Cap and gown season has arrived in Contra Costa County, and for thousands of Walnut Creek families, the next two weeks mark the culmination of years of early mornings, late-night study sessions, and more than a few packed lunches. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) kicked off its Class of 2026 graduation ceremonies on May 26, and the celebrations continue through June 6 across venues from Concord’s Toyota Pavilion to Diablo Valley College.
For Walnut Creek residents, the graduation calendar carries particular weight. Northgate High School — the only MDUSD comprehensive high school serving Walnut Creek students — held its ceremony on Tuesday, May 26, sending its seniors off into summer and whatever comes next. But the Walnut Creek story doesn’t end there: many local students also attend schools in the Acalanes Union High School District, where Las Lomas High School and Acalanes High School draw from Walnut Creek neighborhoods.
The Full MDUSD Graduation Calendar
MDUSD operates five comprehensive high schools, two continuation/alternative programs, and an adult education center. The district’s 2026 ceremonies span nearly two weeks, a logistical feat that involves coordinating venues, security, families, and — this year — a newly ratified labor agreement that brought some budget certainty to the proceedings.
| Date | School / Program | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tues, May 26 | Northgate HS ★ | 7:00 PM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Wed, May 27 | College Now | 6:00 PM | DVC Commons |
| Thurs, May 28 | College Park HS | 7:00 PM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Fri, May 29 | Bridge Program | 6:30 PM | Loma Vista Adult Ed |
| Fri, May 29 | Concord HS | 7:00 PM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Sat, May 30 | Alt Ed (Glenbrook, Horizons, Prospect) | 11:00 AM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Sat, May 30 | Olympic / Crossroads | 5:00 PM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Mon, June 1 | Mt. Diablo HS | 7:00 PM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Tues, June 2 | Ygnacio Valley HS | 7:00 PM | Toyota Pavilion |
| Sat, June 6 | Adult Education | 10:00 AM | Loma Vista Adult Ed |
★ Northgate HS serves Walnut Creek. Source: MDUSD. Venues: Toyota Pavilion (2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord); DVC Commons (321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill); Loma Vista Adult Ed (1266 San Carlos Ave, Concord).
CST Contract Agreement Brings Stability
Behind the ceremonies, MDUSD secured a significant operational win last week. On May 28, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark announced that the district and the Clerical, Secretarial, and Technical Unit (CST) of AFSCME Local One had reached a tentative agreement on contract reopeners for the 2026–2027 school year.
The agreement includes salary adjustments and the continuation of employee health benefits at current levels — a signal that the district is investing in the classified staff who keep school offices running, manage student records, and support day-to-day operations across MDUSD’s 50-plus campuses. In a district that serves more than 28,000 students across Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Clayton, and portions of Martinez and Pittsburg, classified staff are the backbone that makes graduation season possible.
MDUSD by the Numbers
More than 28,000 students enrolled across 50+ campuses. MDUSD is the third-largest school district in Contra Costa County and one of the largest employers in the region. The district serves a diverse student population and operates programs ranging from dual-language immersion to career technical education pathways.
What’s Next: Summer Programs and the Road Ahead
For graduates heading to college, the summer brings orientations, housing applications, and the logistical scramble of preparing for campus life. Diablo Valley College — which hosted the College Now celebration on May 27 — remains a major destination for MDUSD graduates, offering guaranteed transfer pathways to UC and CSU campuses through its honors and TAG programs.
For students staying closer to home, MDUSD’s Expanded Learning programs provide enrichment activities and academic support through the summer months, giving younger students in the district a bridge between school years. The district’s Adult Education center, which holds its own graduation ceremony on June 6, also continues to offer career technical education, GED preparation, and English language courses year-round.
The Acalanes Union High School District, which serves Walnut Creek students through Las Lomas and Acalanes high schools, typically holds its ceremonies in early June, rounding out what is always a busy season for Contra Costa families. Acalanes Union serves roughly 5,000 students across four comprehensive high schools and one alternative school in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and portions of Walnut Creek.
Celebrate Responsibly
As families gather for ceremonies, barbecues, and grad-night celebrations, local law enforcement reminds residents to plan ahead for transportation. The Walnut Creek Police Department typically increases patrols around graduation weekends, and ride-share services including Uber and Lyft remain widely available throughout the downtown area.
For the full MDUSD graduation schedule, visit the district’s official announcement. Details on Acalanes Union ceremonies are available at acalanes.k12.ca.us. And for summer program information, the MDUSD Expanded Learning page has enrollment details and schedules.
For families with younger students, MDUSD’s Expanded Learning programs provide a bridge between school years, offering enrichment activities and academic support throughout the summer months. The district has expanded these offerings in recent years, responding to both academic recovery needs and the practical reality that working parents need safe, structured programs when school is out.
As the last diplomas are handed out and caps fly into the Contra Costa sky, Walnut Creek’s graduating seniors join a long line of students who have walked these same stages — and who have gone on to shape this community in ways both visible and quiet. Some will return as teachers, business owners, or city council members. Others will scatter across the country, carrying a piece of this valley with them wherever they land.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026. You earned this.
