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What to Know for the Start of the 2026-27 School Year

A group of students running into school
What to Know for the Start of the 2026-27 School Year

The Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) is excited to welcome students, staff, and families back for the 2026–27 school year. CVESD continues its commitment to academic excellence through year three of its five-year Rigorous Learning for All academic plan. In the third year, the district’s focus centers on elevating student experiences and ensuring that student perspectives guide CVESD’s efforts to advance Rigorous Learning for All.  

Student wellness also remains a priority. Through California's Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), eligible behavioral health services provided by school counselors and social workers may be reimbursed at no cost to families and without affecting insurance coverage. Families can submit their insurance information through the enrollment process.  

Students in TK–6 can also participate in the LEAD (Learn, Enrich, Aspire, Develop) Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, which provides before- and after-school and intersession opportunities for students in transitional kindergarten through sixth grade.  Through academic support, enrichment activities, sports, and social-emotional learning opportunities, LEAD helps students learn and grow in a safe and engaging environment throughout the school year. 

To help families prepare, we've compiled the most important back-to-school information below. Individual school sites will also share school-specific details directly with their communities. 

Mark Your Calendar 

  • The first day of school is Wednesday, July 22, for a minimum day schedule. 

  • Join Us at the 5th Annual Community Expo on Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista. Families can enjoy interactive student activities, connect with district and community organizations, and receive free food while supplies last. 

  • Applications for the Parent Ambassador Program are open through Monday, July 27, at 9 a.m. Parents/guardians interested in becoming school leaders and strengthening home-school partnerships are encouraged to apply. 

  • CVESD University is a learning experience for parents and guardians. In partnership with WishWell and Brain Balance of San Diego, CVESD is providing free workshops for families throughout the school year. 

Stay Connected 

Staying informed throughout the school year is easy. Families are encouraged to: 

  • Visit the CVESD website and use the new chatbot for quick answers.  

  • View school and community flyers through Peachjar.  

  • Keep emergency contact information current with your school site. 

  • Save CVESD's text messaging numbers:  

  • Outreach: (617) 315-2097  

  • Emergency notifications: (617) 789-8212  

  • Follow @CVESDNews on social media.  

Meals & Transportation 

  • All students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of income through the district’s Child Nutrition Program. 

Safety 

Student safety remains a top priority at CVESD. In addition, CVESD has implemented the following safety measures across all school sites to support secure learning environments: 

  • All schools use AEGIX, a comprehensive incident response platform that enables schools to quickly communicate, coordinate, and alert emergency responders in critical situations. 

  • Every school site is equipped with security camera systems to support school monitoring and enhance school safety. 

  • Schools conduct regular safety drills throughout the year, including evacuation, lockdown, secure campus, shelter-in-place, and bus evacuation drills.  

  • Each school maintains an active School Safety Committee and School Site Council that annually reviews and updates the Comprehensive School Safety Plan to ensure alignment with current safety practices and site-specific needs. 

  • Board Policy BP 3515.1, Campus Access and Safety, requires families to check in through the district’s visitor management system (Raptor) before accompanying their child to the designated morning drop-off area or escorting them to their classroom.  Parents/guardians must proceed directly to and from these designated areas and exit campus by the first bell.  

Student Release During Emergencies 

During emergencies, school staff members will remain on duty until all students have been safely reunited with a parent, guardian, or authorized emergency contact listed on the student’s Emergency Information Card. Parents/guardians are encouraged to ensure their emergency contact information is up to date so they can receive timely notifications. For student safety: 

  • Students will only be released to individuals listed on the Emergency Information Card.  

  • Proper government-issued photo identification is required.  

  • No exceptions will be made during emergencies.  

CVESD Online Safety Hub 

  • CVESD’s new online Safety Hub offers valuable resources and guidance to support safe and responsible use of digital tools. 

Cell Phone Expectations 

To support student learning and reduce distractions, phones must remain turned off and out of sight during the school day in accordance with California's Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216) and Board Policy 5131.8. Earbuds, headphones, listening devices, and smartwatches are also not permitted during the instructional day unless specifically authorized by a teacher for instructional purposes. 

We look forward to a successful school year ahead and appreciate your continued partnership in supporting CVESD students.