Information and Resources
It’s time to celebrate the Class of 2025! Below, you’ll find information about our many end-of-year events including Prize Night, Senior Dinner, Baccalaureate, and Commencement. Further down the page, there are resources to help you and your student prepare for Senior Week and the Senior Trip. This page may be updated from time to time and we will communicate any changes in the Family Newsletter each Friday.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Community Life Office if you have any questions!
End of Year Events
Our annual Prize Night will be held on Friday, May 16 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm (EST) in the Fred Andrew Smart Chapel. An annual tradition, faculty members and administrators will award prizes to a number of students for their contributions to the Tilton community and their accomplishments as individuals.
Please be on the look out for more information about attending in person. If you are unable to make the trip to Tilton, there will be a livestream of the event on the Tilton School YouTube channel.
Senior Dinner is a formal sit-down dinner that is required for members of the Class of 2025. This year’s event will be held on on Friday, May 23 at 6:30 pm (EST) in the Masiello Dining Commons. Senior Dinner is an opportunity for the graduating students, families, and faculty to reflect on their time spent at Tilton. Following the meal, Mr. Krein will offer remarks about the graduating class and the senior slideshow will be presented.
Senior Dinner is limited to seniors and two guests (per household) due to the formal nature of the occasion and limited seating.
Following Senior Dinner, the Baccalaureate ceremony will take place on Friday, May 23 at 8:30 pm (EST) in the Fred Andrew Smart Chapel. The ceremony features a brief program of readings and music performed by members of the graduating class. Although space is limited, family members and guests are welcome to attend this formal event.
The Baccalaureate ceremony typically lasts 60 minutes and will be live streamed on the Tilton School YouTube channel.
The 179th Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 am (EST). Commencement will be held outdoors on the Residential Quad. If there is inclement weather, Commencement will still be held outside under the graduation tent. Commencement is a formal occasion that typically lasts approximately 90 minutes.
There is no limit on the number of guests who can attend Commencement. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Guests typically arrive one hour before the ceremony to get their seats and take photos with their graduates.
Tilton School will have photographers on site who will take photographs throughout the ceremony and as each graduate receives their diploma. The photographs will be available to download on PhotoShelter approximately a week after the event. Commencement will be recorded and available for viewing following the ceremony on the Tilton School YouTube channel.
Parking and Directions
There is limited parking available on the day of Commencement. We recommend parking at the MacMorran Field House, Burch Field, or by the dormitories. Overflow parking will be on the outdoor basketball courts. Handicap parking is available. School Street will be blocked off from 10:00-11:30 am — please arrive early.
Please click here for a campus map.
For guests with physical disabilities, a special drop-off is available. Please reach out to advancement@tiltonschool.org for individual requests.
Need directions to campus? Click here.
Where does my graduate get their cap and gown on Commencement?
Graduates will receive their cap and gown Friday after commencement rehearsal.
What time should my graduate arrive on campus for Commencement?
Graduates will be asked to report to the MARC at 8:30 am (EST) on Saturday, May 24.
What time should parents and family arrive for Commencement?
It’s important to note that it is Memorial Day Weekend in the Lakes Region, which means heavy traffic is expected traveling north from the Boston area. Please take this into consideration when planning your travel for the weekend events. Parents and guest typically arrive one hour early to take pictures and identify their seats.
What is the seating arrangement for Commencement?
The graduating class will be seated together with faculty and staff next to them. All other seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no limit to the number of guests that can attend Commencement.
What should I wear to Commencement/Senior Dinner?
Commencement and the Senior Dinner are formal occasions and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately.
Is there a speaker at Commencement?
Typically two students speak at Commencement in addition to a faculty speaker.
Are there special arrangements for guests with physical disabilities?
A special drop-off area is available for guests with physical disabilities. Specific requests for accommodations can be made through the Advancement Office.
Is there a required lunch following Commencement?
There is a luncheon following Commencement for those interested, however the it is not a required event. Lunch will include various salads, sandwiches, wraps, and dessert.
When are seniors expected to leave campus?
All seniors are expected to depart campus by 2:00 pm on Commencement day, Saturday, May 25.
Where should I stay when I am in town?
For those visiting campus from a long distance, please check out our Visiting Campus page for a list of restaurant recommendations and hotel options.
Senior Week
Monday, May 19
- Last day of classes for seniors and PGs
- Spring Afternoon Programming Celebration (4:30 – 6:00 pm)
- Formal Dinner and International Student Toast (6:00 – 7:00 pm)
Tuesday, May 20
- Senior Hike at Flume Gorge (depart at 9:00 am; return by 12:30 pm)
- Dorm clean up and packing (graduating students should be fully packed this evening)
Wednesday, May 21 – Friday, May 23
- Senior Trip to Adventure Bound Downeast (depart campus by 10:00 am on Wednesday)
- Return to campus by 12:00 pm on Friday
- Moving-Up Ceremony (1:30 pm)
- Commencement rehearsal immediately following Moving-Up Ceremony
Trip to the Flume Gorge (9:00 am – 12:30 pm)
- Attendance is required for all seniors & PGs.
- 9:00 am departure from behind the MARC
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and layers in case it is chilly. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and water!
Adventure Bound Down East
Adventure Bound Downeast accommodates our group in cabins fitting 8-10 people, equipped with mattresses. Students need to provide their own bedding. Meals at ABD are primarily served in the main hall. Students with dietary restrictions should speak with Ms. Corriveau prior to departure to confirm that appropriate meal options will be available. Students in need of a sleeping bag should also reach out to Ms. Corriveau.
Activities on site include: a pool and hot tub, nature trails, volleyball, and disc golf. Students are expected to use the camp’s amenities respectfully, and need to be aware that we may be sharing the camp with other small groups.
Wednesday, May 21
- 10:00 am – Depart campus following pancake breakfast for graduating students
- 12:00 – 2:00 pm – Lunch and shopping in Freeport, ME
- 5:00 pm – Arrive at Adventure Bound
Full morning of rafting, followed by lunch, free time, and dinner!
Friday, May 23
- 7:30 am – Depart for Tilton School
- 12:00 pm – Arrive back at campus; lunch in dorms while students prepare for Moving-Up Ceremony
Recommend Packing List
- Sneakers and Sandals
- Bathing Suit
- Sweatshirt/Sweater and Sweatpants
- Long and short sleeved T-shirts
- Shorts and Pants
- Socks
- Rain Coat
- Sleeping Bag or Blankets/Sheets (cabins have twin mattresses)
- Pillow
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Towel
- Personal Items (toothbrush, hairbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Plastic bag for wet items
- Snacks
What do we wear while rafting?
Adventure Bound will provide a wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket for every student and chaperone. Rafters typically wear a regular bathing suit under the wetsuit, but an additional layer may be worn for added warmth. Cotton items should not be worn while rafting. Fleece or wool items can provide additional warmth without absorbing too much water. Students who wish to bring their own wetsuit should have a full-body 3mm suit at a minimum.