Commencement 2024

Bridgton Academy Commencement Weekend FAQ

Friday, May 3, 6:00 pm – Academic Awards Ceremony and Dinner
Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:30 am – Commencement Exercises

We are excited to welcome families and friends to Bridgton Academy to celebrate and honor the Class of 2024 during our Commencement Weekend festivities.  All events will be held in Chalmers Ice Arena, located on upper campus.

Register for Commencement Weekend Events

Any guests who are unable to attend the event in person are invited to join Saturday’s Commencement ceremony via live stream at this link. As Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024 draw nearer, we will share the link again through email communication and Bridgton Academy’s social media pages. 

Where will Commencement be held?

The Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2024 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 to ensure we can begin the ceremony 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 (include registration link) ahead of time, no later than Friday, April 26th, 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 Michelle Cross (mcross@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 arena, seating will be reserved and clearly labeled for the Class of 2024 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 a professional photographer 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 Dining Hall and Academy Building on lower campus during residential hall move-out.  

Will the school store be open?

The school store will be open for shopping on both Friday afternoon and Saturday morning (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 4.

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 Michelle Cross in the Academy’s Office of Institutional Advancement (mcross@bridgtonacademy.org / 207-647-3322, ext. 2).

Are there any other celebratory events planned? 

Yes! On Friday, May 3, the Academy will host its Academic Awards Ceremony and Dinner at Chalmers Ice Arena. Registration is required to attend the dinner so that we can properly plan and students may have eight (8) in attendance for the Awards Dinner. Prior to the start of the Awards Dinner and Ceremony, we will host a silent auction featuring autographed team photos.

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. 

Can I take my son off campus on Friday? 

Yes, however, families are highly encouraged to return before the Academic Awards Ceremony and Dinner, a celebration that will bring the Academy community together to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2024. If you are planning family celebrations, we recommend planning them after Commencement has concluded on Saturday to allow your student to participate in the full slate of activities on Friday evening, which are cornerstones of the end of the year. Please note that we do require that students stay on campus overnight on Friday. 

Will the school store be open?

The school store will be set up at Chalmers Ice Arena and open for shopping on Friday evening before the start of the Academic Awards Ceremony and Dinner through the end of that event. The store will not be open on Saturday, but online ordering is available.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2024 and their many accomplishments with all of you!