SAVE THE DATE — JANUARY 30, 2027

Homeschool Open House & Spelling Bee

A casual morning to swap books, watch the bees, and meet your community

University of St. Thomas · Houston, Texas

THE CHECH CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE

A morning built for the whole family

Four threads woven through one Saturday at the University of St. Thomas.

University Day

Campus tour and high school help, run by UST.

Building the transcript, the personal essay, financial aid and scholarships.

Spelling Bee

Scripps National qualifying round for K–8, on a set schedule.

Trophies, certificates, regional advancement.

Book Swap

Bring what you've outgrown, take home what's next.

Take one, leave one. No cost, no catch.

Community Gathering

Meet local co-ops and curriculum experts, informally.

"Ask me about..." tables — find your local expert mom.

Looking for Spelling Bee details? See registration and study materials →

WHY FAMILIES COME

A morning to find your people, fill your shelves, and remember why you started.

THE CHECH OPEN HOUSE

2027 Open House

Each January, CHECH gathers Catholic homeschool families from across the greater Houston area for a relaxed morning of community and curriculum. The 2027 Open House returns to the University of St. Thomas on Saturday, January 30. There's no keynote and nothing to sign up for ahead of time — just book tables, a bee to cheer on, and other families to talk to. High schoolers and their parents can spend part of the morning with UST on transcripts, essays, and financial aid.

Members receive early registration access and discounted pricing.

Scripps Spelling Bee · Geography Bee · University Day · Book Swap · Community Gathering

Help shape the workshops

Some of the questions families send to Dear Mater, CHECH's advice column, will become workshop sessions at the 2027 conference. If something is weighing on your family this year, send it in. Every question helps us plan sessions around what families need most, and you may submit anonymously.

Submit a question

January 2026 — "Magna Conversatio": The Great Conversation: Family Life, Home Education, and God

Featuring Dr. Andrew Hayes and Katherine Leaño, with the Teen Track led by UST staff, faculty, and students. Scripps Spelling Bee and community Book Swap.

February 2025 — "An Invitation to Wonder": A Culture of Learning at Home

Speakers: Jenny Bales, Francesca Guerri, Catherine Aquila, Tricia LaRocca, Eric Mabry, and the Dads & Grads Panel.

Sponsored by The Scanlan Foundation and Catholic International University

February 2024 — "Home Education: A Timeless Approach"

The inaugural CHECH Conference. Speakers: Kimberly Hahn, Jon Kirwan, Dominic Aquila, Jenny Bales, Steffani Aquila, Arthur Ortiz, the Dad's Panel, and the Graduates Panel.