We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024’s graduation on June 7, 2024.

This page will serve as the school’s primary information resource on all things related to Commencement and the celebratory events leading up to it.

Please check back often to check for updates. Unless otherwise noted below, questions may be directed to commencement@polytechnic.org.


Important Information

Family Seating

This year’s ceremony will take place under the traditional Commencement tent on Babcock Field. Each graduate will be able to reserve up to six adjoining seats in the Reserved 1 seating area closest to the stage. Graduates with more than six guests will be able to reserve up to six additional seats in the Reserved 2 seating area, directly behind the Reserved 1 section (a total of twelve seats per student). These reservations must be made no later than Friday, May 10, by filling out our Commencement Seating Request Form. From all received RSVP’s, seating assignments will be made via random drawing during the week of May 13.

For two-household families that require separate sets of seats, we will accommodate both sets in the reserved areas closer to the stage. Please specify this directly on your form.

We can also accommodate guests requesting wheelchair access with advanced notice, as specified on the form. 

Additional seating will be available in the General area behind both sections. That additional seating will remain unassigned and can be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis on the afternoon of Commencement.

Commencement Attire for the Graduates

  • Navy Commencement gown with orange and white graduation cords, provided by Polytechnic School. Commencement gowns need to be returned at the end of the ceremony. Commencement gowns should be worn over either slacks and shirt or a dress.
  • Please, no sunglasses, gum-chewing, or phones during the processional and ceremony. Flower leis may be worn following the ceremony.

 

Parking and Accessibility

Event parking will be available in the Polytechnic parking garage, which can be accessed from the west side of Wilson Avenue just south of California Boulevard. Look for the POLY EVENT PARKING sign. 

Please do not park in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. We encourage your arrival at least 30 minutes in advance of the Commencement ceremony. We also strongly encourage the use of shared ride services.

A limited number of special needs parking spaces are available. To request special needs parking and accommodations, please use our online parking request form. We ask that you kindly help us to be good neighbors by obeying all traffic laws and by not parking on the adjacent residential streets. We also ask that you share this information with family members who will be attending.

 

Diploma and Program

In the spring, all seniors will receive an email through which they can confirm the spelling and pronunciation of their names to be used for all Commencement-related materials and activities, including their diploma and the printed event program. We encourage parents and caregivers to discuss their preferences directly with their graduating seniors. Families can confirm the name the school has on file by contacting Ryder Livingston at the Upper School office.



Commencement Invitations

Two free invitations will be distributed to each student in the spring. Families can request additional invitations by contacting Ryder Livingston. Additional invitations will be available for pickup at the Upper School office.

 

Commencement Photography and Video

To allow families to enjoy the celebration, the Communications Department will be taking photos of Commencement, including seniors receiving their diplomas, and will make them available on the photo archive on Vidigami. In addition, Poly will live stream Commencement and provide a link to graduates to share with families not able to attend the event.

More info will be shared in the coming months.

Important Dates

  • Wednesday, May 22: Senior Dinner at the Bracker/Countryman Residence at 5 p.m.

  • Sunday, June 2: Senior Family Picnic and Senior Video from 5-8 p.m., Arden Lawn and Garland Auditorium

  • Tuesday, June 4:  Senior Commencement & Speech Rehearsal, Time: 11 a.m.  |  Senior Project Expo, Time: TBD

  • Wednesday, June 5: Senior Sports Awards at 5 p.m., Garland Auditorium

  • Friday, June 7: Honors Day at 9 a.m., Babcock Field

  • Friday, June 7: Commencement at 6 p.m., Babcock Field

Additional Commencement-week information will be shared with senior families as event details are confirmed. Please refer back to this webpage for the most current and available information.