Most Texas public school districts start classes in mid-August 2026. The most common first day in our current dataset is Wednesday, August 12, 2026. But some districts start much earlier – for example, Socorro ISD in the El Paso area begins on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Across major Texas districts, Houston ISD starts on Monday, August 10, 2026; Dallas ISD starts on Tuesday, August 11, 2026; and Katy ISD starts on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Quick Answer
There is no single statewide first day for Texas public schools in 2026. Each district adopts its own calendar.
Among the 187 Texas districts in our current data:
- 80 districts start on Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- 27 districts start on Thursday, August 13, 2026
- 21 districts start on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- 15 districts start on Monday, August 10, 2026
A smaller group starts in late July, early August, or later in August. Most families will see a first day between August 10 and August 13, but there are important exceptions.
2026 First Day of School Dates for Major Texas Districts
| District | Region | First day of school |
|---|---|---|
| Socorro ISD | El Paso Area | Monday, July 27, 2026 |
| El Paso ISD | El Paso Area | Monday, August 3, 2026 |
| Fort Worth ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Monday, August 10, 2026 |
| Garland ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Monday, August 10, 2026 |
| Houston ISD | Greater Houston | Monday, August 10, 2026 |
| Dallas ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 |
| Fort Bend ISD | Greater Houston | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 |
| Plano ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Tuesday, August 11, 2026 |
| Aldine ISD | Houston Area | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Arlington ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Conroe ISD | Houston Area | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Cypress-Fairbanks ISD | Greater Houston | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Frisco ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Katy ISD | Greater Houston | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Klein ISD | Houston Area | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| Lewisville ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| San Antonio ISD | San Antonio Area | Wednesday, August 12, 2026 |
| McKinney ISD | Dallas-Fort Worth | Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| Pasadena ISD | Houston Area | Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| North East ISD | San Antonio Area | Monday, August 17, 2026 |
| Austin ISD | Central Texas | Tuesday, August 18, 2026 |
| Round Rock ISD | Austin Area | Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
| Edinburg CISD | Rio Grande Valley | Monday, August 24, 2026 |
| Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD | Rio Grande Valley | Monday, August 24, 2026 |
Common Texas School Start Dates in 2026
Here is how the first day of school is distributed across the Texas districts currently covered on this site:
| First day | Number of districts in our current data |
|---|---|
| July 21, 2026 | 1 |
| July 27, 2026 | 2 |
| July 28, 2026 | 1 |
| August 3, 2026 | 4 |
| August 4, 2026 | 2 |
| August 6, 2026 | 2 |
| August 10, 2026 | 15 |
| August 11, 2026 | 21 |
| August 12, 2026 | 80 |
| August 13, 2026 | 27 |
| August 17, 2026 | 8 |
| August 18, 2026 | 7 |
| August 19, 2026 | 12 |
| August 24, 2026 | 4 |
| August 25, 2026 | 1 |
This table is based on our current dataset. We update it as districts publish new calendars.
Why Texas School Start Dates Are Different
Texas districts do not all use the same first day. Each adopted calendar has to balance instructional minutes, teacher workdays, holidays, professional development, weather makeup days, local community needs, and board‑approved rules.
Some districts start earlier because they use a calendar model with breaks spread across the year, fall intersession, alignment with local programs, or District of Innovation authority. Others start later in August and run deeper into May or early June.
That's why families moving between nearby districts can see different first days even inside the same metro area. Houston ISD and Katy ISD are both in Greater Houston, but their 2026 first days are two days apart. Dallas ISD, Frisco ISD, and Plano ISD also don't all start on the same date.
Houston Area Examples
In the Houston area, many large districts start during the same week:
- Houston ISD: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Fort Bend ISD: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Cypress-Fairbanks ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Katy ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Conroe ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Pasadena ISD: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Use the individual district page when planning child care, travel, or back‑to‑school appointments.
Dallas-Fort Worth Examples
In DFW, several large districts also cluster in mid-August:
- Fort Worth ISD: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Dallas ISD: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Plano ISD: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Arlington ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Frisco ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Lewisville ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- McKinney ISD: Thursday, August 13, 2026
For families comparing districts in North Texas, the first day is only one part of the calendar. Spring Break, Winter Break, Fall Break, early release days, and the last day of school can also differ.
Austin and San Antonio Examples
Central Texas and San Antonio‑area districts show a wider range:
- San Antonio ISD: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- North East ISD: Monday, August 17, 2026
- Austin ISD: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Round Rock ISD: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
If you are comparing calendars across nearby districts, check the full district calendar page rather than assuming all districts in one metro area follow the same schedule.
How to Check Your District
To find your district's full calendar, search the Texas School Calendar district list or start from the Texas School Calendar homepage. Each district page includes the first day, last day, major breaks, holidays, and downloadable calendar files when available.
Notes on Accuracy
The dates in this guide come from our 2026-2027 district calendar data. Districts can revise calendars after adoption – for weather, board updates, or emergency closures. Always check the official district source for the most current information.