New Trier Commencement 2026

Photographer: Gradimages

Proofs of commencement photos will be available, as follows.

• Go to the website http://www.gradimages.com/
• Enter the senior students' last name, New Trier High School, and graduation year 2026.
• You will be directed to your student's photos and can place an order.

For questions or concerns, please contact:
Customer Service Department
Phone 1-800-261-2576
giservice@gradimages.net

Announcements and Senior Products: HERFF JONES 

Design and order custom merchandise such as Yard Signs, announcement packages and more: www.HerffJonesIL.com

For questions or concerns, please contact:
Customer Service at Herff Jones
 815-756-4743

The commencement will take place at NOW Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy Hoffman Estates, IL 60192. The NOW Arena is in the Prairie Stone Business Park immediately north of the Northwest Tollway and west of Illinois Route 59.

• From the East: Take I-90 west (Northwest Tollway) to the New Sutton Road (Route 59) exit and go straight. The arena will be on your right.
• From the West: Take I-90 (Northwest Tollway) to the New Sutton Road (Route 59) exit. Turn left onto New Sutton Road and go north to the next traffic light. At the light, make a left turn onto Hoffman Boulevard. The arena will be on your right.

Accessible Seating

The NOW Arena provides ample accessible seating for those in need. No reservation is required. Each guest using accessible seating may have one companion seated with them. Please note that the NOW Arena does not provide wheelchairs.

Accessible Parking

ADA parking is available in both the East and West lots. Upon arrival, parking staff will direct guests to the nearest available ADA spot.

General Parking

The NOW Arena offers 3,200 parking spaces. To avoid congestion, we encourage you to arrive early. Parking lots can be accessed from Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Boulevard, and Pratum Avenue. Once inside, Prairie Stone signage and parking participants will guide you to the nearest available lot.

See the NOW Arena website for additional directions and traffic information:

• NOW Arena Parking and Directions 
• NOW Arena Parking and Entrance Map

Graduates should arrive by 2:00 p.m. and enter through the designated student entrance (see location to enter). Upon arrival, graduates will receive flowers and proceed into the arena to prepare for the ceremony. The ceremony is expected to last approximately two hours.

Doors will open to the public at 2:00 p.m. A commencement ticket is required to enter the arena. The ceremony will begin promptly at 3:00 p.m.

All guests will be required to go through a security check, including a metal detector and bag search, at the main entrance. All bags will be searched by NOW Arena staff; no balloons, food, drinks, or noise makers are permitted.  Limited food and drinks will be available for purchase (light snacks, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages). 

There is adequate seating available for all guests, as well as handicapped seating. We ask that only one family member accompany those requiring handicapped seating. The handicapped seating is located on the main floor, so no elevators or stairs are required. Hearing impaired devices may be obtained through NOW Arena Guest Services. 

Guests with reserved seating should refer to signage at the main entrance for seat locations.

Students will proceed outside of the facility to meet family and guests. See location to student exit.

Diplomas will be handed out to all graduating students during the ceremony.

Questions? Reach out to the Registrar at 847-784-2212 or registrar@nths.net

The ceremony will be live-streamed on the New Trier website and Facebook Live, providing an opportunity for family and friends who are unable to attend in person to watch the event remotely.

• School Website
• Facebook Live

The Graduation Party will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2025, 10:45 P.M. - 4:00 A.M., at the Northfield campus. This event is funded by NTPA dues and parent donations. Held in the transformed Northfield campus gym, the all-night celebration begins when graduates arrive in their formal commencement attire and continues with an unforgettable night of fun. The event features a DJ, dancing, food, exciting raffle prizes, and games for all to enjoy.

Parents and students must sign and submit the Graduation Party Waiver no later than Thursday, May 14 at 4:00 P.M. 

Graduation Party Waiver Instructions:

1. Log into PowerSchool Parent Portal.
2. Click on “Forms” on the left side navigation bar.
3. Locate the “NT Graduation Party Waiver” and click on the form.
4. When logged in as the “Student”, enter the Student name under “Student Name’ and submit the form. Students cannot edit the “Parent Name” textbox. Once the student submits, the parent/guardian needs to login and acknowledge the parent’s name and submit the form.
5. When logged in as the “Parent”, there is access to edit both the “Student Name” box and “Parent Name” box. If a Parent is logged in, they can discuss the form with their student and acknowledge the student and parent names and submit the form at the same time. 

A current student ID and a completed Graduation Party Online Waiver are required for entry and check-in.

Students will receive an email requesting them complete the annual Graduate Survey and Exit Survey. The Class of 2026 will be surveyed again one year and five years after commencement. This feedback helps us refine our practices to better support New Trier students.

• Past Commencement videos