For 20 years, HSLDA has been privileged to offer literary and visual arts contests for homeschooled students.   

As of August 2023, we are retiring our contests. The creative talent of thousands of young homeschoolers has been truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have supported such a vibrant community of young innovators. We hope each student who participated will continue to nurture their creativity and explore opportunities for growth in the arts.  

HSLDA remains committed to advancing homeschool freedom so that talented students like these can pursue excellence in their areas of giftedness and calling.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at contests@hslda.org

Poetry Contest

The poetry contest was for students who enjoy writing in a rhythmic, structured way. Past contests have challenged participants to write haikus, poems based on well-known poems, humorous retellings of famous nursery rhymes, etc.

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Video Contest

The video contest was for students who enjoy visual storytelling.

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Photo Contest

The photo contest was for students who enjoy visual arts and taking snapshots of life around them. Past contests have challenged participants to take photos based on descriptive words, phrases, etc.

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Short Story Contest

The short story contest was for students who enjoy narrative writing.

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Art Contest

The art contest was for students who enjoy using wet and dry art mediums. Past contests have challenged participants to create artwork based on elements found in notable works from past eras of art (impressionism, romanticism, etc.).

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Essay Contest

The essay contest was for students who enjoy persuasive and informative writing. Past contests have challenged participants to respond to events like the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining what invention would be useful during such a time, or to select and explain their choice of an historic event they wished to have observed, etc.

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All contest profits went to HSLDA Compassion to provide low-income homeschooling families with access to educational and legal resources to help them continue homeschooling.

Please contact us at contests@hslda.org with any questions.