Commencement 2026
Weekend Schedule
Please note the schedule is subject to change. Check back here as we get closer to the event weekend for updates.
| 5 pm | Baccalaureate | For Seniors/Juniors/Faculty only |
| 6:30 pm | Deerfield Parents Network Senior Dinner | (Off-site at PVMA) Please reach out to the DPN with any questions. |
| 1 – 2:30 pm | Theater Performance | Black Box Theater |
| 2:45 – 4:15 pm | Music Concert | Wachsman Concert Hall |
| 4:30 – 5:30 pm | Dance Showcase | Hess Auditorium |
| 5:30 pm | Senior Parent Donor Reception | In recognition of parents who donated any amount to any fund. Age 21+ |
| 7 pm | Class Dinner Dance | Dining hall tent. For seniors and all their weekend guests. |
| 9:00 am | Continental Breakfast | Dining Hall |
| 9:45 am | Processional Begins | |
| 10:00 am | Class of 2026 Commencement | Main School Building Quad Tent |
| 11:45 am | Buffet Luncheon | Dining hall Tent |
Questions
Questions about Commencement? Contact Tessa Doubleday.
Elliot Ackerman
Guide to Commencement
Make room reservations well in advance. Seasoned Deerfield parents know that lodging in Deerfield and the surrounding area fills up early for the Memorial Day weekend. You’ll find plenty of choices in the area by searching for rooms in the 01342 zip code, or checking DA’s lodging page: Deerfield.edu/about/visit/lodging
Parents receive a box of 10 invitations to commencement. In the case of divorced parents, Deerfield Academy sends each parent a box of invitations. In this instance, we expect two separate registrations for the graduating senior.
While Deerfield has never capped the number of guests per graduate, we hope that 10 invitations are sufficient. Please contact Tessa Doubleday ([email protected]) if you need more invitations. All guests are welcome to attend any event scheduled on Saturday and Sunday.
Accessible seating it available under the Commencement tent. Be sure to indicate on your registration if you or a guest wishes to sit in this area during commencement. Accessible seating is for the guest in need plus one additional person.
What you see on the screen is available livestream and also recorded. Video playback is posted within days of the end of Commencement. There will be professional photographers on hand to get a shot of your children as they walk up and when they receive their diploma. If you decide you want more photos, you can take shots from your seat. After the ceremony, you will want a family photo in front of the door at John Williams dorm.
With a variety of activities going on over the weekend, you may want to bring a couple of different selections of semi-casual attire.
| · Class Dinner Dance: “festive” attire – no tie required |
| · Commencement: coat/tie, dresses, or nice pants and top |
| · Student attire for the Commencement ceremony: blue blazer white shirt, khakis, and class tie or white dresses. |
Please note that New England weather is famous for its unpredictability. Layering your clothing is recommended, and be prepared for rain as well. The average temperature range for May is between 69℉ (high) and 45℉ (low) (21° to 7° Celsius).
When you arrive on campus, follow the directions of Security. Please note that parking and shuttle service at PVMA are first come, first served. Access to that area should be made via Greenfield Road to Memorial Street. Also, don’t forget to indicate in your registration if you have any guests who will need extra help getting around.
The Commencement Tent opens promptly at 9 am. Sections including accessible seating, will be set aside for graduating seniors, underclassmen, faculty, trustees, and guests. Before the weekend, Deerfield will provide you with a diagram indicating the sections for guest seating. Large screens at the front of the tent will provide you with the best view of the event, including the Commencement walk down Albany Road. There really is no bad seat in the tent!
Seniors must be moved out of the dorms and be off campus by 2 pm. This allows for underclassmen to continue with their activities.