Senior Prom
Senior Prom is a formal celebration that honors the senior class and their time at ETHS. Held towards the end of the school year, it’s a special night to celebrate achievements, friendships, and say farewell to high school. Students come together for a night featuring dinner, dancing, and entertainment—making unforgettable memories before graduation.
Senior Prom 2026
| Date | Saturday, May 9, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 7:30pm – 10:30pm |
| Location |
Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom |
What to Expect
Prom is a formal event, complete with a DJ, dancing, and dinner. Expect an elegant atmosphere with a night full of excitement and entertainment. There will be a variety of music, a photo booth for memories, and a plated dinner to enjoy. Prom is about celebrating with your friends, looking your best, and having one last memorable night with your classmates before you transition into the next chapter of life.
Who Can Attend
Senior prom is open to all seniors (Grade 12) and their guests (external guests must be pre-approved). ETHS students must have 10 or fewer tardy detentions and no unserved consequences in order to attend a school dance. Students with more than 10 tardies or on social probation are not eligible to attend.
Your guest can include an ETHS junior or a senior student from another high school no older than 20 years old. All guests must be registered and pre-approved by the Deans’ Office. See “Guest Policy” below for more information.
Tickets and Registration
Check back for information on how to purchase tickets for Senior Prom.
Location
Prom is held off-campus at the following location:
Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom
600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Post-Prom Event (Optional)
After prom ends, students will have the option to attend the post-prom event aboard the Spirit of Chicago Moonlight Cruise. They will set sail from Navy Pier for an exciting evening cruise under the stars, with a stunning view of the midnight skyline.
Spirit of Chicago Moonlight Cruise
Time: 11:30pm (boarding time) – 1:00am (return)
Entry
Admittance to school dances is subject to the approval of the ETHS administration. To ensure a safe and enjoyable prom experience:
- ID Requirements: ETHS students must present a current Student ID (physical or virtual) for entry. External guests must present a valid, state-issued photo ID. Note: Student IDs will not be accepted for non-ETHS students.
- No Reentry: Students and guests will not be permitted to leave and return to the dance once they have entered. Please bring all necessary items with you (for both prom and the cruise); you will not be allowed to return to your vehicle after you check in.
- Safety Measures: All bags will be checked at entry. Breathalyzer tests may be given randomly or when there is suspicion of substance use. These measures help ensure a safe, substance-free environment for all students.
Students and guests who fail to meet or comply with entry requirements may be denied entry to the dance without a refund. Students or guests found possessing or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will face disciplinary consequences according to the Student Handbook.
Guest Policy
ETHS seniors may bring one guest to Prom: either an ETHS junior or a senior from another high school, no older than 20 years old. To bring a guest, seniors must submit the required guest information through myETHS > Prom Registration. The Deans' Office will review requests, and students will be notified of the decision via email. Guest requests must be submitted by the deadline; late forms will not be accepted. Guests will not be permitted to enter the dance without prior approval.
All guests must present a valid, state-issued photo ID for entry and adhere to all school policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Questions about guests and approvals should be directed to the Deans’ Office.
Behavior Expectations
All ETHS rules and policies apply at school dances, just as they do during the regular school day. Students and guests are expected to behave respectfully and responsibly at all times.
- Treat classmates, staff, and guests with respect. Be mindful of boundaries.
- Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances is strictly prohibited.
- Physical altercations or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Students must comply with any instructions or requests from dance supervisors and Safety staff.
Violations
Attending ETHS dances is a privilege. Students and guests who do not meet behavior expectations or violate school rules may face the following consequences:
- Immediate Removal: Students may be removed from the dance without a refund. A parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the student.
- Disciplinary Action: Violations may result in school consequences according to the Student Handbook. Students may lose the opportunity to attend future dances.
Supervision
Dances are chaperoned by ETHS administrators and staff, including Deans and Safety personnel. This supervision is in place to maintain a safe environment, enforce school policies, and address any concerns that may arise during the event. Please note that the Chicago Police Department has jurisdiction over Navy Pier, and officers may be present at the venue.
Dress Code
Prom is a formal event. Suits/tuxedos, evening gowns, cocktail dresses, dressy jumpsuits or pant suits are appropriate attire. Streetwear such as jeans and t-shirts are not acceptable. Students should feel free to express themselves while maintaining the formal dress code.
We know attending prom can be expensive. ETHS is coordinating with local community partners and businesses to offer discounts and resources to help make prom more accessible to all students. We want every senior to have the opportunity to feel confident and comfortable while enjoying this special night!
Coat Check
A free coat check service will be available for students and their guests. Students may leave their coats and belongings at the coat check for the duration of prom and the cruise. After prom, students can pick up their items to change for the cruise, and then re-check any items they no longer need for the cruise. Note: ETHS is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
| Items to Check | Items to Carry | Items Not Allowed |
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Food and Beverage
The ticket price for Prom includes a plated dinner, offering students a delicious meal as part of the celebration. When registering for Prom, students will have the opportunity to select a meal option that suits their dietary needs and preferences.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from prom. ETHS will not provide transportation to or from the venue. Self-parking and valet options are available at Navy Pier for a fee. Click to view parking and valet rates here: Navy Pier Parking and Valet.
Families are strongly encouraged to make a safe transportation plan in advance to ensure students travel to and from prom safely.
Prom Court
Prom Court is a special tradition where senior students are nominated by their peers to be recognized for their contributions to the ETHS community. Senior students nominate classmates for this honor. The selected students are celebrated during the Prom ceremony. The top two vote-getters are crowned as Prom Royalty during the dance.
How it Works:
- Nominations: Students are nominated by their peers for Prom Court. This nomination process typically takes place 2-3 weeks before Senior Prom.
- Voting: After nominations, a student vote is held to select the members of the Prom Court. Voting is open to seniors only.
- Court Announcements: The selected members of the Prom Court will be announced on the Tuesday Tidbits before Prom.
- Homecoming Royalty: The top two vote-getters from the entire senior class are crowned as Prom Royalty during the dance.
Contact Information
Student Activities Office
W220 (The Hub)
Phone: (847)424-7949
Email: studentactivities@eths202.org