Graduation Information
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General Information (updated 10/6/25)
The Buffalo Grove High School Commencement Ceremony will be held at the NOW Arena (5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192) on Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 pm. Doors to the arena open at 6:00 pm. All graduates should report to Door #11 (rear of building) no later than 6:15 pm.
Graduation rehearsal time and date is TBD as of 10/25. All students must attend rehearsal. Honors regalia (if applicable), medical records, and the senior graduation folder 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 19th, 2025
There will be a mandatory informational Senior Graduation meeting held on Wednesday, November 19th 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.
Cap and Gown
Senior cap and gown (and diploma) were paid for as part of your senior registration fees. No additional payment is required. Caps and gowns will be delivered to students on April 22, 2026.
Graduation Tickets
Tickets are not required to attend graduation.
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-size, 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?
No tickets are required to attend the graduation ceremony at the NOW Arena.
When do the doors open on May 28th?
Doors to the NOW Arena open at 6:00 pm. All graduates and spectators will pass through metal detectors. Graduates should have their gowns unzipped during the security screening. All spectators entering the Arena will go through both a security screening and a bag check. Spectators will enter through Door #1. Graduates will enter through Door #11 in the back of the building.
Can we bring balloons?
No balloons are allowed in the arena during the ceremony. Please keep them in your car for after the ceremony.
Where is parking? Is there handicap parking?
There is plenty of parking available at the NOW Arena. Attendants will be on duty to assist with parking. Handicapped parking will be located near the main entrance (Door #1). Only vehicles with an official handicapped tag will be permitted to park in this area.
Is handicapped seating available at the NOW Arena?
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 available for live viewing on May 28th. Information regarding video will be communicated closer to the ceremony.
How long does the ceremony last?
The ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Is there a dress code for the graduates?
Yes, see student dress guidelines listed above.
Is there a formal reception in the school after the ceremony?
No, families typically have preferred private family ceremonies off site. Students will exit the NOW Arena through Door #4.
What time should graduates be at the NOW Arena for the graduation ceremony on Wednesday 5/28/26?
Graduates must be at the NOW Arena for the ceremony no later than 6:15 p.m. (enter at Door #11).
When do graduates get their cap and gown?
Caps and Gowns will be distributed in the cafeteria on April 22, 2026, during all lunch hours. Students with financial obligations will not receive their cap and gown until all fees/obligations are paid in full.
