Essential Church School

Sleeping Beauty
2026-03-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | BJCC Concert Hall, 2100 Richard Arrington Blvd N, Birmingham, AL, 35203, United States
Step into a world of enchantment, romance, and timeless charm with this beloved fairytale ballet accompanied by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
No children under the age of 4 will be allowed to attend.
Homeschool groups may have no more than one chaperone per student.
Tickets are not distributed for this performance – you must enter with our group.
Secure your admissions by Feb 1st. Be sure to include your Essential family discount code located on your Member Page!
RESERVE YOUR ADMISSIONS

TEEN - Volunteer with Grace Klein
2026-03-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Liberty Church, 2732 Old Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham, 35216, United States
***This group is exclusively for high schoolers- must be at least 14 and in 9th grade by Sept. 1st.***
Let’s volunteer with Grace Klein! They are in the works to set up a project for us. TBA on exact project.
I will update as soon as I hear back!
3H GroupMe
Click here to join: https://groupme.com/join_group/95267939/8h2uLyYR

Much Ado About Nothing
2026-03-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, 36117, United States
We have group admissions for this performance of Shakespeare’s play.
A sparkling comedy where hearts are won, masks are dropped, and love triumphs — though not without a fight
The war is over, but the real battle is just beginning in this whimsical comedy. With wit as their weapon of choice, Beatrice and Benedick spar with relentless charm, unaware that love is quietly taking aim. Friends plot to bring them together, secrets threaten to tear others apart, and Shakespeare’s surprisingly modern romantic comedy delivers a whirlwind of romance, deception, and laugh-out-loud mischief.
Reserve Now
Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Plan to arrive by 9:30am for entry with our group, and we encourage you to make time to join us for lunch afterwards!
COST:
$19/student
$24/adult
If you prefer to pay by cash/check, please contact the Essential office directly.

Navigating High School
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
We are offering an online workshop focusing on the high school journey. This is only open to Essential families, because we will be discussing procedures specific to Essential enrollment and Essential’s diploma requirements. Best for families with students in grades 8-12.
Registration is required. Use the button below to reserve your spot!
The virtual link gives you access to the Microsoft Teams meeting. Microsoft Teams is available as a free app, and you can also access it through Google Chrome as a weblink. Plan to log onto the meeting about 5 minutes before the workshop begins. We won’t be able to help with log on issues during the workshop. This link will NOT work on Apple’s Safari web browser.
REGISTER TO ATTEND

BHC Easter Park Day 2026
2026-04-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Cahaba Lily Park, 3200 County Road 52, Helena, AL, 35080, United States
Join us for an Easter egg hunt and community park day! Teens and dads are invited to “hide” the eggs for us, and we divide the park up for age appropriate hunts.
All participants are encouraged to bring a few eggs to share, and don’t forget a container for collecting eggs!
SCHEDULE
130 – Teens/Dads hide eggs
200 – each area (grades PreK-K, 1-3, and 4+) lines up to begin their respective hunts
230 – students search their eggs for prizes, and any unwanted eggs are collected for the next year’s event
We do suggest that you talk with your students about prizes before attending. Let them know that we celebrate with those who find the special eggs, and we are willing to share with those who may not have been as fortunate.
If this is a rainy day, we will still gather under the main pavilion at the park for a modified activity and time together.
FREE EVENT

Starry Night Homeschool Prom
2026-04-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Mt Olive Community Center, 2684 Mount Olive Road, Mount Olive, 35117, United States
Sign up here: https://www.jotform.com/form/260648621753158

Homeschool Alabama Capitol Day
2026-04-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Montgomery, AL, Montgomery, AL, United States
Registration Now Open! Don’t miss out on this special day of learning and connection.
REGISTER NOW

LB Studio Spring Portraits
2026-04-09 | LB Studios, 8141 Parkway Drive, Leeds, 35071, United States
April 9, 14, & 15th by appointment only.
Parents can schedule a time at this link: https://lbstudiosphoto.client.photos/book/homeschoolspring
Starting at only $30 + $10 for each additional child.

