National Commencement

Classical Conversations Foundation
National Commencement 2023

Celebrate our 2023 graduates at National Commencement!

Group of people at National Conference

Save the date!

National Commencement

When: May 4-6, 2023 View Schedule

Where: Southern Pines, NC—Grace Church and The National Athletic Village

Graduate and Guest Tickets are Sold Out

View 2023 Graduates

What is National Commencement?

Formerly known as Graduation or Capstone Celebration, National Commencement recognizes the completion of the homeschool journey of our Classical Conversations® students and their parents. Presented by the Classical Conversations Foundation*, this is an opportunity few homeschoolers get—to celebrate their achievements with their peers in a formal graduation ceremony!

Classical Conversations’ founder, Leigh Bortins, will address and commend graduates and parents for their hard work and perseverance through their years of homeschooling.

Featured Speaker
Leigh Bortins Founder
Leigh Bortins

Leigh Bortins is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Classical Conversations.

She has also written several books including The Core, The Question and The Conversation.

2022 National Conference and Commencement Highlights

Registration for National Commencement Includes:

  • A graduation regalia package, shipped directly to your graduate, which includes a cap, gown, tassel, diploma, and diploma cover.
  • Two National Commencement guest tickets
  • A rehearsal for graduates and parents
  • A formal graduation ceremony with student and family recognition
  • A printed program with graduate photos and bios
  • Activities for graduates
  • A gift bag with an exclusive National Commencement T-shirt for each graduate
  • A Graduate Celebration at the National Athletic Village

2023 Event Schedules

All times are EST.

National Commencement

Thursday, May 4

4:00-7:00 p.m.

National Conference Welcome Celebration (Optional) @ NAV

Friday, May 5

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Graduates complete Obstacle Course @ NAV

2:00-2:30 p.m.

Graduates talk with Leigh @ NAV

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Commencement Rehearsal and Check-In @ Grace Church

7:00-9:00 p.m.

Grad Hangout @ NAV (Grads ONLY)

Saturday, May 6

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Photos with Leigh and Robert @ Grace Church

1:30-2:00 p.m.

Formal Seating of Graduates and Guests

2:00-4:00 p.m.

National Commencement

National Conference

Thursday, May 4

4:00-7:00 p.m.

National Conference Welcome Celebration @ NAV

Friday, May 5

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Exhibitors Open

9:00-11:30 a.m.

Speaking sessions
Camp/Nursery

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:00-4:30 p.m.

Speaking sessions
Camp/Nursery

Saturday, May 6

7:00-8:00 a.m.

Coffee with Leigh @ NAV

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Exhibitors Open

9:00-11:30 a.m.

Speaking sessions
Camp/Nursery

All Events

National Commencement

National Conference

Thursday, May 4

4:00-7:00 p.m.

National Conference Welcome Celebration @ NAV

Friday, May 5

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Speaking sessions
Camp/Nursery

9:00-11:30 a.m.

Exhibitors open

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lunch Break

1:00-4:30 p.m.

Speaking Sessions
Camp/Nursery

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Graduates complete Obstacle Course @ NAV

2:00-2:30 p.m.

Graduates talk with Leigh @ NAV

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Commencement Rehearsal and Check-In @ Grace Church

7:00-9:00 p.m.

Grad Hangout @ NAV (Grads ONLY)

Saturday, April 30

7:00-8:00 a.m.

Coffee with Leigh @ NAV

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Exhibitors Open

9:00-11:30 a.m.

Speaking sessions
Camp/Nursery

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Photos with Leigh and Robert @ Grace Church

1:30-2:00 p.m.

Formal Seating of Graduates and Guests

2:00-4:00 p.m.

National Commencement

National Commencement Registration

*Classical Conversations Foundation is a nonprofit organization, separate from Classical Conversations, Inc., but it’s driven by the very same mission: to know God and to make Him known.

**All published ticket prices are in U.S. dollars. Published prices do not include taxes and Eventbrite fees. Entrance into National Commencement requires every attendee to register, to have a ticket to enter the event, and to sign risk release and liability waivers.

Thank you to the following sponsors, advertisers, and exhibitors who made our 2023 National Commencement possible:

Southeastern University
Saint Constantine College
Grand Canyon University
YWAM Mazatlan

© 2023 Classical Conversations Foundation