Ballard High School

Ballard
High School
Student Check Lists By Grade 9, 10, 11 & 12

Grade 12 Senior

Welcome Class of 2026

Class Spirit Color is Black

Mandatory!

Friday, June 12: Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal at 9:30 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). Required rehearsal should be finished by 1 p.m.


Senior Important May Timeline

  • Due NOW: Order Cap & Gown, Tassel & Stole
    • If you still need to pick up your cap and gown, come to the main office during lunch, or before or after school. Please do not come during class time!
    • If you have not yet ordered your cap and gown, or tassel and stole, contact National Achiever as soon as possible, at support@nationalachiever.com or 425-357-1338.
      • If you would like to borrow a cap and gown for commencement, please visit the Counseling Center.

Graduation Apparel: Visit National Achiever/Jostens to place orders for caps, gowns, tassels, stole, diploma cover, or more. Order Cap & Gown: Direct ordering link for the Graduation Cap & Gown.Order Tassel or Stole: The Counseling Center has loaner Caps & Gowns (no tassel or stoles). Seniors would still need to purchase a tassel and stole. Use this National Achiever site if ONLY ordering a 2026 Stole & Tassel. (if you need assistance reach out to a BHS Counselor).

May 2026

  • May 26 & 27 ONLY: Senior Prom & Senior Dinner Online Tickets Close. Learn more.
  • May 26, 28 & 29: Pick up any Graduation Cords. First floor foyer during both lunches.
  • SPREE Tickets (if interested): Spree happens after graduation on June 15, 2026. There ARE scholarships; we want all Seniors to be able to participate!! Students will be bussed to two different secret venues. Tickets on sale now until sold out.
  • May 30: Senior Prom: Night on The Bayou at The Point at Pier 70 from 8 – 11 p.m. Learn more on the Prom page.

How To Stay Connected: For continued information be sure you check your email regularly, refer to schoology, and follow the class Instagram, ballardhsclassof2026. Look for more updates and reminders on the Senior Board in the main hallway! 


Senior News

Curtain opening with windows and dance floor.

Senior Prom (May 30), Senior Dinner (June 3) Ticket Sales Last Day May 27

Senior Prom May 30 & Senior Dinner June 3: Tickets on sale for both beginning May 4.

Ballard High School Foundation Golden Beaver Scholarships BHS Shield

Ballard HS Foundation Scholarships Luncheon: Congrats Recipients!

Ballard HS Foundation (Golden Beavers) & Hughbanks Family Scholarships.

McCaw Hall Seating and stage

Class of 2026: Graduation Ceremony June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. McCaw Hall

Ballard HS Graduation Information.

Laptops, Notebooks, Photo, Mug and Images of students

Ballard HS Students & Seniors: Stay Connected

All the ways for students to stay in the know with Club events and updates for Ballard HS especially Seniors and Running Start Students too.

BHS Counselors. Sonja, Maya, Tom, Gail and Katie

Counseling Center News & Resources

Check Out the Counseling Dashboard for important news, grants, events and more.

SPREE Candy Roll BHS 2026

Senior SPREE Details, Tickets Sales & More!

Senior SPREE information.


Ballard High School Graduation Ceremony: June 15, 2026

Date: June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Location: McCaw Hall – 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109


Senior Yard Signs | BPA Fundraiser Closed

ext: Graduate. Congrats. Beaver Head.

Ballard Performing Arts is running a fundraiser by selling Senior Class of 2026 Yard Signs. This is open to all 2026 graduating seniors. The proceeds supported our Performing Arts Programs. Contact ballardperformingarts@gmail.com. with any questions. Signs will be available to pick up after May 23, 2026 at a location TBD.


Graduating Seniors of West Woodland, Salmon Bay K-8, Loyal Heights & North Beach Elementary

  1. Calling all graduating West Woodland Wildcats! Join us to celebrate your graduation with a parade through our school onWed, June 17 at 8:50 a.m.! Please meet in the gym and wear your cap and gown or a shirt/hoodie that represents your future plans. Join us for treats afterwards! We hope to see you there!
  2. Calling all graduating seniors from Salmon Bay K-8! We want to celebrate your achievement and you are invited to “Walk the Halls” in your cap and gown on Friday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. Teachers, staff and students will be there to celebrate you and wish you all the best as you venture into your next steps. Meet on the front steps of Salmon Bay at 2:30 p.m for a group photo and line up in a procession. Parents are invited to join on the front steps and gather at the Salmon Bay Park after the student procession. Afterward families and Salmon Bay staff are invited to gather at Salmon Bay Park where old friends, classmates, teachers and parents can say hello, reminisce and wish each other well. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Any questions, please reach out to the school Tejara Smith at: tysmith@seattleschools.org or the Parent organizer Jackie Thai at: jackieraethai@gmail.com
  3. Calling graduates that attended Loyal Heights Elementary too! Join us June 10 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. in the Loyal Heights Elementary library.
  4. Calling all graduating North Beach Seals! Join us on June 9th at 10am to walk the halls one more time! We can’t wait to celebrate with you, Spread the news and don’t forget your cap and gown!

