North Charleston Eliminates Parking Pass Requirement for Graduations

Graduation ceremony at North Charleston with graduates and families celebrating

News Summary

North Charleston has removed the parking pass requirement for high school graduation ceremonies at the North Charleston Coliseum. This decision aims to alleviate stress for families celebrating their graduates. The city is also making schedule adjustments and enhancing traffic management to facilitate smoother transitions between different school ceremonies. Graduations will take place over several days, with increased signage and personnel to assist attendees. Families are encouraged to plan their visits as the ceremonies approach.

North Charleston has announced the elimination of the parking pass requirement for high school graduation ceremonies scheduled for 2025 at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center. This decision aims to remove unnecessary barriers and allow families to celebrate their graduates without added stress.

The upcoming 2025 graduation ceremonies are expected to draw large crowds, as schools across the Lowcountry prepare to honor their graduating classes. The City of North Charleston’s commitment to enhancing this experience includes increased attention on traffic flow and parking management during the events. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as parking spaces are likely to fill quickly.

In addition to lifting the parking pass requirement, the city has made adjustments to the schedule of ceremonies, providing more time between different school graduations than in previous years. This change is intended to facilitate a smoother experience for families transitioning between ceremonies.

Graduation ceremonies for the Dorchester School District Two will take place on May 31, while ceremonies for the Charleston County School District will commence on May 22. The first event will feature Early College High School at 8 a.m. on that day. West Ashley High School will follow with a graduation ceremony at 11 a.m., and Lucy Beckham High School will graduate at 3 p.m. The Charleston County School of the Arts will hold its ceremony at 7 p.m. in the same venue on May 22.

The following day, May 23, three schools are scheduled to hold their graduation ceremonies. Baptist Hill will graduate at 8 a.m., Military Magnet at 11:30 a.m., and Academic Magnet at 3 p.m., all at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Wando High School will also conduct its graduation at 7 p.m. on that day at the North Charleston Coliseum.

On May 24, graduations will continue with North Charleston High School, Burke High School, and St. John’s High School at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m., respectively, at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. James Island Charter High School and R.B. Stall High School are also set to hold their ceremonies at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum that day.

The city of North Charleston is dedicated to ensuring a safe and efficient environment during these important celebrations. Increased signage will be placed throughout the area to assist attendees, alongside additional personnel to help manage traffic and reduce congestion.

As graduation ceremonies draw closer, families and friends are urged to prepare for the events by planning their visits accordingly. The city’s adjustments in accommodating attendees reflect its commitment to making the graduation experience as smooth and welcoming as possible for both graduates and their loved ones.