Graduation

Caps and gowns are available at the Innovation Academy Main Office. The website, if you want to purchase one, is https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1436362/Innovation-Academy/ by Wednesday, May 8, 2026. If you plan on borrowing a gown, you must pay a cash deposit of $25 by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, which will be returned to you when you return your gown after graduation. Tassels and caps will be provided.

Friday, May 22, at 3:30 pm: Seniors' last day and graduation ticket handout! All seniors will receive 10 commemorative tickets to share with family and friends. Additional tickets can be requested from the main office, but are not required for entrance into the graduation ceremony. In order to be fully checked out, each student must turn in all books and pay all fines and fees. Please have your student contact the front office to check on fines and fees. Additionally, all work needs to be completed, turned in, and passed by May 22, at 3:30 pm, in order to walk at graduation unless there is prior administration approval. No student will be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony unless all graduation requirements are met, which includes earning all-state required credits and the full payment of bills.  After May 22nd, seniors returning to visit with students or staff must check into the office before tending to any business while school is in session. If you finish during the summer, we will host an individual or small group exercise at a later date. 

Tuesday, May 26, at 9:00 am-11:30 am: The Senior Grad Walk (Grad Walk Flyer - English, Grad Walk Flyer - Spanish) is an opportunity for our students to illustrate school pride and personal accomplishment in front of cheering younger students. Students will want to wear their caps and gowns. Bussing and supervision will be provided- if you are interested in this event, please register at the District website or by using this Grad Walk registration link by Monday, May 18, 2026. 

Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 pm-7:30 pm:  The Baccalaureate Ceremony is a non-denominational religious pre-graduation ceremony and will be held at Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, 425 Middle St., Jacksonville.  It is not a school-sponsored event, and no school monies are spent on the event due to the separation of church and state laws.  It is not required of students to attend. All seniors will wear their caps and gowns.  Dress is professional underneath graduation attire.

Wednesday, May 27, at 10am-Noon Graduation Ceremony Practice: This practice is required in order to participate in the graduation ceremony unless granted prior principal approval. We will meet in the East Gym at Oakdale Middle School. The length of practice depends on the listening skills and cooperation of the students. Caps and gowns will not be needed for practice. 

Wednesday, May 27 at 7 pm: Graduation!!! All seniors are required to report at 6 pm in the East Gym at Oakdale Middle School to line up (only students please). It is important for all participants to recognize the importance of appropriate dress underneath the gowns.  Since collars will show, a color that is complementary to the gown should be selected. Attire needs to be professional in nature, which includes a collared shirt and tie, nice pants, and dress shoes or professional dress or pant suit (please no flip flops or heels). If a student is having trouble finding an appropriate dress that fits this requirement, please have them request help from our front office during the week of graduation. Sunglasses that are appropriate can be used since we are planning our ceremony outside. Regardless of the weather, we will be outside.  Graduation caps are not to be decorated.