What happened to the Band App & Facebook group? Why are we moving here?

Whew! The short answer is that we were here in 2007 until 2023 under a different name. In 2023, new leadership wanted to rebrand (a great decision) and then add the senior year and graduation (an even better decision) and wanted to leave this Homeschool Life website service for the other platforms. They were free, but it cost us effective communication, lack of accessibility for events and payment processing among other struggles. With our new leadership as of May, 2025, KCHC is back to this site and encouraged with all the member resources being available in one spot, and the confidentiality of being on a secured site. We will still have a Facebook page for our members, but not open to the public. Please be patient as you see us still rearranging, adding and enhancing your experience. 

Does KCHC offer classes or is it a co-op? 

No, KCHC doesn't provide specific ongoing classes and is not a co-op. It IS a Christian-based support group for homeschooling families of K - 12th grade students. It is comprised of our member volunteers who organize and/or attend field trips and educational & social activities, play dates and get-togethers. Our purpose is to "support" our members by providing a collective gathering place to build community with others by allowing them to serve and be served in various ways using their own talents and gifts. 

Do you have monthly meetings? 

We do, but they may be our Moms Night Out or maybe a breakfast, topical conversation get-togethers, or specifically designated monthly meetings - all of which are meant to support the adult homeschooling with no children in attendance. Of course, nursing children are always welcome. These events will be listed on our calendar with some of them open for others to attend to get to know us.

I submitted by membership request, why have I not been approved yet? 

We are thrilled that you chose us as part of your homeschooling community! Just a reminder, no one will be approved as a member until payment is received. Please check the main email you supplied us in your registration for an approva (or denial)l email from us, including your spam folder.

Otherwise, our organization is made up of volunteer, busy homeschooling families like you. We have personally opted to set up designated "office hours" during the day/week to work on KCHC items. We won't forget you and will get to your request as soon as we can. Your patience is appreciated.

If you requested membership, and its been over 2 wks, please contact our treasurer at [email protected] .

What do you mean by a "faith-based" or "Christian" organization? Do I have to believe that, too? Are you guys affiliated to a church?

No, we are not affiliated with any specific church, but the Kansas City Homeschool Connection Board of Directors and officers are required to sign our STATEMENT OF FAITH , but acceptance of this faith statement is not required of our general membership. We do, however, require that our members mark "I understand" to the following statement upon registering: 

"I have read the KCHC Statement of Faith. While I understand that membership is open to all homeschooling families, I acknowledge and understand that the board members agree to and affirm this statement, and that all KCHC activities will be conducted in accordance with this understanding."

"Although there are many reasons families choose to educate their children at home, the majority who belong to Kansas City Homeschool Connection (KCHC) are motivated by Christian principles, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord. These Christian beliefs which guide most of our members will be evident in the activities and expressions of this organization.

Our goals are

1) to encourage each other toward educational excellence,

2) to foster relationships among the children, our families, and each other, and

3) to help new home-educators get started, while encouraging those further on their homeschooling journeys.

While it is not our intent to exclude those whose beliefs differ from ours, it is our desire that all support group activities operate in harmony and unity; therefore, all members and prospective members should understand that Christian beliefs and principles determine the direction and leadership of this organization."

If these statements are problematic for you or current family dynamics, then it may be best to consider another homeschooling group to be better fit the needs of your family. 

Why participate in the KCHC Graduation ceremony? 

We are excited to invite your senior and your family to be part of the KCHC Senior Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 2nd and participate in our meaningful and memorable senior year and personalized graduation ceremony!  (See note below)

Graduating seniors, who choose to be part of our KCHC Graduation Ceremony, will:

• Participate in fun social events with fellow homeschool graduates
• Participate in monthly social activities for the senior class 
• Help plan fundraising dances hosted by senior class 
• Work with fellow classmates to help with planning aspects of the graduation ceremony
• Possible participation in the graduation ceremony (speech or performance)
• Receive a cap, gown, tassel, stole and diploma bearing your family's homeschool name
• Walk across the stage and receive their diploma—personally presented by you, their parent(s) or guardian(s), while your senior's bio & personal photos are shown

It’s a celebration of hard work, growth, and achievement—designed especially for homeschool families.

