When your Challenge graduate walks across the stage this year, they’ll carry with them years of rigorous study and classical skills that have shaped their thinking—and Classical Conversations National Commencement 2026 offers a unique opportunity to celebrate this achievement alongside hundreds of fellow graduates who share that same foundation.
After families have invested in Latin conjugations and Socratic dialogues, they can celebrate and see the broader tapestry of their educational community by participating in National Commencement. Read on to hear from Emma Oxford, former CC graduate and current Instructional Designer, as she shares the beauty of this unforgettable experience and how this year’s cruise format adds an extra dimension of fellowship and memory-making for families worldwide.
The Beauty of Commencement: Why Memories Matter
In Out of the Silent Planet, C.S. Lewis wrote, “A pleasure is only full-grown when it is remembered.” The Hrossa characters in Lewis’ book can only experience certain pleasures once, and their joy comes from remembering the experience. Such is the beauty of Classical Conversations National Commencement. Graduating from high school is a milestone that only comes along once, and one of the best ways to make it “full grown” is to create memories by celebrating with this extraordinary homeschool commencement ceremony.
Graduation Thinking: Don’t Miss the Final Moments
A Gathering of Grads: The Classical Conversations Commencement Experience
In 2025, I had the opportunity to attend National Commencement in Southern Pines, North Carolina. There were golden tassels, navy caps, zipped-up gowns, nervous jitters, last-minute bobby pins, and, most importantly, cheers and celebrations that will echo for years to follow. I watched CC grads from around the country bond over shared experiences, the common ground of a classical, Christian education bridging gaps and creating friendships.
The event was full of “Wait, you too?” moments as grads realized their community was far grander than the classmates they saw from week to week over the years. During the two-day event, graduates circled around to listen to Leigh Bortins, founder of Classical Conversations, share wisdom and encouragement for the future while commencement speakers shared with the audience the beauty and blessings of their education. Graduates worshipped, played games, and sailed across the stage in celebration with their parents, showcasing shiny new diplomas.
5 Paths for Homeschoolers After Graduation
A Reflection of Gratitude: Why Classical Conversations National Commencement Matters
As a 2021 CC grad, several moments during the commencement event left me sitting in contemplative silence as the full wonder and appreciation for my education washed over me. Hearing the 2025 graduates speak about their love for Christ, their passion for learning, and their plans to carry those priorities far into the future made me realize how thankful and joyful I am for Classical Conversations.
It was a “wow” moment that I didn’t experience at my local graduation, because I wasn’t surrounded by hundreds of other teenagers who uplifted and strengthened my experience. My vision stayed local, and my community remained small. I am still extremely thankful for my graduation experience, but attending National Commencement elevated that thankfulness tenfold.
The Power of Community in Homeschool Education
Not only does CC build a lasting education, it also builds and encourages a lasting community in a way that I have yet to see replicated in another curriculum or celebrated with such joy than at National Commencement. These graduates have received a firm foundation on which to build their future, and it was incredibly encouraging to hear them recognize that and share it with others.
Keep those lasting connections: CC Alumni Network
“I’m Going on an Adventure!”: The 2026 Homeschool Graduation Cruise
Like Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit, graduates in 2026 can experience their own adventure by participating in Classical Conversations National Commencement 2026 on a Caribbean cruise. This unique homeschool graduation cruise offers an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate your family’s educational journey in an unforgettable setting.
What Makes the Classical Conversations Cruise Special
From sandy white beaches to a special grad-only excursion to walking across the stage to fellowshipping and connecting with CC families from around the country, this event is a marvelous way to celebrate the homeschool journey and create memories to last a lifetime. The Classical Conversations cruise combines the traditional elements of a meaningful homeschool commencement ceremony with the adventure and relaxation of a Caribbean voyage.
Creating Full-Grown Pleasures: Why Choose Classical Conversations National Commencement 2026
As we look forward to 2026, and as students gear up for their final year of high school, remember “A pleasure is only full grown when it is remembered.” Joy reaches its fullness by creating and recalling experiences. What better way to create cherished memories than to give the gift of an unforgettable experience?
The Classical Conversations National Commencement 2026 promises to be more than just a graduation ceremony—it’s a celebration of faith, learning, and community that your family will treasure for years to come. We hope to celebrate with you and your graduate at the 2026 National Commencement at Sea!
Celebrate Your Graduate Today!
Written by:
