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COS Back-to-School Check-In: What Colorado Springs Families Should Know in September

Published September 2, 2026
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For most Colorado Springs families, the 2026–27 school year is already a few weeks old. The first-day chaos is behind you. The routines are (mostly) taking shape. But September is actually a useful time to pause and take stock — especially if you have kids in D11, D20, or D49 and want to know what's new this year.

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District Start Dates — A Quick Reference

District Area Served 2026–27 Start Date
D11 (Colorado Springs School District 11) Central Colorado Springs August 12, 2026
D20 (Academy School District 20) Northern COS and Monument August 17 (preschool, elementary, 6th/9th grade) / August 18 (all others)
D49 (Falcon School District 49) East COS and Falcon August 3 (K, 6th, 9th grade) / August 4 (all others)

Note: earlier this summer, some reporting incorrectly listed D20's start as August 13. The accurate dates are August 17 and 18, confirmed via asd20.org. If you saw the earlier reports, the school year is underway as scheduled.

D11 Spotlight: Colorado Springs School of Technology

One of D11's newer additions worth knowing about is the Colorado Springs School of Technology. The school opened during the 2025–26 school year as part of District 11 and is now entering its second full year. For families with middle or high school students interested in technology, engineering, and STEM pathways, it's an option worth exploring.

D11 operates a number of specialized schools and magnet programs across the district — the School of Technology is one of the more recent additions to that lineup. If you're not yet sure what's available in your neighborhood or if you're thinking about school choice options within D11, the district's website (d11.org) has a program directory and enrollment information.

Getting Connected in September

September is typically when parent-teacher organizations, school councils, and volunteer sign-up lists open for the year. Whether it's a PTO meeting, a classroom volunteer slot, or just getting on the school email list — the first month is when those connections form. It gets harder to jump in later.

Each district also has family resource contacts if you're navigating things like meal assistance, transportation questions, or access to district programs. D11 families can start at d11.org; D20 at asd20.org; D49 at d49.org.

What's Next

The 2026–27 school year is underway for all three Colorado Springs districts. September brings the first round of parent-teacher communication, interim assessments in some schools, and the start of fall extracurricular programs — sports, clubs, and arts. Keep an eye on your school's communication channels for upcoming dates.

COS Parenting will continue tracking district news from D11, D20, and D49 throughout the school year. If there's something specific happening in your school community that other Colorado Springs families should know about, reach out.


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