School District U-46 high school graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the NOW Arena, located at 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, will start according to the following schedule:

• Elgin High School: 8 a.m.
• Bartlett High School: 11 a.m.
• Larkin High School: 2 p.m.
• Streamwood High School: 5 p.m.
• South Elgin High School: 8 p.m.

NEW this year! All guests of graduates, including children 2 years and older, will be required to have a ticket to enter a graduation ceremony at the NOW Arena. Each graduate student will receive 10 tickets at or prior to graduation rehearsal. The high schools will communicate detailed instructions regarding graduation tickets and the distribution process, which will include how to obtain additional tickets, if needed.  Our goal is to ensure that all families and supporters can participate in this special occasion.  Our intent is not to limit the number of attendees.    

IMPORTANT NOTE: The names of graduates are not called in alphabetical order.  Students walk across the stage in random order. Graduates with last names from A to L sit at the left side (facing the stage) of the arena and graduates with last names from M to Z sit at the right side (facing the stage) of the arena. Upon hearing their name called, each graduate will walk across the stage, and shake their school’s administrator’s hand before receiving their diploma cover from one of our Board Members. 

U-46 Graduation Parking Lot Map  

*The live stream of the ceremonies will be available on this page. 

Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony Information

• Full 2025 NOW Arena Graduation Guide 
• Graduates, families, and guests should arrive 45 minutes prior to their graduation ceremony. To reduce parking and traffic problems, we ask that students and families ride together in the fewest possible number of vehicles.
• U-46 Graduation Parking Lot Map  

Graduates

• Graduates should enter through Door 11 upon arrival.
• Graduates must wear their gowns into the NOW Arena but are asked to have their gowns unzipped to expedite the screening process.
• Graduates should leave any additional belongings (handbags, etc.) at home or in their car.
• NOW Arena security staff will require all graduates to walk through metal detectors while entering the student entrance location.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The names of graduates are not called in alphabetical order. Students walk across the stage in random order. Graduates with last names from A to L sit at the left side (facing the stage) of the arena and graduates with last names from M to Z sit at the right side (facing the stage) of the arena. Upon hearing their name called, each graduate will walk across the stage, and shake their school’s administrator’s hand before receiving their diploma cover from one of our Board Members. We ask parents/guardians to please speak with their graduates about proper behavior while walking across the stage. After receiving their diploma, students should exit the stage calmly and confidently, making space for the next graduate. Once a student exits the stage, they will have an opportunity to pose for a professional photograph with their diploma.

Students should refrain from doing flips, inappropriate gestures, a dance, or other celebratory moves that may compromise student safety, may be viewed as disrespectful, cause distraction, or disrupt the flow of the ceremony. Remember, graduation day is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and showing respect during this momentous occasion allows everyone to enjoy and celebrate their special moment.

Guests

• All guests must enter at the arena’s main entrance.
• NEW this year! All guests of graduates, including 2 years and above, will be required to have a ticket to enter a graduation ceremony at the NOW Arena. Extra tickets can be requested at the school's main office. Please contact your school for more details. 
• NOW Arena security will also be conducting bag searches and using hand-held metal detector wands to check guests.
• Balloons, large bags, and backpacks are not allowed in the NOW Arena.
• Additional items not allowed include outside food or beverages, balloons, whistles, air horns, noisemakers, backpacks, large bags, or weapons. Please refer to the 2025 NOW Arena Graduation Guide for a complete list. 

Accessibility 

There will be seats available for guests who require ADA accommodation. Guests must bring their own wheelchair, as none will be available at the NOW Arena.

Departure

After the ceremony, graduates will exit the arena through Door 4 and can meet up with guests in the closed section of Hoffman Boulevard. All guests must exit through the Main Entrance.