Homecoming is a big deal at lots of high schools. It’s a time when students come together to celebrate school pride. There are fun events like a big football game, a dance, and dress-up days during Spirit Week. For many students, it’s one of the most exciting times of the school year!

In this blog, we’ll talk about what homecoming really is, where it came from, and how schools celebrate it today. We’ll also cover the most popular events, what the homecoming court is, and why so many students look forward to it. Let’s dive in!

What Does “Homecoming” Mean?

Homecoming is a big event that many high schools celebrate every fall. It started as a way to welcome back former students (called alumni) so they could visit their old school, see a football game, and reconnect with classmates and teachers. That’s where the name “homecoming” comes from—people are coming back home to their school.

Today, homecoming is still a time to show school spirit, but now it’s mostly for current students. Schools celebrate with fun activities like spirit week (where you dress up in silly or themed outfits), pep rallies, a big football game, and sometimes a parade. The week usually ends with a homecoming dance, where students dress up, take pictures, and have a great time with friends.

You might hear people compare homecoming to prom, but they’re actually pretty different. Homecoming is more casual and open to everyone (freshmen through seniors). Prom is usually only for juniors and seniors and is more formal. Homecoming is about celebrating your school and having fun with your classmates, whether you're playing in the band, cheering on the team, or dancing the night away.

At Career Prep we don’t have homecoming since we have smaller class sizes and a more focused approach on getting students through school as quickly as possible, but we do have some great dances we still throw! If you’re someone who likes a little dancing but mostly wants to get through high school at your own pace and quickly land a good job, we might be a great option for you. Give us a call or send us a message to learn about enrolling in our free school in Ohio! 

Key Homecoming Events

Homecoming isn’t just one event—it’s a whole week full of fun! Here are the main things most schools do to celebrate:

Key Homecoming Events

This is usually the biggest game of the season! The whole school—and even people from the community—come to cheer on the team. There's loud music, lots of spirit, and maybe even a halftime show. Whether you're on the team, in the band, or in the stands, it’s a great time to show your school pride.

Spirit Week

Each day of the week has a different theme—like Pajama Day, Twin Day, or School Colors Day. Students dress up, join in fun games or competitions, and decorate hallways or classrooms to match the theme. It’s silly, creative, and a great way to bond with classmates.

Pep Rally

This is a school-wide assembly where everyone gathers to get excited for the big game. There might be performances by the cheer team or band, fun games, and shoutouts to sports teams and students. It's all about pumping up the energy and getting everyone involved.

Homecoming Dance

At the end of the week, there’s usually a dance! It’s not as fancy as prom, but students still like to dress up and take lots of pictures. There’s music, dancing, and tons of fun. Some students go with friends, others with dates—but everyone’s welcome.

Parade or Assembly

Some schools have a parade with floats, music, and school clubs showing off their spirit. Others have a special assembly to honor athletes, crown the Homecoming King and Queen, or celebrate school traditions. It’s another fun way to come together as a school.

Homecoming week is all about having fun, showing spirit, and making memories you’ll never forget!

What’s the Homecoming Court?

The Homecoming Court is a big part of the fun during Homecoming week! It’s a group of students who are chosen to represent their school during the celebration.

The court usually includes students from each grade, but the most well-known are the Homecoming King and Queen. These are students who get crowned at the pep rally, football game, or dance. Some schools also have a Prince, Princess, and other court members.

Students are nominated by their classmates or teachers. Then, the whole school gets to vote for who they think should be on the court. The students with the most votes win! It's a fun way to get everyone involved.

Being on the Homecoming Court isn’t just about being popular. It’s really about showing school spirit, being kind, and setting a good example. Many schools pick students who are helpful, positive, and involved in school activities. The court helps bring the school together and make Homecoming week exciting for everyone.

So even if you’re not crowned King or Queen, cheering on your classmates and showing your spirit makes you a big part of the fun!

Why Do Students Love Homecoming?

Students love Homecoming because it’s a fun break from the usual school routine. It’s a time to make awesome memories with friends, dress up for Spirit Week, and dance the night away at the Homecoming dance. There’s something exciting happening almost every day, like pep rallies, games, and hallway decorating. It’s also a great chance to show school pride by wearing your school colors and cheering at the big football game. Whether you're voting for the Homecoming court, helping with decorations, or just enjoying the events, Homecoming helps everyone feel connected and proud to be part of their school.

Tips to Make the Most of Homecoming

Homecoming only happens once a year, so make the most of it! Join in on Spirit Week—even if the dress-up days seem silly. It’s all about having fun and showing school spirit. Don’t skip the football game or the dance. Even if you think it’s not your thing, you might be surprised by how much fun you’ll have with your friends. Remember, Homecoming is for everyone, so be kind and include others. You don’t have to be the most popular to have a great time. And don’t forget to take pictures! These are the moments you’ll want to look back on later.

Try Things Out and Have Fun!

Homecoming is all about having fun, spending time with friends, and showing pride in your school. Whether you dress up every day during Spirit Week or just go to the dance, there’s no “right” way to enjoy it. Some students go all out, and others keep it simple—and both are totally okay! The most important thing is to be part of the fun and feel connected to your school. If it’s your first time, don’t worry. Just try one thing—go to the game, dress up for a theme day, or help decorate. You might end up having more fun than you expected!