West Valley school districts set graduation and final academic dates

As the academic year draws to a close, school districts across the West Valley are preparing for a busy stretch of celebrations and final class bells. The season of transition begins in earnest for the Class of 2026, with thousands of students and their families expected to gather in Glendale for formal commencement exercises before younger students conclude their studies the following week.

The Agua Fria High School District  has designated Thursday, May 14, as its primary day of celebration. In a marathon of ceremonies held at Desert Diamond Arena 9400 W Maryland Ave in Glendale, graduates from all five district campuses will take the stage in shifts:

• Verrado High School starts at 9 a.m.
• Agua Fria High School starts at 11:30 a.m.
• Canyon View High School starts at 2 p.m.
• Desert Edge High School starts at 4:30 p.m.
• Millennium High School starts at 7 p.m.

Higher education milestones follow immediately after the high school festivities. Estrella Mountain Community College is scheduled to hold its commencement at the same Glendale arena on Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m. This follows the conclusion of their regular spring semester classes on May 10, marking a transition for local college students entering the workforce or transferring to four-year universities.

For elementary and high school students not yet reaching graduation, the final days of the semester arrive just one week later. A majority of the region’s districts, including Liberty Elementary, Avondale Elementary, and the Agua Fria High School District, have scheduled their last day of school for Thursday, May 21. 

The Litchfield Elementary School District will be the final local district to break for the summer, with its classes officially concluding on Friday, May 22. 

District officials advise parents to check local sites for district-specific communications regarding half-day schedules or final exam timing during these closing dates.