Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) celebrated the Class of 2026 with in-person graduation ceremonies held at Regency Furniture Stadium from June 2-4. CCPS once again partnered with Regency Furniture Stadium and the Charles County Government to host graduation ceremonies for over 2,000 seniors.

Inclement weather plan

Inclement weather dates that are available for use by CCPS for graduation ceremonies, if needed, are: Thursday, June 4, 5 p.m.; Friday, June 5, 9 a.m.; Friday, June 5, 1 p.m.; Friday, June 5, 5 p.m.; Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.; and Saturday, June 6, 1 p.m.

Live stream

All graduation ceremonies will stream live to the front of the school system website, ccboe.com. Ceremonies stream direct from the CCPS Vimeo and YouTube channels. The video is available to view and download.

Tickets

Each graduate will receive eight tickets to their graduation. No ticket exceptions will be made.   All guests, including babies, must have a ticket to be admitted to graduation.

Seating

Seating is first-come, first served. However, there are reserved seats for those needing an interpreter or with disabilities. CCPS provides American Sign Language interpreting at all graduations. Please contact your child’s school to make arrangements for this special seating.

Certain items not allowed

Food and drinks (including water), strollers, balloons, air horns, beach balls and other distracting items are not permitted in the stadium.

Parking

CCPS works with the Charles County Department of Emergency Services to develop parking and traffic flow plans at graduation ceremonies. Parking is available in the stadium lots and graduates will go home with their family following graduation. 

Graduate dress requirements

Graduates are required to dress in business casual attire, which includes slacks and a button-down dress shirt, and/or a dress or skirt. Because of field conditions, which may result in uneven or soft ground, graduates are required to wear casual/flat shoes only. Any type of heel can be harmful to the stadium ground covering and will not be permitted.

Graduate cap decoration

All decorated caps must be school-appropriate and staff will check caps prior to graduates marching onto the field. Schools will provide blank replacement caps if necessary.

Graduate arrival and stadium access  

Graduates should arrive at 8 a.m. for the 9 a.m. graduation ceremony, noon for the 1 p.m. ceremony and 4 p.m. for the 5 p.m. ceremony.  All graduates should be dropped off at the front entrance of St. Charles High School via Piney Church Road. Entrance to St. Charles via St. Linus Road is not permitted. Once families drop off their graduate, Charles County Sheriff’s officers will direct drivers to a parking lot — either at the school or at the stadium. Stadium doors will open for guests one hour before the ceremony. 

Photography

The school system has arranged for professional photographs to be taken of each graduate as they receive their diploma cover. Lifetouch, the official photographer for the high school yearbooks and class photos, will post photos online at events.lifetouch.com  one week after the ceremony. Graduates also receive a complimentary proof in the mail. 

Cell phone etiquette

Please turn off or silence your cell phones before entering the stadium. Our graduates deserve your undivided attention during this momentous ceremony.

Silent roll call

Students and school administrators expect a Silent Roll Call as graduates receive their diplomas. A Silent Roll Call honors all students and allows for each graduate’s name to be heard clearly and without the distraction of noise while names are being announced.

After the ceremony

At the close of the ceremony, guests should remain at their seats until the graduates and faculty have recessed. Parents should meet graduates in the stadium parking lot following graduation. All graduates and guests must exit 30 minutes after commencement allowing families arriving for the next ceremony to enter. 

Yard signs for seniors

Following a tradition that started with the Class of 2020, each high school senior will receive a yard sign signifying they are a member of the CCPS Class of 2026. Students will receive the signs during a graduation practice.

School schedules for graduation dates

Schools will be closed on the day when the senior class graduates. Students in Grades 9-11 will not have school on the day their school is closed.

• McDonough, Stone and North Point high schools are closed on June 2.
• Lackey and Westlake high schools are closed on June 3.
• La Plata and St. Charles high schools are closed on June 4.