Summer is winding down, and back to school in the DMV is right around the corner. Whether you are sending a nervous kindergartner off for the first time or helping a teen start high school, the weeks before the 2026-27 school year bring a familiar mix of excitement and questions.
To help DC-area families start strong, we rounded up answers to 10 of the questions parents ask most, from first-day dates and supply lists to easing back-to-school jitters and building routines that last. Here is what you need to know before the first bell rings.
1. When does school start?
The first day varies by district. Here are the confirmed 2026-27 start dates across the DMV:
- DC Public Schools (DCPS): Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
- Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS): Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
- Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS): Monday, Aug. 17, 2026
- Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS): Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
- Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS): Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026
- Howard County Public School System (HCPSS): Monday, Aug. 24, 2026 (Pre-K and RECC students start Aug. 27)
For your district’s full 2026-27 schedule, including holidays and breaks, see our county calendar guides:
- DC Public Schools 2026-27 calendar
- Fairfax County Public Schools 2026-27 calendar
- Loudoun County Public Schools 2026-27 calendar
- Maryland: MCPS, Prince George’s and Howard County 2026-27 calendar
2. Is my child’s school location changing?
Some schools temporarily move to “swing space” while their buildings are renovated. DCPS families can check the district’s running list of upcoming changes to school locations and programs.
If your child’s school is affected, you will usually receive notice by mail or through the parent portal. Keep an eye on both as the new school year approaches.
3. What is the cellphone policy?
Phones-away rules are now common across the DMV. DCPS and MCPS require cellphones to be turned off and stored during the school day, except for students with approved accommodations.
Check your district’s policy before the first day so your child knows what to expect.
4. Are school meals changing?
Possibly. Many public schools follow updated USDA nutrition standards, which are moving breakfasts and lunches toward less added sugar, sodium and saturated fat, along with more fruits and vegetables.
For current menus, meal prices and eligibility information, see your school district’s food services page.
5. What should I do if my child needs accommodations?
Students with disabilities may qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan.
Contact the principal, counselor, case manager or school administrator as early as possible. Make sure the school has any required evaluations, medical records and supporting documentation before the first day.
6. Where can I buy school supplies?
Retailers such as Walmart, Target and Dollar Tree often run back-to-school sales on pencils, notebooks, binders and other classroom essentials. Buying frequently used items in bulk can also lower the cost per item.
Before shopping, check your school’s official supply list and compare prices online rather than automatically ordering from one retailer.
7. Which immunizations does my child need?
Although the COVID-19 vaccine is not required for public school students in DC, Maryland or Virginia, several other vaccines are.
In Maryland, students entering seventh grade must show proof of one dose each of the Tdap and meningococcal (MenACWY, sometimes listed as MCV4) vaccines before the first day. This applies to Montgomery County students entering seventh grade in 2026-27, as well as students new to the district in grades eight through 12.
Virginia requires three vaccines for students entering seventh grade: Tdap, meningococcal (MenACWY) and the first dose of the HPV vaccine. Families may opt out of the HPV requirement after reviewing the state’s materials.
In DC, the HPV vaccine is required for students ages 11 and older, or roughly grades 6 through 12, though families may submit an annual opt-out. Students can be excluded for noncompliance at certain checkpoints, including seventh grade.
Requirements vary by location, so confirm the current list with your school district or local health department, and ask about approved medical or religious exemptions.
8. How can I check my child’s grades?
Parent portal systems vary by school and district. Look up which platform your school uses, whether that is SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, Canvas or another system, on your school’s website.
Set up your account and confirm your login before the school year begins so you can reach grades, assignments and announcements without delay.
9. How do I find important dates, such as parent-teacher conferences?
Your school’s website and parent portal are usually the most reliable sources, because event dates can change during the year. Each district also publishes an academic calendar.
For a complete 2026-27 overview of holidays, breaks and other key dates, use the county calendar guides listed in Question 1.
10. How do I find out who my child’s homeroom teacher is?
This is especially important for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, when homeroom often sets the tone for the day. Homeroom teachers help students settle into their routines, share announcements and offer general guidance.
Check your school’s online calendar to see whether orientation is offered before the first day. Orientation materials often include the teacher’s name, room number and arrival instructions. You may also receive that information by mail or through the parent portal.
If it is not available in advance, most schools post signs or have staff on hand to direct students upon arrival.
Getting ready for back to school in the DMV
A little planning now goes a long way once the year is underway. The simplest place to start is your district’s calendar, so first days, holidays and breaks are always a click away, whether your family is in DC, Fairfax, Loudoun or Montgomery, Prince George’s or Howard County in Maryland. Keep an eye on your school’s website and parent portal for anything specific to your child’s building, and you will head into 2026-27 feeling ready rather than rushed. Here is to a smooth, confident start to the new school year.
