2026 school year almost here. 12 tips to help your child get ready
This article was originally published by Tallahassee Democrat
By Cheryl McDonald
Florida students will be returning to the classroom next week.
Don't panic. There's still time to help your child get ready and to take advantage of the state sales-tax holiday.
Thirty-eight of Florida's 67 counties will start the 2026-2027 school year on the earliest possible date in the state, Monday, Aug. 10, with the others following shortly after during the same week.
One county, Madison, has students in certain grades starting Aug. 10, and the remainder starting Aug. 12.
Summer disrupts routines and this is the week to get those routines and habits back in place.
Here are the start dates by county and what you take do to help get your child ready before the alarm bell rings next week.
When will summer vacation be over in Florida?
The earliest start date for Florida schools is Aug. 10, according to Florida Statute 1001.42.
To get in the number of required days and end the first semester before the winter break, Florida school districts start the school year in early August.
In 2026, Aug. 10 falls on a Monday.
12 tips to use this week to help get your child ready for school
Help your child get ready for the school days ahead this week. Here are tips provided by clevelandclinic.org and the National Association of Elementary School Principals:
- Reset sleep schedules. If bedtimes got a bit loose over the summer, now is the time to change that since kids need to be well rested to do well in school, not to mention it'll be a little easier to get them out of bed.
- Practice the morning routine. Consider this week a practice run. Wake everyone up on time (we heard that!), get dressed, eat breakfast, make sure everything is packed (better yet, do that the night before!), and brush those teeth.
- Plan ahead for school meals. First, check when your child is scheduled to have lunch. If it's an early one, they won't need a big breakfast. If a late one, they definitely need something substantial to tide them over. Start building your fridge and pantry with breakfasts, lunches and snacks so you're not scrambling (pun intended) in the morning.
- Shop for supplies together. Build that new-school-year-excitement and take advantage of Florida's school sales-tax holiday, which ends Aug. 20. Don't forget to label everything.
- Create a homework area at home. Set up a quiet, organized area dedicated to schoolwork with all the necessary supplies. While you're at it, make sure there is a dedicated place for bookbags, papers, etc.
- Review transportation plans. Make sure everyone is clear how your child gets to and from school, whether they ride a bus, are picked up, or walk.
- Hygiene reminders. Practice correct handwashing, covering coughs, using tissues.
- Talk to your child. Ask what they're excited about and what they're nervous about so you can find ways to support them.
- Discuss goals. We're not talking about making straight As here. What do they want to achieve this year?
- Make the school feel familiar. If your school has an open house, orientation or meet the teacher event, try to attend. Walk the hallways with your child, especially if it's a new school.
- Get their brains back into learning mode. Do some reading. If they struggled with a particular subject last year, try reviewing to boost confidence.
- Don't forget those checkups. Depending on your child, you may need to make sure vaccinations are up to date, schedule a sports physical or even an eye exam.