Montgomery County Public Schools to Hold 2026 Graduations at UMBC

All graduation ceremonies for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) class of 2026 will be held at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in Baltimore, officials announced today.

The decision to move all ceremonies to the UMBC campus ensures a consistent, indoor experience for graduates and their families, regardless of weather conditions. According to a statement released by MCPS, the change also provides easier access for families and reduces costs through district-wide negotiations.

“This change ensures a comfortable indoor setting, easy access for families, and lower costs, thanks to districtwide negotiations,” said Liliana López, a spokesperson for Montgomery County schools. The move impacts approximately 11,000 graduating seniors across the county’s 25 high schools; detailed information about graduation requirements can be found on the MCPS website.

Further details regarding transportation options and specific ceremony schedules will be communicated to families in the coming months, according to the school system. UMBC is a well-regarded public research university, and its campus offers ample facilities to accommodate the large number of attendees.

Officials stated that they will continue to share updates as planning progresses.