Commencement 2026
Bridgton Academy Commencement 2026 Weekend
Friday, May 1, 2026, 6:30 PM – Class of 2026 Dinner and Awards Celebration
Doors open at 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:30 AM – Commencement Exercises
Doors open at 9:00 AM
We are excited to welcome families and friends to Bridgton Academy to celebrate and honor the Class of 2026 during our Commencement Weekend festivities. All events will be held in Chalmers Ice Arena, located on upper campus.
Commencement Weekend FAQ
I’m unable to attend Commencement, is there a way for me to virtually attend?
Any guests who are unable to attend the event in person are invited to join Saturday’s Commencement ceremony via live stream. As Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026 draw nearer, we will share the link through email communication and Bridgton Academy’s social media pages.
Where will Commencement be held?
The Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2026 will be held in Chalmers Ice Arena on Bridgton Academy’s upper campus.
How early can I arrive?
Doors will open for guests beginning at 9:00 AM; we encourage all guests to be seated no later than 10:15 AM as the ceremony will start promptly at 10:30 AM.
Can a student have guests at the ceremony?
Yes, every student is encouraged to invite guests to attend the ceremony. Families are asked to register ahead of time, no later than Friday, April 24th, and we ask that each student has no more than eight (8) guests in attendance for the ceremony. If students need to invite additional guests, please contact Devon Hay (dhay@bridgtonacademy.org / 207-647-3322, ext. 2) to make arrangements.
Will there be parking and/or seating for those who may have challenges with mobility?
Yes, we will have designated parking and seating areas for those who have challenges with mobility. Please let us know when registering if someone in your party could benefit from these accommodations.
Where do I check in for Commencement and how will I know where to sit?
As mentioned above, guests can arrive as early as 9:00 AM on the day of Commencement, and the Academy will have staff on hand to welcome guests and answer any questions. Once inside the Chalmers Ice Arena, seating will be reserved and clearly labeled for the Class of 2026 and faculty; all other seats are open.
Can I take pictures near the stage?
Guests will have a designated space from which they can take photographs. Bridgton Academy has hired professional photographers for this event, who will take a variety of photos, including a photo of each student with his diploma. We will provide access to all Commencement photos following the event.
What restrooms on campus will be available?
Restrooms will be available for guests in the Chalmers Ice Arena during the ceremony, as well as the Goldsmith Dining Hall. During dorm move out, restrooms will be available in the Goldsmith Dining Hall and the Academy Building on lower campus.
Can I bring my pet to Commencement?
While we love to see our furry friends, only leashed service dogs are allowed at this event.
Will the school store be open?
The school store will be open for shopping on Friday (hours to be determined). Once the schedule for the weekend has been determined, this page will be updated and will also be communicated in Commencement emails.
What time does campus close and what is the deadline to move out?
Campus officially closes at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 2.
What if we need to make a change to the registered guest list?
If you need to make a change to your registered guests, please contact Devon Hay in the Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement (dhay@bridgtonacademy.org / 207-647-3322, ext. 2).
Are there any other celebratory events planned?
Yes! On Friday, May 1, the Academy will host its Class of 2026 Dinner and Awards Celebration at Chalmers Ice Arena. Registration is required to attend the dinner so that we can properly plan. Similar to our Commencement Exercises, students may have eight (8) in attendance for the Class of 2026 Dinner. Prior to the start of the Awards Dinner and Ceremony, we will host a silent auction featuring autographed team photos. Doors will open at 6:00 PM and the Class of 2026 Dinner and Awards Celebration will begin at 6:30 PM. Seating will not be reserved or assigned, guests may choose their seats upon arrival.
Can I help my son pack on Friday afternoon and evening?
Yes, we are happy to welcome families to campus on Friday to begin the move out process and help ease some of the congestion after Commencement. However, please note that while families can help pack their students’ rooms the student cars need to remain in the student lot which will be closed until Commencement Exercises begin on Saturday morning.
Can I take my son off campus on Friday?
Upon the completion of Math final exams, students are expected to be on campus by the start of the Academic Awards Ceremony and Dinner. The Bridgton Academy Student Life Department will schedule events following its conclusion with consistent checkpoints to ensure that students are engaged throughout the final evening.
If a family would like to take their student off campus following the Academic Awards Ceremony and Dinner, they must sign out with Tim Atwood, Dean of Students. If a student leaves campus after dinner, they may not return to campus that evening. Families who sign out their students are responsible for them and are expected to have them back on campus no earlier than 9:00 AM on Saturday morning.
We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 and their many accomplishments with all of you! If you have further questions, please contact Devon Hay in the Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement (dhay@bridgtonacademy.org / 207-647-3322, ext. 2).