Graduation FAQ
Graduation for the class of 2026 will be held on May 28th, 2026 at Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA.
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By participating in Graduation Day events you consent to Connections Education LLC, the school, and their agents (“Connections”) use of any photographs and/or videos taken in connection with the graduation ceremony, including the live streaming and recording of the graduation ceremony, that contain your and/or your student(s) image and/or recorded statements, including Connections’ right to use, modify, reproduce, and/or publicly display those photographs and/or videos/live stream recordings and use your student(s) appearance, image and likeness in any medium of form of distribution.​​
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How will I receive my diploma?
Students who attend the in-person commencement ceremony will be given their diploma cover only when walking across the stage. Once you have made it back to your seat, you will be given your diploma to place in the cover. Students who do not attend the in-person ceremony will receive their diploma and honors in the mail.
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Are students required to participate in the ceremony?
No, students are not required to participate in the ceremony. Students who do not attend will receive their diploma in the mail.
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How long will the ceremony last?
The actual length of the ceremony will depend on the number of graduates participating in the ceremony, but is typically around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How many guests can I bring? Do they need tickets?
Each graduate will be given 8 OR 16 tickets, based on what they requested in the Graduation Information Data View. Guest ages 2 and up must have a ticket in order to attend the ceremony. Click here for more information on tickets.
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What will seating be like for graduates?
Graduates will report to venue for rehearsal beginning at 9:30. They will be directed by GACA staff to sit in their assigned seat on the ceremony floor.
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What will seating be like for guests?
The doors will open for guests at 12:30 pm and seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Our event is indoors, and we plan to have normal spacing between seats. We anticipate around 7,000 people in attendance including graduates, guests and staff.
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When should I arrive for the ceremony?
Student check-in will be from 9:30 - 10:00 AM. Rehearsal for the ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM and all graduates need to be checked in by this time. Students who are receiving honor cords should arrive no later than 10:00 AM to ensure they have enough time to collect their cords. (Times subject to change as schedule is finalized with the venue)
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Do graduates have to attend the rehearsal?
Yes, all graduates must attend rehearsal if they plan to participate in the in-person ceremony. Graduates who arrive after rehearsal has begun will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged the graduates and families plan ahead to ensure that they arrive no later than 10am.
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Can graduates decorate their caps?
Graduates are permitted to decorate their cap, provided that it is school-appropriate. Caps will be checked during student check in. If a cap is deemed inappropriate by school staff, the student will be provided with a temporary cap. All decorations must lay flat on the cap.
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What is the dress code for graduates?
Click here for the dress code.
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Where will my student be after the ceremony?
Following the ceremony, students will immediately exit the top of the arena. Students will be escorted by staff to the front of the Gas South Arena. We encourage families to have a designated location in front of the building.
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