And just like that, it’s time to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2023.
As a family member, here are some items you need to know.
Graduation
Saturday, May 20th at 10:30 AM
The Winchendon School has mailed graduation keepsake invitations to student families. For the ceremony, there is open seating.
Dress Code for Students for Graduation
As becoming for a formal event, students are expected to be in formal dress code for events leading up to and including graduation.
Students will receive a keepsake cap and gown and any special recognition cords before the ceremony. Students will have the opportunity to decorate their caps during Senior Week activities.
Senior Graduation Week Activities
All boarding students are expected to remain on campus during Senior Week.

Sunday, May 14th
- Prom
Tuesday, May 16th
- Senior and Faculty Dinner
- All seniors will attend a special “seniors only” formal dinner which will conclude with their yearbook dedication.
Wednesday, May 17th
- Senior Sunrise
- Seniors gather on the hill to watch the sunrise over Mount Monadnock.
Thursday, May 18th
- Senior Firepit
- Seniors have a special evening planned.
Friday, May 19th
- Baccalaureate
- Baccalaureatte returns to the Cathedral of the Pines. Students are expected to be in formal attire for this recognition ceremony.
Saturday, May 20th
- Breakfast
Breakfast for students will be available before the ceremony. - 10:30 AM Commencement Exercises
- Lunch
All are welcome to enjoy lunch after the ceremony. - Departure
Seniors and their families depart campus by 3:00 PM.
Places to Stay in the Area for Graduation
We strongly recommend making your reservations as soon as you have your travel plans in place. There are limited accommodations in the area.
Hotels
The Colonial Hotel
625 Betty Spring Road
Gardner, MA 01440
978.630.2500
Great Wolf Lodge
150 Great Wolf Drive
Fitchburg, MA 01420
978.343.9653
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
99 Erdman Way,
Leominster, MA 01453
978.534.9000
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Keene Downtown
30 Main St
Keene, NH 03431
(603) 357-7070
Courtyard by Marriott Keene Downtown
75 Railroad St
Keene, NH 03431
(603) 354-7900
Inns and Bed and Breakfast
The Maguire House
30 Cobb Rd.
Ashburnham, MA01430
978.827.5053
Clamber Hill Inn & Restaurant
111 N. Main Street
Petersham, MA 01366
978.724.8800
Cranberry Meadow Farm Inn
5 Old Street
Peterborough NH 03458
(603) 784-5766
Our Favorite Places for a Special Meal
El Toro Steakhouse Restaurant
187 River St.
Fitchburg, MA
(978) 627-3674
The Pearl Restaurant and Oyster Bar
1 Jaffrey Road
Peterborough, NH
(603) 924-5225
Bantam Grille
Great Farm to Table
1 Jaffrey Road
Peterborough, NH
(603) 924-6633
Additional Ideas for Family Gatherings
The 1761 Old Mill
69 State Road East
Westminster, MA
(978) 874-5941
The Gardner Ale House
74 Parker St.
Gardner, MA
(978) 669-0122
Looking for more ideas?
Check out our full Visitors Guide or plan your visit by using The Insider’s Guide to The Winchendon School