TEEN - SoCal Smoothie
2026-04-16 12:30 - 14:00 | SoCal Smoothie Co., 270 Doug Baker Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35242, United States
Let’s meet at SoCal Smoothie Co. in Lee Branch! They have lots of smoothies, drinks, and bowls to choose from!
Grab your treat and then we’ll hang out on the turf area right next to SoCal.
This is a family event, so feel free to bring siblings!
3H GroupMe
Click here to join: https://groupme.com/join_group/95267939/8h2uLyYR

Faulkner University Homeschool College Day
2026-04-17 09:00 - 14:00 | Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, 36109, United States
REGISTER TO ATTEND

Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE!
2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:30 | BCT Mainstage Theatre, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, 35203, United States
Get ready to rock your way through grammar, math, science, and history in this high-energy musical based on the beloved educational TV series! Schoolhouse Rock Live! follows Tom, a nervous schoolteacher on the eve of his first day, who finds unexpected inspiration when characters representing different parts of his personality spring to life from his TV. Together, they teach him how to engage his students through imagination and music with unforgettable songs like “Conjunction Junction,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly,” and “I’m Just a Bill.” A fun, nostalgic adventure for audiences of all ages!
Reserve your admissions by April 1st! Essential families should use the discount code found on your Member Page.
RESERVE ADMISSIONS NOW

Legacy Girls Volleyball Evaluations
2026-05-05 16:00 - 18:00 | Gardendale Civic Center, 857 Main Street, Gardendale, AL, 35071, United States

Alabama Homeschool Prom (Official)
2026-05-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Bridge Street Gallery and Loft, 213 Richard Arrington Blvd S, Birmingham, 35233, United States
This is an event that has been offered to the homeschool community for the past 25 years. There is another prom using the same title, but it is not run by the same person.

Cost: $70 per person (pay at the door), cash or check (if check make out to BridgeStreet)

Please note we have changed our location this year to Bridge Street, new location but same event owner. Help me spread the word to help the homeschooling community find our prom. Thanks so much for your continued support.

Open to any Homeschooler 9th grade and up, and a date, the date does not have to be homeschooled. Many kids come in groups that is fine as well.

Dress: Semi-Formal Boys need a suit or sport coat, Many girls will be in a prom-type dress.Note: I trust the parents on the dress, if the parents are ok with the dress I think I can be ok with the dress as well.

Snacks and drinks provided, NOT DINNER.

This event location is very safe with one door in and out. There is ample street parking at this time of day, or parents can drop off and pick up at the door of course.

NOTE: Students are NOT allowed to leave the venue and come back in. We have paid guards in uniform from the Sheriff’s Dept as well. Any parent that feels they simply must come with their child must pay to get in and be dressed for the dance.

We do allow parents to come in about 15 min before the dance to take photos and stay about 15 min after the dance begins, then we ask them to leave if they did not pay to stay…

Feel free to invite any other homeschool kids you know of. Getting the word out is the hardest part of the whole thing really!

CSI/Mock Trial Clinic
2026-05-13 08:45 - 2026-05-15 14:00 | Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, 36109, United States
MORE INFO

TEEN - Creams & Cones
2026-05-14 12:30 - 14:00 | Creams & Cones, 2152 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, 35124, United States
***This group is exclusively for high schoolers- must be at least 14 and in 9th grade by Sept. 1st.***
Last event of the year! Come celebrate with some ice cream! There are also tons of games here available to play.
*Parents are welcome to stay and hang too, or if you have younger kiddos to tend to, you can drop off teen.
3H GroupMe
Click here to join: https://groupme.com/join_group/95267939/8h2uLyYR

Kindergarten Graduation 2026
2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Church of the Highlands | Greystone Campus, 1701 Lee Branch Lane, Birmingham, AL, 35242, United States
This special day typically includes a slideshow of our graduates, a personal recognition by parents, opportunities to share accomplishments through presentations and table displays, and a special cake reception for family and friends.
Essential families with enrolled kindergarten students should check their Member Page for the Kindergarten Graduation link in order to secure a discount code.
Essential Church School offers this special ceremony for the general homeschool community.
For your graduate to participate,
NEEDED BY APRIL 1
Order any needed caps/gowns/tassels by April 1st. We encourage all graduates to have a cap and tassel. Our group order helps keep cost low.

ORDER NOW

NEEDED BY MAY 1

Pay the graduation fee and let us know graduate’s full name for diploma and preferred name for cake. Space is limited.
Email 3 pictures of your graduate to us by May 1st. Make sure you include at least 1 baby photo. Email to info (at) essentialchurchschool.org
Invite family and friends to join us for this special day!

