As we prepare to celebrate graduates, here’s more information on our ceremonies and our instructional plans on graduation days.
Graduation Locations
Most high school graduations occur at Knott Arena at the PNC Sports Complex on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University from May 20-23.
The SUCCESS Program, Rock Creek School, Heather Ridge School, and Frederick County Virtual School and Summer Session will hold their commencement ceremonies at alternate sites.
Click here for a full list of graduation dates and times
Driving Directions to Knott Arena
Please use this GPS Address: 16251 Jim Phelan Way, Emmitsburg. That address will take you to Knott Arena, where graduations are held. Parking is available in areas surrounding Knott Arena.
Also note: Be on alert for traffic crossings as you navigate U.S. 15.
When to arrive to graduations
We realize that families are excited to see students graduate. However, please note that multiple graduations are scheduled on each day at Knott Arena. Those who arrive more than an hour before a ceremony will encounter traffic as attendees for previous ceremonies depart.
In order to minimize traffic delays we are asking our families to adhere to the following schedules for arrival and departure. For graduations happening at 1:30 PM and 6:00 PM we ask families to plan on arriving at the time designated for your child’s ceremony in order to give time for families from the previous graduations to leave.
We also encourage families and graduates to depart ceremonies after their conclusion in order to provide an orderly arrival for the next ceremony.
Please note when doors open for ceremonies at Knott Arena:
School |
Date |
Ceremony Begins |
Doors Open |
Arrival of Graduates |
Departure |
Frederick |
May 20, 2024 |
9:00am |
8:00 |
7:30 |
10:30 - 11:30 |
Gov. Thomas Johnson |
May 20, 2024 |
1:30pm |
12:30 |
12:00 |
3:00-4:00 |
Linganore |
May 20, 2024 |
6:00pm |
5:00 |
4:30 |
7:30-8:30 |
Brunswick |
May 21, 2024 |
9:00am |
8:00 |
7:30 |
10:30 - 11:30 |
Middletown |
May 21, 2024 |
1:30pm |
12:30 |
12:00 |
3:00-4:00 |
Catoctin |
May 21, 2024 |
6:00pm |
5:00 |
4:30 |
7:30-8:30 |
Walkersville |
May 22, 2024 |
9:00am |
8:00 |
7:30 |
10:30 - 11:30 |
Tuscarora |
May 22, 2024 |
1:30pm |
12:30 |
12:00 |
3:00-4:00 |
Urbana |
May 23, 2024 |
9:00am |
8:00 |
7:30 |
10:30 - 11:30 |
Oakdale |
May 23, 2024 |
1:30pm |
12:30 |
12:00 |
3:00-4:00 |
Graduations will be livestreamed
All high school graduations will be livestreamed once again this year for those who cannot attend the ceremonies live. The graduations will be livestreamed on the FCPS Maryland YouTube page and will also be archived there for future viewing.
We will share a message indicating where families can directly access the graduation ceremonies closer to graduations.
Learning @ Home on Graduation Days
Once again this year, FCPS will hold Learning @ Home virtual days on the date that high schools are holding graduation ceremonies.
Please note the following Learning @ Home Day schedule:
Monday, May 20: Frederick High, Gov. Thomas Johnson High, Linganore High
Tuesday, May 21: Brunswick High, Middletown High, Catoctin High
Wednesday, May 22: Walkersville High, Tuscarora High
Thursday, May 23: Urbana High, Oakdale High
Before Learning @ Home days, teachers will communicate assignments to students. Students will complete those assignments virtually and will have the opportunity to seek teacher support.
Schools will communicate more information about individualized virtual learning plans with their families.
Learning @ Home days will not be held on days that SUCCESS, Rock Creek, and Heather Ridge hold their graduation ceremonies.
Meals on Graduation Days
High school students don’t have to miss school meals on graduation days. While graduation days are Learning @ Home days for all high school students, meals will be available for purchase.
The menu will be limited and is available online at www.fcpsnutrition.com. All high schools will have breakfast available from 7-8 a.m. and lunch available from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The meals may not be taken home; students must eat them at their high school. Students who want breakfast and/or lunch must come through the serving line and enter their student ID number to get meals.
Meals will be accounted for based on a student’s meal benefits. If a student receives free or reduced-price meals, they will get their breakfast and lunch for free. Students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price meals will pay for their meals as usual (exceptions are Frederick High and Gov. Thomas Johnson High, where all students get free breakfast under the Maryland Meals for Achievement program but may have to pay for lunch depending on eligibility).
FCPS Graduation Profiles
The FCPS Public Affairs team will be sharing Class of 2024 Graduation Profiles on a graduate from each school. The blog posts will be shared on social media and will also be posted to the FCPS All-Stars blog.