Graduation Central
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Graduation Schedule
FAQs
Learn more by exploring our Graduation Frequently Asked Questions below.
Where can I find the District’s graduation schedule? DeKalb County School District will hold 23 of 24 graduation ceremonies May 18-22, 2026, at the GA State Convocation Center located at Georgia State Convocation Center, 455 Capitol Avenue, SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. Margaret Harris Comprehensive School will hold their graduation ceremony Friday, May 15, 2026, at the school. Click here to view the graduation schedule.
Will transportation be provided for students? Yes. Air-conditioned charter buses are offered to all schools for round-trip service to/from the GA State Convocation Center. There is no fee for students to ride the charter buses. Principals will provide each graduate with a Transportation Permission Form for parents to complete and return allowing their student to ride the charter bus to/from the GA State Convocation Center. Principals will share transportation pick-up and drop-off times with parents/graduates. School chaperones will ride the buses with the graduates.
What time are graduates expected to arrive at GA State Convocation Center? Graduates will be transported to the convocation center one hour prior to the scheduled start time of their ceremony for graduation preparations. Charter buses will transport students back to the school immediately following the ceremony.
When should parents/family members arrive for their student’s graduation ceremony? Parking lots at the GA State Convocation Center will open one hour prior to the scheduled start time of each graduation ceremony. Guests attending the ceremony will enter and exit through ticket booths only -- located on Capitol Avenue (SEE ATTACHED MAP). Please utilize the attached map of the convocation center to plan your visit.
Do I have to pay to park? There is no parking fee while utilizing lots listed below on the specific dates listed.
May 18, 2026 – Blue, Green, Summerhill C
May 19, 2026 – Blue, Green, Summerhill C
May 20, 2026 – Blue, Green, Summerhill C
May 21, 2026 – Blue, Green, Summerhill B & C
May 22, 2026 – Blue, Green, Summerhill B & C
ADA Parking Priority in Parking Deck, with an ADA visible placard. Golf Cart Assistance is available in the Parking Deck.
Are tickets required to enter the graduation ceremony? Is reserved seating available at the graduation ceremony? Yes, tickets are required to enter graduation ceremonies. All individuals occupying a seat will require a ticket. Seating is reserved for guests of the valedictorian and salutatorian. Late arrival will impact entry to the GA State Convocation Center.
Where do I meet up with my student after the graduation ceremony is over? The graduates will recess out of the GA State Convocation Center to exit the facility. Guests upon cue will exit through the ticket booths. If your student plans to board the charter bus to return to their high school, they will go directly to the bus to immediately leave the site following the ceremony. If your graduate plans to ride home with you, please ask your graduate to meet you at the guest entrance on Capitol Avenue and plan accordingly in advance (See Map Below).
When will graduates receive their diplomas?
Graduates will receive diploma covers at the ceremony. Each high school has designated a date and time for graduates to retrieve their diplomas at their school. Schools will provide additional information prior to the ceremony.
Will I have an opportunity to take photos of my graduate on the stage?
No. A contracted photography vendor will take a series of photos of each graduate to commemorate this special occasion. Graduates will receive a photo of themselves receiving their diploma cover on stage as part of their graduation package. The photography vendor will share additional photos of graduates with schools/graduates that will be available for purchase.
Is food permitted in the venue?
No. Food is not allowed in the convocation center. Graduates and guests are asked to eat a meal prior to their graduation ceremony. Graduates and guests are also asked to make certain they are hydrated while attending ceremonies.
Are the graduation ceremonies recorded?
Yes. Each graduation ceremony will be recorded and broadcast via live stream link. Links to view the ceremonies will be provided on the Grad Central Station’s website.
There is a possibility that attendees may be photographed, recorded via video or audio during the taping of the ceremonies.
What additional information can you share as I plan my visit?
- Planning ahead for an early arrival is essential. Please utilize the enclosed map to plan your visit.
- Expect a great deal of walking from the parking lot -- wear comfortable shoes.
- Seating in the arena is very steep. Please exercise caution.
- All cell phones/electronic devices must be silenced prior to entering the convocation center.
- Balloons, noisemakers, signs, luggage, backpacks, etc. are not permitted in the arena. Please see enclosed flyer.
- Guests attending the ceremony will enter and exit through the ticket booths located on Capitol Avenue. Gate 2.
- Wheelchairs are available to attendees that may need them at the arena. Limited mobility attendees that do not require wheelchair assistance are able to enter the arena at walk-in levels for seating.
- Guests should enter the arena with clear bags only. Plan accordingly for inclement weather.
- Seating is limited. Don’t forget your ticket. Tickets are required to enter the arena. All guests occupying a seat will need a ticket to enter the arena.
- URGENT MESSAGE FOR GRADUATES AND GUESTS: All attendees will be required to enter through Weapons Detection Devices.
Clear Bag Policy
Guests are required to carry clear bags to hold their belongings that are no larger than 12" X 6" X 12", 1-gallon plastic freezer bag, and/or Clutches that are no larger than 4.5" X 6.5", approximately the size of a hand.
Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12" and all backpacks are prohibited at GSU Convocation Center. Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements, diaper bags or special needs.
All bags are subject to search. Guests are encouraged to return unauthorized bags to their vehicles.
Georgia State University will NOT provide a bag check station that is secure and monitored to allow fans to check bags in and out during the event.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations:
ADA seating is available at the top of the sections on the 100 level. From the plaza and concourse there are not staircases in the path of these seats. ADA seating/parking is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Prohibited Items: For the safety of attendees, the following items and activities are prohibited at the Convocation Center:
Artificial noisemakers, animals, backpacks, outside food and drink, fireworks, balloons, bicycles, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades, coolers, illegal substances, laser pointers, flag poles and sticks, strollers in seats, video cameras, weapons, large signs. All cell phones/electronic devices must be silenced prior to entering the convocation center.
Attendees will enter through weapon detection devices.