School Starts Soon: Here’s What Parents Need To Know

I can't believe it's almost here. In just a few short weeks, school in Northern Colorado is back in session. Of course, I'm going to miss my little buddy, and she's at such a great age now. She sleeps in; she is totally good playing independently, and I'm going to miss my little grocery shopping partner.

But she needs the structure of school, and she's still at that magical age because she loves school and she still gets excited to get back at it.

So here's a refresher course for all of us on what we all need to know about sending the kiddos back for the 2026-2027 school season.

Elementary School

• Know your district's start date because they all start on different days at different times.
• Make sure you have the bus situation on lock by going into the communications app for your school.
• Immunizations might be one of the worst parts of back to school, but you gotta do it, I suppose.
• Now one that I hate. Resetting the sleep schedule. One of the hardest parts of back to school is getting your kid up and moving before the bus comes.
• Know when to keep your kid(s) home from school. The fall season is notorious for sickness, and boy does it hit hard.

Middle School

• Moving up from elementary to middle school can be daunting to a lot of youngsters. If you can, make sure to go before school officially starts so your child can get a feel for the new environment.
• Organization is key in middle school, so invest in a planner and notebooks.
• Kids these days tend to have cell phones, and each school has a different policy.

High School

• This can be a tricky time for a lot of kids because of the school's open campus policy. I know this was a thing for me because going home to watch Days of Our Lives instead of going to algebra class was a no-brainer.
• This next one is something I didn't have when I was in high school, but I wish I did: mental health awareness. In 2026, there are plenty of options for help if your child is struggling.
• Technology is everywhere, and that can be a lot to absorb. Luckily, kids are much more in tune with this way of life, but there are still a ton of resources if your child is struggling.
• Driving. Dear God, teach your child how to drive because all teenagers think they're invincible.

So get a jump on the 2026-2027 school year so your child has the best year ever.