Summer still has several weeks left, but the first day of school is closer than it feels for Colorado Springs families. Here are the 2026 back-to-school dates for the three main COS districts, along with what to check off your list before the bell rings.

If your kids are in D49, you have about two weeks. D11 and D20 families have a little more time — but the to-do list is long enough that starting now makes sense.

D11: Free Supply Kits for K–8 Students

Colorado Springs School District 11 starts August 12. This year, D11 is partnering with Edukit to provide free, grade-specific school supply kits to more than 14,000 K–8 students. The kits will be delivered on the first day of school — no cost to families, no need to buy supplies in advance for those students.

The supply kit program does not replace checking your child's specific teacher supply list, which may include items not covered by the kit. But it significantly reduces the back-to-school shopping burden for most D11 elementary and middle school families.

D11 enrollment is open online at d11.org. Families who prefer in-person enrollment can go to 1033 N. Franklin St., open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM MT. D11 also builds Monday late starts into its calendar — worth knowing before you set carpools and pickup schedules.

D20: August 13 Start

Academy School District 20 begins the 2026–2027 school year on August 13. D20 serves northern Colorado Springs, including Monument. Enrollment, supply lists, and school-specific calendars are available at asd20.org.

What to Check Before School Starts

Enrollment: If you moved over the summer, changed schools within a district, or have an incoming kindergartener, confirm enrollment now. Most districts require proof of address and immunization records at the time of enrollment.

Immunizations: Colorado requires up-to-date immunization records for school entry. Check with your child's pediatrician if you are not sure your records are current. Records submitted to a previous school may not automatically transfer.

School supply lists: Most COS schools post supply lists on their individual school websites by mid-July. If your child's list is not posted yet, check back early in the week — or call the school office directly.

Transportation: District busing registration is separate from school enrollment in most COS districts. If your child is eligible for district transportation, confirm the route and stop before the first week.

Before and after care: If your child attends school-based or third-party care programs, confirm their start date — some programs align with school start dates, and others require separate registration that may already have waitlists.

What's Next

Each district will publish teacher assignments and classroom lists closer to the first day of school — typically in the week before school starts. Check your district's parent portal for notifications.

For families new to Colorado Springs, all three district websites have enrollment guides: d49.org, d11.org, and asd20.org. The El Paso County Public Health department at elpasocountyhealth.org has school immunization information for families working through vaccination records.