May 12, 2026 — University High School will graduate its inaugural senior class on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center.
In addition to the graduation ceremony, a Senior Walk through the University of Memphis campus will take place on Wednesday, May 13, beginning at 1:45 p.m. The seniors will walk from the high school at the Orgel Education Center (330 Fogelman Drive) to Campus School (535 Zach H Curlin St.). The Senior Walk will be led by University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave, Provost Dr. David Russomanno and University Schools Vice Provost and Director of Schools Dr. Sally Parish. Media who plan to attend are advised to RSVP for location specifics.
The class has a total of 86 graduates, and 29 will attend the University of Memphis in the fall. All 86 plan to continue their education.
“This is more than a traditional graduation celebration. We are celebrating a milestone in the 114-year history of our schools and the community that made this moment possible,” Vice Provost and Director of Schools Dr. Sally G. Parish said. “These graduates will always hold a special place in the story of University High School. As our first graduating class, they did not just attend high school — they built one. Thousands of future students will benefit from a University High School education for years to come thanks to the courage and commitment of our founding students and their families.”
“Having the privilege of serving many of these students as their school leader at both University Middle and now University High, this is a full circle moment that is deeply personal for me,” University Schools Chief of Staff and Interim Executive Director Kerrith D. Griffin said. “I have watched this class grow into confident, driven young adults who fully embraced this incredible opportunity. They are not only making history, but they are also setting the foundation for every class that will follow.”
Highlights for the Class of 2026 include:
- $14,360,260 total four-year scholarships
- 100% will continue their education at 34 different colleges, universities, military or professional training institutions
- Average ACT score of 24.8
- Average GPA of 3.92
- 2,052 total credit hours earned from dual enrollment at the University of Memphis (average of 24.2 credits per student)
Located on the University of Memphis campus, University Schools serves over 1,500 students from six weeks to 12th grade from every zip code within Shelby County and includes the following:
- ELRC (Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning and Research Center)
- Campus School
- Campus School Kimball
- University Middle School
- University High School
- Porter-Leath and University of Memphis Early Childhood Academy at Orange Mound (or PLUM) *partnership
- The Harwood Center *partnership
It has been a pillar of the educational community for the past 114 years.
Media Contact:
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
media@memphis.edu
