Class of 2026 Information
Highland Park High School Graduation 2026
Attachments:
Gentile Arena Drop off and Parking Map
Dear Highland Park High School Seniors and Families,
With just two weeks until graduation, we want to make sure you have all of the necessary information to make the experience as smooth as possible.
As always, detailed information about the commencement ceremony and the Class of 2026 can also be found on our Graduation webpage.
This letter contains the general information previously shared, specific information about parking, seating, and departure after the ceremony.
Graduation 2026 Ceremony Details
- Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Time: Ceremony begins promptly at 5:00 p.m. (approximately 90 minutes)
- Location: Loyola University Chicago, Joseph J. Gentile Arena (“The Joe”), 6525 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
Tickets and Seating
Each graduate will receive seven tickets for family and guests. Graduates will receive their tickets during rehearsal (see details below). Graduates themselves do not need a ticket.
All seating is general admission. Tickets do not correspond to specific seats. The Loyola Arena will open at 3:30 p.m. to allow for family and guests to secure their seats. Unless you have already requested ADA accessible seating, all attendees will sit in the bowl of the arena. Only graduates and those with accessible seating will be admitted to the floor of the arena.
Upon entering the concourse of the arena, there will be multiple access points to the seating areas. District 113 staff will be on hand to guide attendees to the various access points to avoid backups and overcrowding in any given area. It is very important that all attendees are in the arena and seated by 5:00 PM so that the ceremony can start on time.
Please review the attached arena map prior to the ceremony so that you are familiar with the layout.
Transportation and Parking
Families and guests with a valid admission ticket may drive or take district-provided transportation to the ceremony (if previously requested).
- District Transportation to and from Ceremony:
For those who requested District Transportation, buses depart from the Highland Park High School’s main parking lot at 3:00 p.m. You will also be receiving a separate email confirming your request to utilize District Transportation. The separate message will also include details on where and when to meet the bus after the ceremony. - Parking on site at Loyola:
Each graduate will receive two parking passes at graduation rehearsal unless they opted for district transportation. The pass will need to be displayed prominently on the dashboard of the vehicle that is planning on parking in the garage. District 113 Security staff will be present at the entry to the parking garages to verify passes. The attached parking map provides more specific information about arriving at each parking garage. Parking for school families will be available in two garages located near the arena:
- 1110 W. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (Main Parking Garage)
- 6461 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago (Fordham Parking Garage)
IMPORTANT: Only vehicles displaying the school provided parking pass will be allowed to park in these garages. Vehicles attempting to park in the garages without a pass will be turned away. There is no option to pay for extra parking in these garages on the day of the ceremony.
Accessibility Accommodations
We want all guests to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
- Accessible Parking: ADA-accessible parking is available in the Main Parking Garage on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible Seating: ADA-accessible seating will be located on the floor level of the Gentile Arena. Those who requested accessible seating will receive a separate message that will provide the documentation needed to access the seating area on the day of the ceremony. Due to space limitations, one companion may accompany the guest in the accessible seating area.
Graduate Information
Graduation Rehearsal (required):
Graduates will attend rehearsal at Highland Park High School on the morning of their ceremony, Thursday, May 21, beginning at 8:40 a.m. The rehearsal will last approximately two and a half hours.
During rehearsal, graduates will:
- Learn where to line up, cross the stage, and exit after the ceremony.
- Practice receiving their diploma cover.
- Collect guest tickets and parking passes.
- Learn of student honors (Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Scholars).
Graduation Ceremony
Graduates must be inside the Loyola University Arena by 4:15 p.m., dressed in their cap and gown, finding their spot in line with their homeroom. Graduates will be ready to march into the arena with their homeroom by 4:45 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 5:00 p.m. sharp.
After the Ceremony
Please anticipate and plan accordingly for congestion and crowds when leaving the arena and parking garages.
Once the students exit the arena, they first must retrieve their diplomas in the general staging area (they only receive their diploma cover when they cross the stage during the ceremony). Only students will be allowed in this area. After the graduates receive their diplomas, they are free to exit the arena to reunite with their families and friends.
It is recommended that you pre-determine a spot to meet outside of the arena after the conclusion of the ceremony to ensure a smooth and easy transition to your post-ceremony activities. All graduates and attendees must have exited the Gentile Arena approximately one hour after the ceremony ends. However, cars can stay in the parking garages for more time if needed.