Going Back to School in the San Gabriel Valley: Everything Parents Need to Know for the 2026 School Year

The end of summer means it's time for backpacks, lunch boxes, and the excitement of a new school year. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering middle school, or heading into their senior year, preparing ahead can make the transition much smoother.

Families throughout the San Gabriel Valley—including West Covina, Covina, Walnut, Glendora, San Dimas, Diamond Bar, Baldwin Park, El Monte, Azusa, La Puente, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, and surrounding communities—are getting ready for another busy school year.

Here's your complete guide to getting your family ready for back-to-school season.

When Does School Start in the San Gabriel Valley?

Most San Gabriel Valley school districts begin classes during the second or third week of August, although exact dates vary by district.

Several districts, including West Covina Unified, begin classes on Thursday, August 13, 2026, while neighboring districts have similar mid-August schedules. Parents should always confirm dates with their individual school or district calendar.

Some of the area's largest school districts include:

• West Covina Unified School District
• Covina-Valley Unified School District
• Walnut Valley Unified School District
• Glendora Unified School District
• Charter Oak Unified School District
• Baldwin Park Unified School District
• Azusa Unified School District
• Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
• El Monte Union High School District
• San Gabriel Unified School District

Pro Tip: Save your district's academic calendar to your phone so you'll always know holidays, minimum days, conferences, and school breaks.

Related Article:  Start Dates for districts in the San Gabriel Valley

How to Prepare Your Child for the First Day of School

The first day can be exciting—but also stressful. A little preparation goes a long way.

Start Adjusting Sleep Schedules

About one week before school starts:

• Move bedtime earlier by 15–30 minutes each night.
• Wake children at their school-year time.
• Limit screens an hour before bed.
• Eat breakfast at the same time they'll eat during the school year.

Visit the School Before Classes Begin

If possible:

• Walk the campus.
• Find classrooms.
• Practice the drop-off and pick-up route.
• Locate bathrooms, cafeteria, and office.
• Meet teachers during orientation.

Younger children often feel much more confident when the campus feels familiar.

Talk About Expectations

Ask questions like:

• What are you excited about?
• Is there anything you're nervous about?
• What goals do you have this year?
• What clubs or sports might you want to join?

Listening without immediately solving every concern helps build confidence.

Back-to-School Safety Tips

School Zone Driving Safety

During the first several weeks:

• Slow down in school zones.
• Never pass a stopped school bus displaying flashing lights.
• Watch carefully for children crossing unexpectedly.
• Avoid using your phone while driving.
• Leave earlier to reduce rushing.

Traffic around schools is always heavier during the first few weeks.

Walking Safety

Teach children to:

• Cross only at marked crosswalks.
• Look left-right-left.
• Make eye contact with drivers.
• Avoid texting while walking.
• Walk with friends whenever possible.

Bicycle Safety

Children riding bikes should:

• Wear properly fitted helmets.
• Use lights if riding early in the morning.
• Obey traffic signals.
• Ride in designated bike lanes when available.

School Supply Checklist

Every classroom differs, but most students will need:

• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Pencils
• Pens
• Highlighters
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Notebooks
• Folders
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Dry erase markers
• Calculator (older grades)
• Headphones or earbuds
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues

Check your teacher's supply list before purchasing specialty items.

Where to Buy School Supplies in the San Gabriel Valley

Shopping locally helps support our community while preparing your child for school.

National Stores

• Target
• Walmart
• Staples
• Office Depot
• Costco
• Sam's Club
• Amazon

Local Small Businesses Worth Visiting

Instead of buying everything online, consider supporting neighborhood businesses.

Some local favorites include:

• Family-owned educational supply stores
• Independent bookstores
• Neighborhood stationery stores
• Teacher supply shops
• Local print shops for school projects

Shopping locally helps keep dollars in the San Gabriel Valley while supporting small business owners.

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Instead of packing the same lunch every day, try rotating:

• Turkey wraps
• Cheese and crackers
• Fresh fruit
• Yogurt
• Baby carrots
• Apple slices
• Pasta salad
• Homemade sandwiches
• Trail mix (if permitted)
• Refillable water bottle

Getting children involved in planning lunches often means they'll actually eat them.

Create an After-School Routine

Successful students often thrive with predictable routines.

Consider setting aside time for:

• Healthy snack
• Homework
• Outdoor play
• Reading
• Family dinner
• Preparing backpack for tomorrow
• Earlier bedtime

Consistency often reduces stress for both children and parents.

Help Kids Stay Organized

Simple habits make a big difference:

• Pack backpacks the night before.
• Charge Chromebooks or tablets overnight.
• Lay out clothes before bed.
• Use a family calendar.
• Review weekly assignments every Sunday.

Mental Health Matters

The beginning of a new school year can bring anxiety.

Watch for signs such as:

• Trouble sleeping
• Stomachaches
• Withdrawal
• Mood changes
• Loss of appetite

Keep communication open and remind children it's okay to ask teachers, counselors, or parents for help.

Make the First Week Fun

Create traditions your children will remember:

• First-day breakfast
• Annual first-day photos
• Special after-school treat
• Celebrate small accomplishments
• Ask about the "best part of your day" every evening

These traditions often become cherished family memories.

Enjoy Everything the San Gabriel Valley Offers

One of the best parts about raising a family in the San Gabriel Valley is the abundance of educational and recreational opportunities nearby.

Take advantage of:

• Local libraries
• City parks
• Community recreation programs
• School sporting events
• Music and arts programs
• Farmers markets
• Museums throughout Los Angeles County

Learning doesn't stop when school lets out.

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season is more than buying notebooks and backpacks—it's about helping children start the year feeling confident, prepared, and excited to learn.

Whether your family lives in West Covina, Covina, Walnut, Glendora, Baldwin Park, San Dimas, El Monte, Azusa, Hacienda Heights, Rowland Heights, or anywhere else in the San Gabriel Valley, we wish every student, teacher, and parent an outstanding school year.

Here's to a safe, successful, and memorable 2026–2027 school year!