Check out our new Back-to-School guide!

Our new Back-to-School Guide gives families one place to find the information they need before the start of the 2026-27 school year.

View the Back-to-School Guide

The guide includes school start dates, open house information, transportation, school supplies, meals, athletics, student registration, health services, volunteer opportunities and more.

"We know the weeks leading up to school can be busy for families," Superintendent Dr. Ryan Ovenell said. "Our goal is to make it as easy as possible to find important information in one place so students and their families can start the school year feeling prepared, confident and ready to learn."

Know your student's first day

The first day of school varies by grade level.

• Students in grades 1-6, grade 9, and all Lincoln Hill High School and Lincoln Academy students, begin classes Wednesday, Sept. 2. NOTE: Students starting on Sept. 2 will follow a regular school-day schedule — not the district's usual Wednesday late-start schedule.
• Students in grades 7-8 and Stanwood High School students in grades 10-12 begin Thursday, Sept. 3.
• Preschool and kindergarten students begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, following Kindergarten Family Connection meetings Sept. 2-4.

The staggered start allows students transitioning to new schools, including those entering middle school and high school, to become familiar with their buildings, teachers and routines before the remaining students arrive. It also gives staff additional time to help students navigate schedules, answer questions and begin the year with confidence.

"We encourage every family to take a moment to confirm their student's start date and schedule," Ovenell said. "Because the first day falls on a Wednesday, it's especially important to remember that students starting Sept. 2 will follow a regular school-day schedule rather than our usual Wednesday late-start schedule. Taking a few minutes now to review the Back-to-School Guide can help ensure a smooth start to the school year."

More resources in one place

The Back-to-School Guide also includes information about:

• Open houses and welcome events

• School supply information

• Bus routes and transportation

• School meals

• Athletics registration

• Before- and after-school care

• Student support and health services

• Volunteer opportunities and district advisory committees

Throughout August, families should continue checking Skyward Family Access as teacher assignments, class schedules and transportation information become available. Schools will also send additional building-specific information directly to families before the first day of school.

View the complete Back-to-School Guide at www.stanwood.wednet.edu/backtoschool.