Classical Conversations Foundation
National Commencement 2023
Celebrate our 2023 graduates at National Commencement!

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 GraduatesWhat 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.

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.
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
Registration Type | Ticket Price** |
---|---|
Early Bird National Commencement – Graduate (ends after 50 tickets sold or January 2) | $179 each (includes 2 free guest tickets) |
National Commencement – Graduate (begins after 50 tickets sold or January 2) | $199 each (includes 2 free guest tickets) |
National Commencement – Guest | $15 each |
*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.