Graduation

Attendance: All Upper School students are required to attend Graduation.

Guests and Seating: There will not be assigned seats for Graduation. There is no limit to the number of individuals you may include in your party. You may choose to arrive early to select your seating; however, we request that you do not arrive before 4 p.m. Anyone sitting in or otherwise reserving seats prior to 4 p.m. will be asked to move along.

Accessibility: For access and accessible parking for individuals with disabilities, drivers should enter campus via Esteswood Drive and drop their party off between Souby Hall and Massey Center for Mathematics and Sciences, by the Senior House. If an elevator is needed for those who use walkers and wheelchairs, you may drop off your party on the Hobbs Road side of campus in front of the Patton Visual Arts Center. Someone will be available to provide directions.

Livestream Viewing: For those enjoying these events via Livestream, you may tune in here.

Attire:
Attire for Academic Ceremonies
Students follow the long-established tradition of wearing white for certain academic ceremonies. Attire should be tasteful and not a significant expense. Students are encouraged to wear the same attire to more than one event. Donated white dresses are available in the upper school for students who are looking for no-cost options.

For dress at all academic ceremonies, evening wear is not appropriate. We ask that students please avoid plunging necklines, strapless dresses (unless covered by a white sweater or jacket), off-the-shoulder dresses, one-shoulder dresses, spaghetti straps (unless covered by a white sweater or jacket), backless dresses, side slits or cut-outs, tight-fitting dresses, and rompers.

Any student who has questions about these guidelines or would like to confirm that her selection is suitable for the academic  occasion may speak with the upper school or middle school deans of students in advance of the event.

Graduation Attire
Seniors dress in all-white attire as is the long-established tradition. This can include a full-length or ankle-length dress or a formal pantsuit. Students must also wear shoes or sandals that are white or neutral in color and sensible for walking on Souby Lawn.

Roses: Seniors carry roses provided by Harpeth Hall.

Photography: Seniors will arrive dressed and ready for a class photo at 4:15 p.m. in the Marnie-Sheridan Gallery. Students will receive their roses at that time. Seniors line up for graduation at 4:30, and they will not be allowed to leave the line up for additional family photos. Harpeth Hall will hire a professional photographer to take photos throughout the ceremony. These images will be uploaded to our photo library and parents can download the images for free. No outside photographers will be allowed. Families also are welcome to take photos from their seats, and after the ceremony. In an effort to not obstruct the view of others, no one will be allowed in the aisles to take pictures. We ask that you please inform your guests of this policy.