Graduation and Promotions

Graduation and Promotions

Congratulations to the Classes of 2025, 2029, and 2032! Please read below for information on this year's commencement and promotion celebrations.

General Information

All Ceremonies Will:

Take place on the Upper School Athletic Field
Begin at 10:00 am (all ceremonies last approximately 1.5 to 1.75 hours)
Open parking lots at 8:00 am (see below for more information)
Be open for guest seating at 9:00 am
Include six field seats per family for 8th and 12th grade ceremonies (There is no limit for the 5th grade promotion). Overflow seating is available on the bleachers at the back of the audience area. Please note: tickets in any form are NOT required for admission
Be followed by a refreshment reception on the Upper School (US) patio

Photos:

Photos of students on stage as they receive their certificate or diploma will be taken by Roots & Shoots. Instructions on how to order prints will be shared with families in late June.

Please note that the 12th grade graduation ceremony will not be livestreamed this year.

Parking, Valet, and Special Assistance:

Self-parking will be available in Head-Royce Lot F, the Greek Orthodox Church parking structure, and the Mormon Temple's Head-Royce pick-up overflow lot on a first come first serve basis. Parking lots will open at 8:00 am.
Valet parking will also be offered at Middle and Upper School ceremonies starting at 8:30 am. There is no valet for the 5th grade ceremony.
Those needing extra assistance to get to the ceremony location on the field are advised to park in Lot F. A golf cart will be available to take those who are unable to walk the distance from Lot F to the athletic field on their own (approximately 100 yds with a slight slope); advanced reservations are required. Please complete this form to request an accessible parking space and pass. Passes will be emailed 48 hours before the respective ceremony.

Guidelines for Events on the Athletic Field:

No food or beverages are allowed on the turf besides water in a non-glass container.
Shoes with "pointy" heels that can sink into the turf are highly discouraged.
The turf surface can heat up on sunny days so please prepare accordingly. Consider bringing: water (in a non-glass container), sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, etc.
ADA-accessible portable restrooms will be located at field level. Additional restrooms are located in the gym and adjacent to the amphitheater—access to these restrooms requires walking on stairs or an inclined path.

Fifth Grade Details

Fifth Grade Details

Student Arrival Time: Please make sure that your 5th grade student is dropped off at 9:00 am by the US Tennis Courts on June 5 as class photos will be taken before the ceremony.
Final Rehearsals: June 4, 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Students—especially those planning to wear shoes with a higher heel—should attend rehearsal(s) in footwear similar to their planned ceremony attire.
Student Attire for Ceremonies: Fifth grade students are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for dinner at a nice restaurant or special family gathering—no ripped clothing or sweatpants. There is no need to purchase a new outfit and borrowed clothing is encouraged.
Printed Program: There will be a printed program, designed by a member or all members of the 5th grade class.

Eighth Grade Details

Eighth Grade Details

Student Arrival Time: Please make sure that your 8th grade student is dropped off at 9:00 am by the US Amphitheater on June 6 as class photos will be taken before the ceremony.
Final Rehearsals: June 5, 12:00 – 3:00 pm (pizza party from 12:00 – 1:00 pm). Students—especially those planning to wear shoes with a higher heel—should attend rehearsal(s) in footwear similar to their planned ceremony attire.
Student Attire for Ceremonies: Eighth grade students are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for dinner at a nice restaurant—nice pants, dresses, skirts, tops, blazers, jackets, and ties are often the norm. There is no need to purchase a new outfit and borrowed clothing is encouraged. An additional layer for the early morning air is recommended. Denim is not permitted.
Printed Program: There will be a printed program, designed by an 8th grader (chosen by peers).

Twelfth Grade Details

Twelfth Grade Details

Student Arrival Time: Please make sure that your 12th grade student is dropped off at 8:30 am by the US Amphitheater on June 7 as class photos will be taken before the ceremony.
Final Rehearsals: June 6, 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Students—especially those planning to wear shoes with a higher heel—should attend rehearsal(s) in footwear similar to their planned ceremony attire.
Student Attire for Ceremonies: Seniors will be in caps and gowns with stoles and tassels (ordered through Natalie Tieng, Upper School Division Coordinator).
Graduation Announcements: Each graduate will receive six announcements. A limited number of additional announcements can be requested by contacting Natalie Tieng in the US office. Look for more information about announcements from the US Office in April.
Caps and Gowns may be picked up by the students in May. Students should take care not to lose these items before the ceremony as extras will not be available in advance of or on graduation day. Students will return their gowns after the ceremony on June 7, so if alterations are needed, please do not make them permanent. Stoles, leis, caps, and tassels do not need to be returned
Leis: If you ordered a ribbon lei (fundraiser for senior grad night), they can be picked up at the same time as the student's cap and gown in the US. If you have any questions about the leis, please contact the senior class grade-level coordinators, Claudia Cave and Anlie Reichel.
Photo Opportunity: Our resident professional photographer, alumnus, and Associate Athletic Director, Stephen Flynn ’02, will be on hand to take family photos of our graduates and their families on June 7. There will be no sitting fee, and the photos will be available for you to download at no cost. Please note: This is an opportunity for family portraits only—not for groups of students or individual shots. To ensure as many families as are interested can participate, please be aware that we will only be able to accommodate one sitting configuration per family (i.e., this is not a chance to take multiple pictures with different family members). No reservation is needed and we will do our best to facilitate photos for as many families as are interested. Signage will indicate the location on the day.

This web page will continue to be updated as new information is added (last updated 4/1/25).

Questions? Please email graduation@headroyce.org