News Summary
Graduation ceremonies for Charleston County high schools will take place at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Coliseum. Improved parking access aims to enhance the experience for families attending the celebrations. With ceremonies scheduled from May 22 to May 24, the school district highlights changes made for better traffic management and safety, ensuring a smooth event for attendees as they celebrate their graduates’ achievements. The district remains committed to fostering a dignified atmosphere during this important milestone, despite ongoing investigations of a past tragic incident.
North Charleston, SC – Graduation ceremonies for Charleston County high schools will commend the achievements of students on May 22 and 23, 2025, with several events scheduled across two iconic venues. This year, families will experience improved access to parking facilities, fostering a more enjoyable and less stressful celebration of their graduates’ accomplishments.
The Charleston County School District has organized graduation events starting with Early College High School on Thursday, May 22, at 8 a.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. The following ceremonies on the same day include West Ashley High School at 11 a.m., Lucy Beckham High School at 3 p.m., and the Charleston County School of the Arts at 7 p.m., all taking place at the North Charleston Coliseum or Performing Arts Center.
Friday, May 23, 2025, will witness the graduation of Baptist Hill, Military Magnet, and Academic Magnet at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, scheduled for 8 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 3 p.m. respectively. Wando High School will conclude the day’s ceremonies at 7 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Graduation festivities will continue on Saturday, May 24, 2025. North Charleston High School will kickoff the day at 8 a.m., followed by Burke High School at 12 p.m. and St. John’s High School at 4 p.m. at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Additionally, James Island Charter High School’s ceremony will take place at 12 p.m. and R.B. Stall High School’s ceremony at 7 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum.
This year, a significant update has been made regarding parking regulations. The City of North Charleston has lifted the parking pass requirement for the 2025 high school graduations at the North Charleston Coliseum. This change aims to alleviate parking constraints that families previously faced, where they were limited to three parking passes per graduate—an arrangement that raised logistical concerns among parents.
To enhance traffic management and ensure public safety, the graduation schedules have been adjusted to include more time between events compared to prior years. Increased signage will guide attendees to their designated areas, and extra personnel will be on-site to assist with congestion and direct the flow of traffic. Families are strongly encouraged to arrive early and adhere to guidance provided by event staff and law enforcement, ensuring a smoother experience.
Following the joyful commencement of graduations, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is concurrently investigating a tragic incident related to a graduation party that occurred in 2024, where 20-year-old Keonna Brown lost her life due to a shooting. This investigation remains active, with authorities seeking assistance from anyone who may have information about the party, which was attended by over 100 individuals. Members of the public can report their information to the sheriff’s office or submit anonymous tips via email.
The Charleston County high school graduation ceremonies are poised to celebrate the hard work and achievements of students while providing families with an orderly and joyful experience. The adjustments in parking policies and the organization of events come as part of the district’s commitment to fostering a dignified and accessible atmosphere for this significant milestone.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Charleston Eliminates Parking Pass Requirement for Graduations
North Charleston Revamps High School Graduation Policies
Parents Frustrated by Limited Graduation Parking Passes
College of Charleston Changes Graduation Ceremony Time
North Charleston High School Lockdown Due to Unfounded Threat
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Graduation Schedule and Parking Info
- Count On 2: Charleston County Graduation Ceremonies
- Live 5 News: North Charleston Parking Pass Changes
- Count On 2: Tips for Fatal Graduation Party Shooting
- Live 5 News: Charleston County School Report Card
- Wikipedia: Graduation
- Google Search: Charleston County graduation
- Google Scholar: Graduation Ceremonies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
- Google News: Charleston County Graduation News
