Honoring the Class of 2026
Information and Resources
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. We are thrilled to begin honoring the Class of 2026 and celebrating your incredible journey. Below, you’ll find all the essential information regarding our milestone end-of-year events, including Prize Night, Senior Dinner, Baccalaureate, and Commencement.
Further down the page, we have provided helpful resources to ensure both you and your student are fully prepared for the excitement of Senior Week and the Senior Trip. Please keep in mind that this page may be updated as more details are finalized. We will continue to communicate any important changes through our Family Newsletter, which is sent out every 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 15 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.
Moving Up Ceremony is scheduled for Friday May 22
It is a long standing tradition at the Tilton School that students are seated by class during our bi-weekly all-school meetings. The Senior class occupies the rows closest to the front of the Fred Andrew Smart Chapel followed by the Junior class, the Sophomore class, and finally our ninth graders. At the conclusion of each meeting, Seniors are dismissed first followed by all other students, faculty, and staff.
In this brief but meaningful ceremony, Seniors are dismissed and head to Commencement rehearsal. In the moments that follow, the Junior class is invited to “move up” to the front rows while the Sophomore and ninth grade classes also move forward to the rows ahead. This subtle but meaningful rite of passage symbolizes the coming year ahead and the new positions our students will hold in our community.
Senior Dinner is a formal sit-down dinner that is required for members of the Class of 2026. This year’s event will be held on on Friday, May 22 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.
Families of Seniors: RSVP to Events HERE!
Baccalaureate this year is on May 22 at 8:00pm in the Chapel.
Baccalaureate is a traditional, required ceremony for seniors and postgraduate students, held as part of the spring commencement weekend activities in the Chapel. It’s a special ceremony to honor the graduating class, often serving as a final, intimate gathering before Commencement
This event is for the Class of 2026, 2 family members from the class of 2026, and Tilton faculty only.
Families of Seniors: RSVP to Events HERE!
The 180th Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 23 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.
- 7:30am Commencement breakfast
- 8:30am Seniors report to the MARC for Senior Class Photo
- 9:30am Lineup for processional
- 10:00am Commencement
- 11:30am Lunch
- 2:00pm Senior dorms close/Class of 2026 departs campus
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. 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
Trip to the Flume Gorge May 19 (9:30 am – 12:30 pm)
- Attendance is required for all seniors & PGs.
- 9:30am Departure from behind the MARC
- Hike the Flume Gorge in Franconia
- 1:00pm Lunch at Indian Head Resort
- 2:30-4:30pm Finish the day with some time walking around Lincoln, NH
- 5:30pm Return to campus
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and layers in case it is chilly. Bring sunscreen, bug spray and water!
Senior Trip May 20-22
Camp Winaukee in Moultonboro, NH
This three-day trip is designed to offer shared time and space for our seniors to celebrate together, reflect on their time at Tilton School, return to their youth through play, unplug and reconnect with nature at ‘sleep away camp’ on Lake Winnipesaukee. Our seniors will spend their days hiking, swimming, crafting, playing games, and enjoying s’mores by the campfire and under the stars.
Wednesday May 20
- 9:00am Pancake breakfast at Head of School’s House
- 10:30am Load buses and depart campus.
Snack bags provided by the Parents’ Association
- 12:00pm Arrive at Camp Winaukee for lunch
Thursday May 21
- Day of activities on the grounds of Camp Winaukee
- 10:15am North Conway Train Ride with lunch
Friday May 22
- 10:30am Seniors return to campus
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