yes. The MACHE Homeschool Graduation Ceremony is open to eligible homeschool graduates regardless of where they live. Families from outside Maryland are welcome to register and participate.
Do I need to be a MACHE member to register?
No. MACHE membership is not required to participate in the graduation ceremony. Both members and non-members are welcome to register, but MACHE members receive a discounted registration rate as one of their membership benefits.
Can siblings or multiple graduates from the same family participate?
Yes. More than one graduate from the same family may participate in the ceremony. Each graduate must be registered separately, with the required registration information completed for each student.
Who should I contact if I have a graduation question that is not answered on the page?
If you have a question that is not answered on the graduation page or in the FAQs, please contact our Graduation Coordinator at graduation@machemd.org for further assistance.
Registration & Fees Question & Answers
How do I register my graduate and when does registration open?
Registration is completed online through the graduation page. Registration dates may vary each year, so families should check the page for the current opening date and registration details.
What is included in my registration fee?
The registration fee helps cover the costs associated with the graduation ceremony and the materials provided for each participating graduate. Specific inclusions for the upcoming ceremony will be listed with the current registration information.
What happens after we register?
After registration, families will receive additional information and instructions as the ceremony approaches. This may include important deadlines, graduate submissions, rehearsal details, and other ceremony-day information.
When is the registration deadline and what happens if I miss it?
The registration deadline will be posted with the graduation information. Because MACHE must finalize ceremony materials, graduate information, and event logistics in advance, late registrations will NOT be accepted after the deadline.
What information will families need to provide when registering?
Families will be asked to provide basic information about the graduate, along with any details needed for the ceremony, graduate recognition, and event communications. Additional submission instructions will be provided after registration if needed.
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Refund and cancellation policies may vary by year. Families should review the policy provided during registration before submitting payment, as certain fees or expenses may become nonrefundable once ceremony preparations are underway.
Graduation Requirements & Diplomas Question & Answers
Does MACHE verify graduation requirements or approve my student’s diploma?
No. MACHE is not a homeschool program and does not certify, approve, or endorse a student’s graduation requirements or academic program. MACHE simply provides a graduation ceremony for homeschool families who would like to celebrate this milestone together.
Does MACHE provide the graduate’s diploma?
Yes. MACHE provides a diploma for each participating graduate as part of the ceremony. Because MACHE is not a homeschool program and does not certify or approve a student’s academic work, the diploma serves as a recognition of the graduate’s participation and achievement rather than an academic credential issued by MACHE.
Who determines when my homeschool student has officially graduated?
Parents or legal guardians have the primary responsibility for determining when their homeschool student has completed the requirements for graduation.
Who presents the diploma during the ceremony?
In keeping with the parent-led nature of homeschooling, the diploma is presented on stage by the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This moment is designed to honor the central role families play in their student’s education.
Because of this focus, diplomas may only be presented by parents or guardians, not by teachers, coaches, or other mentors. We appreciate everyone’s understanding as we preserve the heart and purpose of this ceremony.
Graduate Information, Attire & Regalia Question & Answers
Is there a dress code for the graduation ceremony?
There is no formal dress code, but we ask graduates to dress nicely underneath their cap and gown in keeping with the celebratory nature of the ceremony. We also encourage parents and guardians presenting diplomas to dress appropriately, as photos will be taken throughout the event.
How do I submit my student’s biography and photos for the ceremony?
Instructions and deadlines for submitting graduate biographies and photos will be provided to registered families. Families should submit all requested materials by the stated deadline so they can be included in ceremony preparations.
Do I need to provide a cap and gown?
Yes. Graduates are responsible for providing their own cap and gown.
Caps and gowns MUST be white and include a gold tassel with the current graduation year. Please do NOT purchase a different color, as we want all participating graduates to have a consistent appearance during the ceremony.
Families may purchase a cap and gown from any retailer as long as it meets these requirements. Here are a few options:
Can graduates decorate their graduation caps?
Yes. Graduates are welcome to decorate their graduation caps and make them their own. However, graduation gowns may not be decorated or altered.
Can graduates wear honor cords or other regalia during the ceremony?
Yes. Graduates may wear honor cords, stoles, medals, or other appropriate academic, organizational, or achievement regalia with their cap and gown.
Graduate Information, Attire & Regalia Question & Answers
Where will the graduation ceremony be held?
The location for each year’s graduation ceremony will be listed on the MACHE Graduation page and included in communications sent to registered families.
What is the graduation rehearsal and is it required?
Yes. Graduation rehearsal is mandatory for all participating graduates and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Only the graduate and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who will be participating in the ceremony may attend rehearsal.
Rehearsal gives families an opportunity to walk through the ceremony, understand where to go, and practice the diploma presentation so everything can run smoothly. Rehearsal details will be provided to families after registration.
What should graduates bring with them on graduation day?
Graduates should bring their cap, gown, tassel, and any approved regalia they plan to wear. Any additional items needed for the ceremony will be communicated to registered families in advance.
How early should graduates arrive before the ceremony?
Arrival times may vary each year. Registered families will receive a specific check-in and arrival time before graduation, and graduates should plan to arrive on time so there is enough time for check-in, preparation, and rehearsal if applicable.
Are graduates allowed to leave immediately after the ceremony?
Graduates and their families are expected to remain for the full graduation ceremony. Once the ceremony has concluded, families are free to leave. If a reception or other gathering is held afterward, attendance is optional.
How do I request accessibility accommodations for my graduate or guests?
Families who need accessibility accommodations for a graduate or guest should contact the MACHE Graduation Coordinator as early as possible so we can review the request and determine what arrangements may be available.
What happens if the ceremony is affected by severe weather or another emergency?
If severe weather, an emergency, or another unexpected situation affects the ceremony, MACHE will communicate any schedule changes, delays, relocation information, or other important updates directly to registered families.
Guests, Photos & Video Question & Answers
Can I bring guests to the ceremony?
Yes. Families are welcome to invite guests to celebrate with their graduate. Space is limited, and each registered graduate receives five (5) complimentary guest tickets.
Additional tickets may be purchased, while available, only by the participating graduate or their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This helps us make sure additional tickets are connected to the correct graduate and that we do not exceed the venue’s capacity. We highly recommend securing any extra tickets as early as possible.
Will professional photos or video be available?
Photos will be taken throughout the graduation ceremony, and each graduate will also have cap and gown portraits taken. Families will have the opportunity to purchase photos after the ceremony.
Are guest tickets required?
Yes. Guest tickets are required for everyone attending the ceremony, including the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who will be presenting the graduate’s diploma.
The participating graduate does not need a ticket. Children under three (3) years of age also do not require a ticket.
Can families take their own photos during the ceremony?
Yes. Families are welcome to take their own photos during the ceremony. We ask that guests remain in their seats and do not block aisles, walkways, the view of other guests, or the event photographer.
Countdown to the Class of 2027 Graduation Ceremony
The countdown is officially on! We’re so excited to celebrate our graduates and can’t wait to share this unforgettable day with your family.
Until we see you at graduation…
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