With the start of the 2026-2027 school year just a few weeks away, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has several important dates for students, families, and staff to keep in mind before classes begin.
Teachers return first, with Professional Days scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 21. During that week, educators and staff will participate in professional development, prepare classrooms, finalize schedules, and get schools ready to welcome students.
On Monday, Aug. 24, MCPS will hold its second annual Student Transition Day, a non-instructional day designed to help students become comfortable in a new school environment before the first official day of classes.
Student Transition Day is intended for all students entering kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade, as well as third grade students attending intermediate elementary schools including Chevy Chase Elementary School, Cresthaven Elementary School, North Chevy Chase Elementary School, Oak View Elementary School, and Pine Crest Elementary School. The day also includes students who are new to an MCPS school or new to the district.
Throughout the day, students will meet principals and teachers, tour their schools, practice arrival and dismissal routines, learn school expectations and the Student Code of Conduct, and participate in activities designed to help them feel confident before the full student body returns.
Elementary students will tour the building, meet teachers and administrators, take part in icebreaker activities, and preview special-area classes. Middle school students will explore their schedules, practice using lockers, log in to technology platforms, and learn about athletics, clubs, and other activities through student-led tours. High school students will review class schedules and transitions, discover extracurricular opportunities, and learn about student rights, responsibilities, and available supports.
MCPS notes that Student Transition Day differs from a traditional Open House because it is a full school day focused on students, while Open House events are typically held in the evening for families.
School buses will operate on the regular first-day-of-school schedule, and free lunch will be available for students, although they may also bring their own lunch. Individual schools will share additional information regarding schedules, before- and after-school care, and any alternative plans for students who are new to a school but are not entering one of the designated transition grades.
The first official day of school for all MCPS students is Tuesday, Aug. 25. The new school year will also mark the implementation of MCPS’ “No Cell, Bell to Bell” policy, limiting student cell phone use during the instructional day.
