Richmond’s Back-to-School Guide 2026

The countdown is on, Richmond. Summer vacation is coming to an end, and families across the area are getting ready for another school year.

With classes starting next week, now is the time to make those final preparations – from checking school schedules and organizing supplies, to figuring out transportation, after-school plans and those all-important first-day outfits.

Whether you’re completely prepared or still checking things off your list, here’s what Richmond families should know as back-to-school week arrives.

School Starts Next Week

Richmond area students will begin heading back to classrooms next week, with several school divisions using staggered start dates.

For Richmond Public Schools, some students will return Monday, August 24, while other grades begin Tuesday, August 25.

Parents should check their child’s individual school information for the exact start date, bell schedule, transportatiopn information and any additional instructions before the first day.

And if you haven’t checked those details yet, this week is the perfect time,

Don’t Forget the School Supply List

Related: 5 Black-Owned School Supply Brands You Need To Know

Backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils and other classroom essentials can add up quickly, especially for families with multiple children.

Before making another trip to the store, take a look at your child’s school supply list and see what you already have at home. You may be able to reuse backpacks, lunch boxes, binders and other items from last year.

It’s also worth checking with your child’s school or local community organizations to see whether additional resources are available for families who need help.

Need School Supplies? Radio One Richmond is Giving Back

We are helping local families get ready for the new school year with our annual Prep For Success School Supply Drive on Saturday August 22.

This drive is an opportunity for families in the community to get some extra help preparing students for the classroom.

With the first day of school just days away, the timing could not be any better.

Take Care of the Little Things Now

The week before school can get hectic, so getting the small details handled now can make Monday morning a lot easier.

Parents may want to double check:

• School start and dismissal times
• Bus and transportation information
• School supplies
• Lunch and breakfast information
• After-school care arrangements
• Emergency contact information
• School communication apps
• Sports and extracurricular schedules
• Any required forms or paperwork

And don’t forget the things that aren’t on the official school. checklist-haircuts, doctor’s appointments, new shoes, uniforms and making sure those first-day outfits are ready to go.

Get Yourself a Head Start on Monday

One of the easiest ways to make the first morning less stressful to do as much as possible the night before.

Pack backpacks, lay out clothes, prepare lunches and make sure everyone knows what time they need to wake up.

For younger students, especially those starting a new school, talking about what to expect can also help ease some of those first-day nerves.

A little preparation can now make a big difference when the alarm goes off on Monday morning.

Richmond, It’s Almost Time

The end of summer always comes with mixed emotions. Kids may not be ready to give up late nights and summer fun, while parents may be more than ready to get back into a routine.

Either way, the new school year is almost here.

If your family still needs a little help getting prepared, don’t forget about our annual back-to-school event Prep For Success happening this Saturday, August 22, from 10am to 2pm at Speaking Spirit Ministries, 4205 Ravenswood Rd.

Let’s make sure Richmond students head into the new school year feeling prepared, supported and ready to learn.

Know a family who could use the information? Share this story with them.

Richmond’s Back-to-School Guide 2026 was originally published on kissrichmond.com