FAQS
What does the graduation fee cover? Event space coordination, personalized cake reception, graduate gift, and printing costs.
What do graduates usually wear? Most graduates wear “church” clothes with a cap, gown, and tassel. We encourage all graduates to have at least a cap/tassel.
What do parents normally say at presentation of diploma? We have parents come up with their graduate to present the diploma. Most parents share about the things that make them proud of their graduate, but often it is a simple handoff and hug. Please plan to keep your presentation to 3-5 minutes.
DO NOT CONTACT the church for information about the graduation. They are only providing our event space. They are not handling ANY of the graduation details or group arrangements. All questions should be directed to Essential Church School.

ABOUT THE DAY
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up your displays. In the past, parents have used presentation boards to display their graduate’s accomplishments with photos and examples of work from the school year. Each graduate will receive about 2 feet of table space. Space will be marked on the tables when you arrive.
***Please note that helium balloons are not allowed.***

Are you enrolled with Essential Church School? Please visit the school website for kindergarten graduation registration information before completing forms. Essential members get a discounted rate.
$30 / Graduate Registration (Family/Friends attend for FREE)

High School Graduation Ceremony
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Church of the Highlands | Fultondale Campus, 3250 Lowery Pkwy, Fultondale, AL, 35068, United States
We look forward to a special, formal evening celebrating our high school graduates.
Graduates and their parents should use Graduation Information link on the Member Page to register for participation and admissions.
Admissions for friends and extended family are required for attendance. Please secure your attendance admission BEFORE May 15th. Admissions may be offered after this date, but they will reflect additional fees for adjustment charges. The admission ticket allows us to plan for attendance, cover photography, audio/visual, and cleaning services, and provide security/insurance for the venue.
Each attendee is assigned to a reserved seating area with their graduate. You can let us know if you prefer to sit in a general seating area.
Scroll down to see the order form. Be careful entering your email address and selecting appropriate tickets. All payments are nonrefundable. You will receive a confirmation email. Please forward this confirmation to any guests for whom you are purchasing tickets, so they can show as needed for entry. (The tickets do not have to be printed. Viewing on a phone will be acceptable.)
If you have any questions or issues with ticket purchase, please use the Contact Us tab above to send us a quick message.
Small children ages 5 and under only require a ticket if they need their own seat. ***Please note that this event can be long for young children. Consider having some quiet activities for them while sitting in the auditorium, or have them stay with a sitter for the evening.***

Grades 3-8 Testing
2026-05-28 08:00 - 2026-05-29 17:00 | Essential Church School Offices, 4000 Eagle Point Corporate Drive, Birmingham, AL, 35242, United States
REGISTER NOW
Register your grade 3-8 student for 2026 Achievement Testing 📝 Testing offers insight for you as a parent, and it can also give clarity for a student’s current academic standing.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 2-day testing process. Your student will be required to attend BOTH testing days.
Please complete the form below to reserve your student’s participation before April 15th.
Essential families receive a significant discount on the test administration.
Please check out our resource page at https://essentialchurchschool.org/resources/testing for other at-home testing options.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE TEST:
We are offering the Iowa Assessments Form E, which is the most up-to-date test available to our school. This test assesses a broad array of skills in these areas: • Vocabulary • Reading Comprehension • Language (Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Usage and Expression) • Math (Concepts and Estimation, Problem Solving and Data Interpretation, Computation) • Social Studies • Science • Sources of Information (Maps and Diagrams, Reference Materials). Students mark answers on a bubble sheet. Each section is timed. Test results are thorough and highlight strengths and weaknesses.
TEST PREP:
You can purchase and have your student go through a practice test. Amazon.com offers several test prep books, and Essential families should also explore our school library for resources.
LOCATION:
Essential Office Building at 4000 Eagle Point Corporate Drive
Park up and behind office building, and enter through back double door entrance.

State Homeschool Conference
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-13 | Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, 36109, United States
Join homeschool families around the state for this special weekend. Homeschool Alabama is offering a small and intimate time for inspiration, encouragement, and direction in the new school year.
Something for families in all stages of homeschooling: beginners, committed, and veterans.
Watch their social media for more details about the weekend, but you will not regret taking this time to be refueled with resource and courage for the homeschool journey.
