For information regarding photography purchases, please click here.

NOTE: Ceremony attendance policy subject to change

Attendance at graduation ceremonies will be limited. Graduates do not need a ticket to enter the venue from the student entrance. Graduates must have their cap and gown upon entrance to the facility. Seating will be limited based on the capacity of the HISD venue. High Schools will be provided numbered sets of tickets to distribute to graduates. Schools will begin distributing tickets to graduates the week of August 8^th. 

HISD will provide a virtual option to view the commencement ceremonies for anyone not able to attend in-person.

In keeping with HISD’s core value of student safety, all graduates and guests will be screened using metal detectors and/or security wands, and bag checks at the venue entrances. Although there is not a clear bag policy for graduations, bags will be checked. To expedite movement of guests through the lines to enter the facilities, we highly encourage guests to consider not carrying a bag, carry a clear bag, or carry a small-sized bag.

HISD Police, in partnership with other law enforcement, will be on-hand for safety and traffic control during the graduation ceremony. Guests are not allowed to bring weapons, including pocketknives, to the graduation venue. Other items such as balloons, signs, noise makers, flowers, and outside food will not be allowed in the venue. Guests can bring a clear water bottle as applicable for health needs. First Aid stations will be onsite for emergencies.

To create the safest environment possible, the commencement ceremony guidelines will be in alignment with Houston Independent School District COVID-19 guidelines outlined in the Ready, Set, Go plan.

Currently, the threat of COVID-19 in our communities is considered low based on CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels Measures. While masks in HISD schools, facilities, and school buses are optional, students, staff, and any other HISD stakeholders that may need an additional layer of protection or are exhibiting symptoms of a communicable disease are highly encouraged to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. HISD continues to employ its mitigation framework and continues to monitor local, state, and national data to be ready to revisit its existing COVID-19 mitigation efforts if needed.

All graduates must wear a cap and gown. Schools will contact parents of graduating seniors to provide more information on ordering their cap and gown.

Students who have successfully met all graduation requirements are eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. For information on HISD Graduation Requirements, please click here.