Today marks the official first day of school for Grants Pass School District, as students across the community step back into classrooms and begin the 2025–2026 academic year. For many families, this morning signaled the end of summer routines and the return to packed lunches, morning commutes, and the rhythm of the school calendar.
Elementary schools opened their doors today, Monday, August 25, with a half-day schedule for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The shortened schedule is designed to help younger students adjust after the long summer break.
The return to school will continue throughout the week with a staggered start for older students. Sixth graders, who are entering middle school for the first time, will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, August 26. This extra day is meant to give them the opportunity to become familiar with their new surroundings before the full student body arrives. Seventh and eighth graders will follow on Wednesday, August 27, rounding out the middle school schedule.
High school students are also set to return on Tuesday, August 26, beginning a new year at Grants Pass High School and the district’s alternative programs. Freshmen entering the high school for the first time will be navigating a much larger campus, meeting new teachers, and facing higher academic expectations. The district’s staggered schedule has been designed with these transitions in mind, giving staff time to focus on smaller groups of students in the early days.
The start of school also brings logistical considerations. Families have been reminded to double-check bus routes, which resumed today with updated pickup and drop-off times. Health and immunization forms need to be current for students to attend, and nutrition services are once again preparing daily meals through breakfast and lunch programs. For many children, today was not only about returning to class but also reconnecting with friends and familiar routines that anchor the school year.
District leaders emphasized the importance of this week as a foundation for success. Teachers will spend the first days reviewing expectations, introducing new material, and building a sense of community in their classrooms. Orientation activities are scheduled across grade levels to help students ease into the year. The half-day start for elementary schools and staggered return for older students have become cornerstones of the district’s approach to creating a smooth and welcoming transition back to school.
As the 2025–2026 school year begins, the energy across Grants Pass campuses is unmistakable. From kindergarteners walking into classrooms for the very first time to seniors beginning their final year, today represents a fresh start and a chance to set the tone for the months ahead. By the end of this week, every student in the district will be back in session, ready for a new year of learning, growth, and opportunity.