Graduation Information

  • Graduation 2025 (Updated 6/26/24)...

    General Information 

    The Buffalo Grove High School Commencement Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, at 7:00 pm. Doors to the stadium open at 6:00 pm. All graduates should report to the tennis courts no later than 6:30 pm. Parking will be challenging, so please arrive early. Graduation rehearsal will begin promptly at 8:30 am. on Wednesday, May 21st. All students must attend rehearsal. If required, tickets for the ceremony will be distributed at rehearsal provided all financial obligations have been met. Any student who does not attend rehearsal or comply with rules and regulations may be excluded from the graduation ceremony.

    Mandatory Graduation Meeting on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024

    There will be a mandatory informational Senior Graduation meeting held Wednesday, November 20th at 7:30 am.  At this time, students will order their cap and gown and decide how they want their name written on the diploma they receive in May.  You have paid for the cap and gown and diploma as part of your senior registration fees.  No additional payment will be required.  Caps and gowns will be delivered to students in April 2025.    

    Graduation Tickets 

    For an outside ceremony with no COVID restrictions, no tickets will be required.  If a scenario occurs where tickets are required, each family will receive 4 tickets.  Any family with multiple graduating students will receive multiple sets of indoor tickets.  Every person, including infants, would need a ticket to view the ceremony in the gymnasium.

    General Behavior

    All school rules and policies will be observed and enforced at commencement. This includes, but is not limited to, the defiance of authority, disruptive behavior, and the use or possession of alcohol or drugs. The possession or use of any object that would disrupt the graduation rehearsal or ceremony or cause injury to anyone will cause the student to be removed. This is for the protection and safety of everyone.

    Student Dress Guidelines

    Students must come properly dressed for the ceremony. Traditional dress for academic graduation is the cap and gown.  Please read the guidelines linked here.

    Appropriate attire under the cap and gown is required. Jeans, shorts, athletic wear, sport shoes, and rubber flip-flops are not appropriate. Personal items such as purses and cameras cannot be carried during the ceremony. Storage for these items will not be available.

    Graduation Pictures 

    For your convenience, we have made arrangements for a professional photographer to record the moment graduates are awarded their diploma. You will receive a passport-sized, full color proof in the mail approximately one week after the ceremony. There is no obligation to purchase, and you will have the option of ordering several enlargement packages at very reasonable prices. This service will enable all students to have a photograph of their graduation. Family members and friends are encouraged to remain in their seats and enjoy the ceremony. Personal picture taking can be done prior to or after the ceremony.

    FAQs

    How many graduation tickets will I get? Can I get more?

    OUTDOOR CEREMONY: No tickets required provided the state does not have COVID restrictions. 
    If the state has COVID restrictions on size of gatherings, then only 4 tickets are available per graduating student.  All spectators, including infants, must have a ticket to view graduation in the gymnasium. Tickets are distributed during graduation rehearsal on May 22nd provided the student does not have outstanding financial obligations. No additional tickets will be available. Please do not call the school asking for more.

    When do the doors open on May 21st? 

    Doors to the stadium open at 6:00 pm.

    Can we bring balloons?

    No balloons are allowed in the stadium during the ceremony. Please keep them in your car for after the ceremony.

    Where is parking? Is there handicap parking?

    Attendants will be on duty to assist with parking in the student lot.  There will be no parking in front of the building. Handicapped parking is available in the bus lanes located near the entrance to the gymnasium. Only vehicles with an official handicapped tag will be permitted to park in this area.

    Overflow parking will be provided at a location near the high school (exact location TBA).  We have NOT received permission for overflow parking at any of the strip malls near the high school. If you park there, you will be parking at your own risk and may be subject to towing. 

    Is handicapped seating on the football field available?

    There are multiple seating areas for handicapped individuals. A staff member will assist with seating. There is only enough room for one family member to sit with the handicapped individual in the designated handicapped areas.

    Can I get up and take pictures as my child walks across the stage?

    No.  Buffalo Grove High School has contracted a professional photographer to take pictures of every graduate as they walk across the stage. The company will contact every family with the opportunity to purchase copies of the photographs. Please do not stand, as this may block the view of other spectators.

    Will I be able to get a copy of the video from the ceremony?

    YES!  The entire ceremony will be taped AND will be available for live viewing on May 21st. Information regarding video will be communicated closer to the ceremony.

    How long does the ceremony last?

    The ceremony usually lasts 90 minutes.

    Is there a dress code for the graduates?

    Yes, see student dress section listed above.

    Is there a formal reception in the school after the ceremony?

    No, families typically have preferred private family ceremonies off site.

    What time do the graduates have to be at school on Wednesday the 21st? 

    Graduates must be at school by 8:30am for rehearsal and then no later than 6:30 p.m. on the tennis courts (outdoors) for the ceremony.

    Where do we get our tickets?

    If tickets are required, they will be distributed to the graduates at rehearsal on Wednesday, May 21st, provided all financial obligations have been met.

    When do graduates get their cap and gown?

    Caps and Gowns will be distributed in the cafeteria in April during all lunch hours.