Sneaker Ball FAQ
​​​​What is a Sneaker Ball?
Sneaker Ball is GACA's version of Homecoming -- a semiformal fall school dance just for 8th, 9th, and 10th graders. There will be music, snacks, dancing, and lots of fun! Click here to learn more and see photos from previous years events.
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Who can purchase tickets?
Sneaker Ball is open to 8th, 9th, and 10th grade GACA students, and you must purchase a ticket to attend.
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When is the deadline to purchase tickets? Are tickets non-refundable?
Tickets must be purchased by October 22nd. This is to allow us ample time to notify the venue of our guest count and make sure we have enough food and beverages for the number of students attending. For this reason, we can also not issue refunds.
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Can I bring a guest? Who can I bring?
Students also have the option to purchase 1 guest ticket. Guests must also be in 8th, 9th or 10th grade, but they do not have to attend GACA. Caretakers and adult family members are not permitted to attend. If you are bringing a guest, please complete the Guest Registration Form after purchasing their ticket.
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How much are tickets? What does my ticket include?
Tickets are $26 each (this includes the $1 Parent Square service fee). The cost of the ticket includes entrance to the dance, food and beverage, access to all activities including games and photo booth, and party favors.
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What will the theme be this year?
Students voted in August for the theme for the 2025 Sneaker Ball, and the winning theme was City Lights. Big city chic meets sneaker style. Imagine glowing skylines, graffiti-style backdrops, and a mix of classy + streetwear energy. Semi-formal outfits can go sleek and stylish, while sneakers show off your individual personality — Jordans, Air Force 1s, or bold patterned kicks.
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What is the dress code?
The dress code is semiformal or dressy. Students are encouraged to express their personal style, as long as it is school-appropriate. Sneakers are encouraged, but not required. Students who want to go all out will have the option of entering our "Best Dressed" and "Best Sneaker" contests for a chance to win a prize! Click here to see photos from previous years to see how students expressed their style at Sneaker Ball.
Can parents stay? What can parents do during the dance?
Parents will need to drop their student off and pick them back up and are not permitted to remain on the premises during the event. There is a movie theater next door to the venue, and there are also shops and restaurants in the area. Click here for some ideas.
Where is the venue?
This year's event will be held in the Galaxy Ballroom at the Mimms Museum of Technology and Arts (formerly the Computer Museum of America) in Roswell, GA. The venue has their own parking lot and free parking.
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I live too far away from Roswell to attend. Will you be offering another location?
At this time, we are not able to offer another location. While we understand that there are many students who are not able to attend due to the distance, we also need to hold the event in a location where we have enough students to make a fun and well-attended event. As GACA continues to grow, we hope to be able to add additional locations in future years.
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Who will be chaperoning? Will my student be safe?
Student safety is our main priority! The dance will be chaperoned by GACA Administration, counselors, and staff. Security will be provided by the local PD. Students must be signed in and out by a caretaker, will be supervised for the entirety of the event, and will not be permitted to leave the venue prior to caretaker sign-out.
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Do student drivers have to be signed in by a caretaker?
Student drivers must have caretaker permission to sign themselves in and out. To do this, the caretaker must complete the “GACA Driving and Attendance Waiver” data view.
What is the drop-off and pick-up times? Do students need to stay the whole time?
The event starts at 6:00 PM. We will begin signing students in at 5:50 PM. We ask that guests not enter the building prior to 5:50. The dance will end at 8:30 PM, and we ask that all students be picked up and signed out by 8:45 PM. Students are not required to stay the whole time, however, we typically do our contests and prizes near the end of the event, so if your student would like to participate in those, they should plan to stay until the end. Once a student has been signed out and picked up, they are not permitted to return.
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Can my student bring their purse / cell phone / personal belongings?
Students are permitted to bring personal belongings, including cell phones, however, they are responsible for keeping track of their belongings throughout the evening, and such we recommend they only bring the essentials. Students bringing large bags (backpacks, laptop bags, large tote bags, etc.) will be asked to check them during the dance.
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My student has special needs. Can that be accommodated?
Please contact Ms. Aracich, High School Assistant Principal, by webmail for more information or ask your student's Homeroom/Advisement teacher, Case Manager, or School Counselor to reach out to her on your behalf.
Will there be food?
Yes, drinks, refreshments, and casual food will be served. The menu for this year is still being determined. Last year, students were treated to pizza and breadsticks, a popcorn bar, and a variety of beverages.
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I am nervous about attending, since I don’t know anyone.
It’s ok! Most of the students coming to Sneaker Ball don’t know other students at GACA. But trust us, by the second or third song, everyone will be out on the dance floor having the time of their life! We will also have student ambassadors from our Student Council and STEAM Academy on hand to welcome students as they arrive and make sure everyone is included in the events and activities. We will also be hosting sprit night events at Sparkles Skating Rinks in October to provide a change for Sneaker Ball attendees to meet each other prior to the dance. Check our Events Calendar for more information and to RSVP.
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What kind of music will be played? Can students make requests?
Our DJ will be playing all the best dance music from today and past decades! Students will also have the opportunity to make requests during the dance.
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I don't like to dance. Should I even go to Sneaker Ball?
There is still a lot to for students who don't want to dance, though dancing is the main event! There will be a games area set up with games like giant Jenga and cornhole, there will be food, drinks, and dessert, a photo booth, and contests.
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I want to attend Sneaker Ball, but I'm not sure if I can afford the $25 ticket. What should I do?
Please reach out to your School Counselor, and they can let you know if you are eligible for a scholarship to cover the cost of your ticket or a reduction in cost.
