What is homecoming in high school?

Homecoming has different meanings depending on where you live and the high school. In some traditions, it’s a “welcome home“ celebration for school alumni shared with the rest of the school, sometimes over a week or weekend. For many high schools, it's a time-honored tradition that combines sports, school spirit, and social activities into an exciting week of festivities. But what exactly does homecoming entail? Let's dive into what makes this event unique and memorable.

The tradition of homecoming 

Homecoming typically occurs in the fall and is typically centered around a significant football game. However, homecoming is about much more than just a game. It's about celebrating school pride and bringing the community together. It typically contains these events: 

• Homecoming Week: The week leading up to the homecoming game is filled with fun activities designed to build anticipation and school spirit. This can include themed dress-up days, pep rallies, parades, and other events. Each day brings something new, keeping the excitement levels high all week long.

• The Homecoming Dance: One of the highlights of homecoming for many schools is the dance. This semi-formal event is a chance for students to dress up and celebrate school spirit with friends. It’s often held on a Saturday following a Friday night homecoming game. 

• The Homecoming Court: Schools that have a homecoming dance might also have a homecoming court. The homecoming court usually consists of students elected by their peers to represent their grade. The court might have a royal theme with kings, queens, or other royal figures (though many schools adopt a non-royal or non-gendered theme). Being selected for the court is usually considered a great honor.

• Homecoming game: The main event of homecoming week is usually the football game. Typically played on a Friday night, it brings together alumni, students, and the community to support their school and team. 

• Alumni events: Homecoming isn't just for current students – it's also a chance for alumni to come back and reconnect with their alma mater. Many high schools and colleges host alumni during Homecoming Week. 

Frequently asked questions about homecoming in high school

Q: What is homecoming in high school?

A: Homecoming is a school-spirit tradition in many American high schools that combines sports, school spirit, and social activities into a week-long celebration culminating in a football game and dance.

Q: When does homecoming usually take place?

A: Homecoming typically occurs in the fall, around the same time as football season. However, some schools may choose to hold it at a different time of year.

Q: What happens during homecoming week?

A: Homecoming week is often filled with activities like themed dress-up days, pep rallies, and parades or dances.

Q: What is the homecoming court?

A: The homecoming court is a group of students elected to represent their grade during the homecoming festivities.

Q: Who can be part of the homecoming court?

A: Typically, the homecoming court is made up of current students nominated and elected by peers.

Q: What is the homecoming dance?

A: The homecoming dance is usually a semi-formal event where students dress up, dance, and the homecoming court might be recognized.

Q: Who can attend the homecoming dance?

A: This depends on the school. In some schools, all high school students can attend the homecoming dance. Others limit invitees to upperclassmen. 

Q: Do you have to have a date for the homecoming dance?

A: Typically, homecoming dances are less formal than prom. Students can usually attend with a date or a group of friends unless the school has a specific policy.  

Q: What should I wear to the homecoming dance?

A: It really depends on the school. Traditional homecoming dances tend to be semi-formal, so a nice dress or suit is appropriate. But many schools go with themes or have more relaxed “rules” around attire.  

Q: What's the difference between homecoming and prom?

A: Homecoming takes place in the fall and is less formal than prom, which usually takes place in the spring.

Q: Why is it called "homecoming"?

A: The name comes from the tradition of welcoming back alumni to visit their old high school or college.

Q: Do all high schools have homecoming?

A: While it's a common tradition, not all high schools have homecoming.

Q: Why is homecoming important?

A: For those who celebrate, homecoming is a way to help build school spirit, bring the community together, and create memorable experiences for students.

Final thoughts

Homecoming in high school can be an exciting and beloved tradition. It's a chance for students to come together, show their school pride, get glammed up, and create lasting memories. 

Want more tips and tricks to make high school a breeze? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.