Homeschool Prom Info and Guidelines (Guidelines Established by ACCHE Board of Directors, January 2017 - revised 2019)

As the number of homeschoolers grows each year, we find an increasing number of students from different backgrounds joining our activities. This is a very good thing! However, the increase in backgrounds adds more varied opinions on the standards for certain aspects of prom, which can make it more stressful than necessary for the prom committee to plan. In order to relieve some of this stress, parents from prom committees over the past few years have asked the ACCHE Board put forth these guidelines, based on their feedback and input. While prom is not strictly an ACCHE-only event, the majority of the students in attendance are members, and ACCHE contributes money each year to the event. Therefore, we felt it appropriate to form these guidelines.

Please note:​ Refusal to adhere to these guidelines may result in students being asked to leave the prom.

Age & Couples: ​ The prom is for students ages 15-20. (Guests must be 15 years old as of the day of prom.) We recognize that some of our older students may have boyfriends/girlfriends who are older than 20, but because there will also be 15-year-olds present, the upper age limit is 20. All couples must be male/female couples. You do not have to have a date in order to attend, and groups of friends are welcome, but couples who arrive as dates and all slow dance couples must be male/female pairings.

Schooling:​ One attendee of each couple present must be a homeschooler. However, if an attendee would like to bring a non-homeschooler as a date, that is permissible.

Dress Code: ​ ALL attendees must dress according to his/her physical gender at birth. Prom is typically a “black-tie” event: a suit and tie or tux for guys and formal dress for girls is recommended. We do ask that you maintain modesty by thinking of others when choosing what to wear. If a chaperone feels that a young man or woman arrives in attire which is in violation of the following guidelines, he or she must confer with the prom committee and defer to their judgment. If the committee agrees, then the attendee will be given the chance to leave and return in proper attire. If the attendee does not comply, he/she will be asked to permanently leave the prom. The on-site prom committee has the final say in all dress code judgments. ​Males: ​ Dress pants, button-down dress shirt, dress shoes or boots are recommended. Sports coat, vest, tie, etc., are optional. ​Females: ​ Appropriate dress or a feminine, dressy pant-suit outfit; and dress shoes or dressy sandals are recommended. No bare midriffs or bare lower backs (no separate skirt and top pieces or dresses with sides and back openings, and dress backs must be no more than 5" below the back bra closure); skirt length must be at least halfway down thigh; no visible cleavage (Though we acknowledge that there are some body types for which this is a very difficult guideline to keep when shopping for prom dresses. We ask that you use your best judgment when shopping, and maintain a respectable level of modesty). Strapless, single strap, or spaghetti strap dresses are fine, but please stay within the guidelines for respectable modesty.

Music: ​ No crude, crass, suggestive, or foul language. The music does not have to be from a Christian genre, but it does need to adhere to these listed standards. The DJ should be made aware of our guidelines and he/she should determine playlists ahead of time. The DJ should be encouraged to play from a wide variety of music: pop; hip-hop; country; party songs, oldies, etc. Attendees may not bring their own music to be played. Attendees may request music, but the DJ and on-site prom committee reserve the right to deny a request.

Public Displays of Affection (PDA):​ “Be careful little hands what you do!” No kissing or intimate hugging. As someone’s grandma once said, “When dancing, leave room for the Holy Spirit between you!” Actions at prom should remain God-honoring. There will be plenty of chairs when you need a break, so no need to sit on anyone’s lap. This event should be fun for everyone, so please respect others by maintaining dignity.

Chaperones: ​ Chaperones must be dressed appropriately for a Black Tie event; no jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, etc. Chaperones are responsible for enforcing these guidelines when necessary (be willing to approach any attendees in violation of PDA, dress, behavior, etc.) Prayerfully, the chaperones will be able to just supervise and enjoy some dancing as well! Refer any questionable issues to the on-site prom committee.

Going/coming: ​ Once attendees have checked in, they may not leave and return to the dance. If he/she needs to go outside, he/she must be accompanied by a chaperone (this is for the safety of the student). If an attendee chooses to leave the premises, he/she will not be permitted to return.

Food/Drink:​ Water, punch, and light snacks will be served. Please, no outside food or beverages. Outside item(s) will be collected upon arrival and returned after the Prom.

Tickets will be emailed two weeks prior to the event.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!!!