<p>Semantics, if you are not walking in the ceremony, you will not be graduating with the class. Many school districts have implemented no walk policies which mean unless you are getting a diploma on the last day of school, you cannot participate in graduation. This has happened as a result of students attending graduation ceremonies with out actually graduating (and not telling their parents that they have not graduated).</p>
<p>A tad late also depends on the summer school schedule. For example, in NYC summer school runs from July 1 to August 12. NYS summer regents exams are held on August 13/14 with grading done on by the 15th. Then the schools essentially shut down because Every one goes on vacation until August 25 (when Principals and APs return to school). GC’s who must certify students to graduate do not report to school until after labor day. In this type of situation, the student who must attend summer school, will be cutting it really close in hoping that they can be certified as a graduate and discharged before college starts.</p>