Falcon families, the 2026-27 school year is nearly here. Falcon School District 49 opens its doors on August 3 for a subset of students, with the rest following on August 4 — meaning D49's school year begins in under a week. If you haven't started your back-to-school prep, now is the time.

Here's the breakdown for every Colorado Springs-area district, with everything you need to know before the first bell rings.

Falcon District 49 (D49) — August 3/4

D49's staggered start means kindergarteners, incoming 6th graders, and incoming 9th graders report first on August 3. This gives new students a day to orient themselves before the full district population arrives. All remaining D49 students begin August 4.

If your child is in one of those three groups, make sure you know which school they're attending and what time they need to be there. D49 publishes transportation routes and open house schedules through d49.org. Back-to-school resources are available on the district's website through the 2026-27 news section.

One practical note for D49 families: the Backpack Bash Central event is happening this Saturday, August 1 — two days before school starts — offering free backpacks for PreK–12 students at any public or charter school. Arrive early, as supplies are limited.

Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) — August 12

D11 students in kindergarten through 12th grade start the school year on Wednesday, August 12. The last day of the 2026-27 school year is May 25, 2027. D11 fall break runs October 19–23.

D11 serves the central Colorado Springs area and is the largest of the three major COS-area districts. If you have questions about your school assignment, transportation, or any last-minute registration items, reach out to your school's main office before the August 12 start.

Academy District 20 (D20) — August 17/18

D20 takes a similar staggered approach to D49. Preschool students, elementary school students, incoming 6th graders, and incoming 9th graders start August 17. All other D20 students start August 18.

D20 still has School Choice open enrollment available for families who don't live within D20 boundaries but want to enroll at a district school. Seats are currently listed as available at Aspen Valley High School, Village Middle School, and Village High School. Enrollment is handled online through asd20.org. Note that transportation requests for new D20 students closed June 30, so families who recently enrolled should make their own transportation plans.

D20 open houses are scheduled at every school before the start of classes. Check the school's individual website or the district's open house calendar for specific dates and times.

What's Next

D49 families have less than a week — this weekend is the time to confirm school assignments, transportation, and any remaining registration items. D11 and D20 families have two to three weeks. Watch for open house announcements from your school. The Backpack Bash Central event on August 1 is the last free backpack distribution event of the season — visit cosbackpackbash.com for the address and details.