(New for 2026: Cap & Gown ONLY package If your student has no desire for the public ceremony and senior class experience, please read this option in our FAQ's and then, KCHC members may visit this option without signing up on our calendar for the event listed on May 2nd, 2026.

Please note: Due to our venue change, we will have to limit additional guests to approx 15 seats. However, not every grad will use all their seats, and we should have some additional seating. That availability will be prioritized to our larger immediate families. We are limiting our ceremony to 45 graduates to accommodate this change and to keep our ceremony personal. We will also have the ceremony livestreamed and saved as a video for those not able to attend or out of state. 

What are the requirements to be a part of the KCHC Graduation class? 

 Eligibility Requirements for KCHC Graduation Package

To participate in the KCHC Graduation Ceremony (to walk the stage), the following conditions must be met:

1. KCHC Membership
   Families must be current members in good standing with Kansas City Homeschool Connection (KCHC) and must have *homeschooled for at least one full academic year prior to the senior year. (*See definition of homeschooling below) Dual enrollment with community college does qualify as homeschool.

2. Christian Environment
   While the ceremony is open to all KCHC members, please note that the majority of participants hold a Christian worldview, which will be reflected throughout senior class activities and the graduation ceremony. We ask that both parents and students demonstrate Christ-like behavior in all interactions with one another.

3. Class Meetings
   Starting in August, senior class meetings will be held once a month. It’s really important that you and your student attend most meetings. A lot of information and class deadlines are communicated at the nine class meetings. Location: The Gathering Baptist Church (4505 S Noland Rd, Independence) Please note this is our meeting location, but KCHC is not affiliated with any particular church. 

Additional Participation Requirements

1. Meet All Deadlines
   Timely submission of:

   • Photos

   • Biographies

   • Required forms

2. Stay Connected

   • https://www.homeschool-life.com/4519/ will be the primary communication platform for all senior class updates.

   • Parents and students it is imperative you stay informed check the website and subscribe to senior class forum

3. *Definition of Homeschooling
   In accordance with MO law (RSMo. 167.012) and KCHC policy, the following do not qualify as homeschooling:

   • Virtual public or private schools

   • Online accredited programs

   • Distance learning through a school district

   • MO Scholars FPE students

If you're unsure about your homeschooling status, please contact us directly for clarification: [email protected]

 Final Notes

• No registrations accepted after November 17, 2025

• Class is limited so don’t delay

• No refunds for any payments

• Participation requires current KCHC membership and being a member in good standing

• Diploma Disclaimer:
  KCHC diplomas are a courtesy document issued by the parent(s). They are not accredited and do not verify coursework.

Please read all FAQ's regarding the Graduation Packages we offer, then KCHC members can sign up for the ceremony & pay for the graduation on our calendar under the event for May 2nd. (Login > Member Resources > Calendar)

What does it cost for the Graduation Packages? 

The KCHC Graduation is not just a "show up and walk across the stage" ceremony, therefore, our cost (although still very reasonable) starts at an early bird discount of $200 (before August 1st). The earlier you sign up, the more you save! 

 Graduation Fees & Deadlines - Class fees must be paid in full at time of sign up on the calendar event for May 2nd available for KCHC Members. (Login > Member Resources > Calendar)

 No registrations will be accepted after November 17!

Class payments are due in full after signing up for the calendar event for May 2nd, which you can access once you become a KCHC member. 

All payments are non-refundable due to vendor contracts.

Registration fee for KCHC Graduation Package includes:
Diploma bearing your family's homeschool name, diploma cover, cap, gown, tassel, KCHC stole, participation in the graduation ceremony as well as ability to participate in all social activities.