More Ways To Stay Up-To Date!

BHS Class of 2026
Senior Instagram Updates
BHS Class of 2026

Stay caught up and follow the Ballard Class of 2026 Instagram.

Class of 2026 Instagram

For information throughout the school year follow the Class Instagram 2026 and check the BHS Website Online Announcement page often, look for updates on the Senior Board in the Main Hallway. Sign up for the Class of 2026 Senior & Family Facebook page too!


Senior Resources

September

  • Review your course schedule–take the most challenging and appropriate classes for your abilities.
  • Stay involved in extracurricular activities—balance fun with academics.
  • Plan and register for any final ACT or SAT tests, if needed.
  • Finalize college list with names of schools and begin completing applications.
  • Still researching post high school options, use the following websites to help in your career and college search:
  • Attend presentations by college representatives with virtual visits.
  • Watch for virtual College Fairs and Events.
  • Letters of Recommendation.
  • Make a calendar and organize important activities and tasks for the semester and year.

October

  • Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
  • Take the SAT
  • Start working on FAFSA, WASFA and CSS Profile, if planning to attend college after high school
  • Continue completing applications.

November

  • Keep your grades up–use any resources available to help you get the most out of your classes.
  • Watch for AP Exam registration if interested. Must be registered and paid to take AP Exam(s) in May.
  • Continue completing applications.
  • Review your calendar and activities/tasks list and adjust as needed.

December

  • Continuing completing applications.
  • FAFSA, WASFA
  • Check grades and seek help for academic areas you may be struggling with now.  

January

  • Keep focused with classes, finish out 1st semester strong
  • Scholarship research and application completion continues.

February

  • New semester—review what went well and what did not from 1st semester—adjust as needed.
  • Still researching post high school options, use all resources to help move toward your goal.
  • Scholarship research and application completion continues
  • Complete Seattle Promise Application as a post high school college option.

March

  • Scholarship research and application completion continues

April

  • Check grades and keep working hard.
  • Finalize college acceptance process.
  • Scholarship research and application completion continues

May

  • Still researching post high school options, use all resources to help move toward your goal.
  • Prepare to take your AP Exams (if applicable).
  • Scholarship research and application completion continues.
  • Start researching summer opportunities including internships, jobs, volunteer work, summer programs, etc.

June

Finish out your classes and high school career on a positive note.
Graduation!

-> Pick up a Senior Year Career and College Planning Checklist PDF in the Counseling Office.

Blog Article for Collage Application Process

Rick Clark’s “The College Application is NOT a form. It’s YOUR STORY!” blog is fantastic if you’re going through the college application process.

Stay Informed!

Reading the PTSA Weekly Newsletter is one of the best ways to stay informed of upcoming events and deadlines. If you are not getting the PTSA Weekly Newsletter you can sign up on the Sign Up Form

Running Start & all Seniors & Families: Check the BHS Website Online Announcement page.

Senior parents watch and follow the FB PTSA Parents Class of 2026 for updates and as well as the Student Instagram @ballardhsclassof2026 for Associated Student Body (ASB) and students updates.

Questions for a Ballard HS Counselor or School Social Worker? Schedule an appointment.

Student & Family Helpful Information

Washington Student Achievement Council offers many resources for families as they prepare for life after graduation.

It’s common for graduating seniors to lose momentum during Summer Break. The last years have been particularly challenging, but don’t let that derail your hopes and dreams for the future. Take time this summer to reflect on what you want life to look like down the road.

Once graduation is behind you (Congratulations!), set yourself up for success in life after high school:

  • Have a plan for college or career training. It’s not too late!
  • Check out the Graduate Handbook, which provides next steps for recent high school graduates. The handbook includes a to-do list, info about college course types, financial aid tips, and more.
  • Don’t forget to prepare a budget, and make sure you know how to access health care.
  • Need help? Have questions? Identify supportive people and places in your community or on your future college campus.

Parents and families can help! Ask the adults in your life to review the Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School, which helps family members support graduates as they prepare for and complete their first year in college. The family guide is available in eight languages.

Life is changing, but you are ready—you can do this! Stay on track and plan your future on the Washington Student Achievement Council website.


Applying to College & Post High School Information

If you are looking for help with a college list, log into your Naviance account. Use the SuperMatch tool to search for colleges that would be a good fit. The Ballard HS Counseling Center pages: Applying to College and Post High School Options have a considerable amount of resources and helpful information posted that the Counselors have put together for your reference, so check them out!

Applying to College

Refer to this page for answers to commonly asked questions about applying to college – both 4 year and 2 year as well as upcoming events and opportunities. Explore the sections on the Applying to College page for helpful information for Ballard Seniors and their families. Check back regularly, as new content is being added.

Post High School Options

Refer to this page for answers to commonly asked questions about post high school options and resources. Explore the sections on the Post High School Options page for helpful information for Ballard Seniors and their families. Check back regularly, as new content is being added.


Can’t Find What You Are Looking For?

Email me with tips on information you would like located here or better ways to support your searches on the Ballard HS website. Diane Taylor, BHS Website Editor at dmtaylor@seattleschools.org Thank you!

As of May 25, 2026