While the kids in the Washington, D.C. area are enjoying summer break, parents have the important job of getting things ready for the upcoming school year. Back to school can be a daunting process, from purchasing new school supplies to getting familiarized with new school policies.
To help make the process smoother, we’re answering 10 of the most important questions parents have for back to school.
1. What day does school start?
The first day of school varies by county. Here is the first day of school for major counties in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
- Alexandria City: Monday, Aug. 18
- Fairfax County: Monday, Aug. 18
- Prince William County: Monday, Aug. 18
- Loudoun County: Thursday, Aug. 21
- Arlington County: Monday, Aug. 25
- DC: Monday, Aug. 25
- Montgomery County: Tuesday, Aug. 26
- Prince George’s County: Tuesday, Aug. 26
2. Is the school location changing?
DCPS has seven elementary schools with swing space relocations. You can find the temporary locations here.
3. What is the new cellphone policy?
DCPS and MCPS have new policies that cellphones must be off and stored away during the school day. Exceptions exist only under certain accommodations.
4. Are school meals the same?
Not necessarily. Many public schools are abiding by updated rules from the USDA, meaning school breakfast and lunches are targeting less sugar, sodium and fat content, as well as increases to fruits and veggies.
5. What if my child needs accommodations
Students with disabilities are entitled to individual education plans (IEP) or Section 504 plans. You’ll want to coordinate with the principal, counselor or administrator to ensure they have all of the required medical documentation.
6. Where to get school supplies?
Stores like Walmart, Target and Dollar Tree offer low prices for school supplies. They frequently align sales with the back-to-school season and are a great way to get deals on pencils, notebooks, binders and other important items. A key tip is to buy in bulk – this is often an easy way to save per-item costs. It’s worth checking store websites rather than defaulting to Amazon.
7. What immunizations does my child need?
While the COVID-19 vaccine is not required in DC, Maryland or Virginia public schools, there are others that are still required for attending public school. For example, Montgomery County students who enter seventh grade in the 2025-26 school year, or are new to MCPS and in eighth through 12th grade, must provide documentation of their Tdap and MCV4 vaccinations (one dose each) before the first day of school. DC and Virginia public schools require the HPV vaccine for those entering seventh grade. You’ll want to check with your respective county to know which immunizations you’ll need to have proof of, unless you have an approved medical or religious exemption.
8. How do I check my child’s grades?
Not every school uses the same parent portal for grades and assignments. You’ll want to check with your school’s website to find out which one you’ll need to familiarize yourself with, like SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, Canvas or other platforms.
9. How do I find out important dates like parent-teacher conferences?
Stay up-to-date through the school website or parent portal. Each county has its own academic calendar, but simply downloading it via PDF might not be sufficient since schools might initiate changes to certain dates throughout the school year.
10. Who is my child’s homeroom teacher?
This is an important one for kindergarten through grade 8; homeroom prepares students for the rest of the school day. The homeroom teacher can provide general guidance and help with acclimating to the back-to-school routine. Students will hear the morning announcements during homeroom, so they will definitely want to have the teacher and room memorized.
Check your school’s online calendar to find out if and when orientation is being held before the first day of school. During orientation, your kid is likely to receive welcome paperwork including where to go on the first day of school. You may also receive a letter in the mail. If not, you can always check on the parent portal. In the worst-case scenario, schools often leave signs inside the school that will guide your kid to the right room.
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DMV Public School Calendars 2025-2026: Important Dates and Breaks
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Seth Hagler is a freelance writer and an intern with Washington Parent. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University.