Additional optional items to purchase: KCHC announcements, honor cords, senior gear & others under separate purchasing opportunity

Registration fee for Cap & Gown Package includes:

Diploma bearing your family's homeschool name, diploma cover, cap, gown, tassel (no ceremony; no participation in senior class only opportunities) 

Additional optional items to purchase: honor cords, senior gear & others under separate purchasing opportunity

My senior doesn't want to walk across the stage. What options are for him/her?

  New 2026 offering !!!! CAP & GOWN ONLY PACKAGE!                  

Alternative Graduation Option for KCHC Members

This $100 option is available to KCHC seniors who do not wish to participate in the formal graduation ceremony, including walking the stage and other senior related graduation & social activities. Students who choose this option will still receive:

• A diploma bearing your family's homeschool name & diploma cover
• A cap and gown package for personal photos (cap, gown, and tassel)
• Optional additional purchases: honor cords & senior gear under separate purchasing opportunity. (KCHC Graduation Announcements are not available for this option.)

KCHC members, please go to our calendar and sign up for this event  (Member Resources > Calendar) 

Please note:
Families selecting this option will NOT be permitted to attend monthly KCHC senior class meetings or participate in senior class–only social events. There will be events open to all seniors/teens in the future. This option has an expected pickup date prior to May 1st, 2026. Cannot be changed over to the full graduation package once chosen. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

Must be a KCHC member in good standing

Must make payment in full by the due date in November

Where are the majority of your gatherings?

Most of our current members are on the eastern side of Kansas City as well as northern Cass County. However, our members schedule field trips & activities throughout the KC Metro area in both Missouri and Kansas. Our MNO's and meet-ups are usually in Lee's Summit, Independence, Blue Springs, or sometimes, Harrisonville. We are excited to continue welcoming new members by broadening our reach! 

Regarding our senior graduation, for these last two years, our senior monthly meetings, senior dances and graduation ceremony have been in Independence & Lees Summit with our graduation ceremony was in Liberty.

Who organizes the field trips and activities? 

We are a volunteer homeschool support group, so we do rely on our members to both serve and be served in some capacity. "Many hands make light work." Most importantly, when we serve others, we get to know them better and start to build community for our children and ourselves. 

Honestly, we expect every family to use their unique talents and gifts within our group, if at all possible. We hope each family could plan a field trip or get together at least once in a calendar year, participate in some of our meetings/MNO's, volunteer to be on a committee, chaperone at our senior dances, etc. We also have "behind the scenes" & "at home" opportunities to serve including working on our website, praying for & reaching out to other members via email, attending zoom meetings, helping when needed at a facility to set up or tear down, etc.  If you don't want to post the field trip, but want to be the person in charge at the field trip (the field trip coordinator), we can help you. If you want to post field trips, but not be the one to attend, we'll show you how to do that! 

Who can attend what it is listed on the calendar?

If you aren't a member and are seeing an activity on the calendar, that means it is open to the public and you are welcome to join us!

Please read the activity description to determine who can attend. We attempt to arrange activities based on the approximate age/grade it is most heavily designed for (the target age). We have sub groups of K-3rd, Tweens (4-8th) and Teens (high school, 14-18yrs) for this reason, understanding that other siblings may need to attend. Parents are to be mindful of their own children at all events. Moms Night Outs, Breakfasts, meetings, etc. are almost always intended to be child-free, but nursing parents are always welcome. You can email the event coordinator with a question regarding a specific event.

*Our teen dances and prom have strict age restrictions designated, advertised and enforced.

Regarding adult chaperones at our dances:  In accordance with the sexual misconduct policies of KCHC, all adults who will have contact with minors when not in the presence of their parent will receive a criminal background check, at the expense of the organization. Therefore, adults who are not listed as "chaperones" cannot attend dances or prom. 

I'm brand new to homeschooling...Help!

Congratulations for considering this as an option for your children! Visit these sites' "Getting Started" links first to start to understand the process:

Missouri Homeschool Alliance (MHA) and watch their YouTube Playlist: Homeschool Bootcamp

Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and their legal summary

Families for Home Education (FHE)