Commencement 2026

Seniors will participate in a day-long self-defense training program. Attendance is mandatory. Students should arrive in time for regular homeroom at 7:45am and will be done by 2:30pm dismissal. The IMPACT program focuses on personal safety, assertiveness and empowerment. Students should dress comfortably and wear sneakers. Contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 with questions. 

Seniors from NCDS and Belmont Hill will participate in an all-day wellness program focused on skills needed for the college transition. Seniors are expected to be on campus that day from 7:45am-2:30pm and will be excused from Senior Project. Please contact Ms. Roy at x4921 with questions.

Exam Requirements and Guidelines

• All students enrolled in an AP course are required to take the AP exam. The College Board mandates that specific AP exams can only be administered on the assigned day and time. Students cannot be admitted into a testing room once an exam has begun.
  • Students must bring their own fully charged testing device and charging cord.
  • The College Board strictly prohibits cell phones and smart watches in all testing rooms and during breaks.
  • Extended-time exams begin at the same time as standard testing; students unsure about their eligibility for extended time should contact Ms. Tonge.

Attendance Policy:

• Juniors taking morning AP exams are expected to join their afternoon academic classes after lunch break in the dining room. 
• Juniors and sophomores taking afternoon AP exams are excused from their morning classes. These students should check in at the front desk in time to be seated in the exam room at 11:30am.

AP Exam Schedule

Week 1

• Mon. May 4
  • 7:30am: Latin, Biology
  • 11:30am: European History
• Tue. May 5
  • 7:30am: Chemistry
  • 11:30am: US Government & Politics
• Wed. May 6
  • 7:30am: English Literature
  • 11:30am: Comparative Government, Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• Thu. May 7
  • 11:30am: Statistics
• Fri. May 8
  • 7:30am: US History
  • 11:30am: Chinese 
  • 8pm: AP 2-D Art and Design and Drawing portfolios due

Week 2

• Mon. May 11
  • 7:30am: Calculus AB, Calculus BC
• Tue. May 12
  • 7:30am: French Language and Culture
• Wed. May 13
  • 7:30am: English Language & Composition
  • 11:30am: Physics C: Mechanics
• Thu. May 14
  • 7:30am: Art History, Spanish Language and Culture
• Fri. May 15
  • 7:30am: Environmental Science
  • 11:30am: Computer Science A

Seniors will present their Senior Projects in the Arches Gym at 3pm. All senior families are invited. The Class of 2026 Cookout will follow in the Sunken Garden.

The Class of 2026 Cookout will immediately follow the Senior Project Symposium. All senior families are invited. 

The Class of 2026 will participate in an overnight retreat at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA. All seniors are expected to participate in person as a requirement for graduation. We will depart from campus at 8:15am on Thu. and return by 2:30pm on Fri. Students should bring a sleeping bag or linens, pillowcase, and towel. Students may bring snacks, though food and beverages are not allowed in sleeping quarters. Contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 or Dr. Potter at x4757 with questions.

The Class of 2026 will participate in an overnight retreat at the Craigville Retreat Center in Centerville, MA. All seniors are expected to participate in person as a requirement for graduation. We will depart from campus at 8:15am on Thu. and return by 2:30pm on Fri. Students should bring a sleeping bag or linens, pillowcase, and towel. Students may bring snacks, though food and beverages are not allowed in sleeping quarters. Contact Ms. Cerami at x4936 or Dr. Potter at x4757 with questions.

We’re excited to launch a new end-of-year celebration on Mon. June 1, as our Middle and Upper School come together for an All-School Field Day. The day will feature friendly competitions, community events, and a picnic-style celebration with games. The program will run through early afternoon and feature the junior–senior Powderpuff Football Game as a highlight. More details to come!

MS and US arrival will be at 7:45am. Lunch will be provided

Lunch will not be served on this day.

Grades 9-12 arrive by 7:45am
Grades 5-8 arrive by 9am (supervision available for students arriving before 9am in Mater Commons)
Grades 9-11 dismissed at 10am
Grade 11 College Counseling Meeting: 10:30-11am
Grade 11 College Counseling Personal Essay & Activity List Workshop: 11am-12pm (optional but highly encouraged)
Grade 11 dismissal: 11am (though students are encouraged to attend the Personal Essay & Activity List Workshop listed above)
Grades 5-8 dismissed at 11:30am (no after school supervision)
Grade 12 dismissed at 11:45am

Buses depart at 11:45am (last day for buses)

Seniors and their immediate family members are invited to the Baccalaureate Mass in the Chapel. Seniors must arrive by 4:30pm. This concluding liturgy is an opportunity for the school community to pray together in thanksgiving for our seniors and to bless them on their way. 

Commencement will be held in the Sunken Garden. Generally, the ceremony lasts about 90 minutes. All are welcome!
Seniors must arrive by 7:30am. Individual graduate portraits and the class photograph are taken promptly, so attendance is essential. 
Seniors wear white attire appropriate for the occasion. Please see the Commencement page for more details under “Reminders for Graduates”.

More information about the day of Commencement, including the Legacy Photo, can be found on the Commencement page on our website.