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DPSCD Welcomes Students and Families Back for the 2026–27 School Year

DPSCD Welcomes Students and Families Back for the 2026–27 School Year
DPSCD Welcomes Students and Families Back for the 2026–27 School Year

As students and families wrap up summer vacations, the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is preparing to begin the 2026–27 school year! DPSCD is excited to welcome students back to classrooms, reconnect with families, and continue building a strong foundation for student success. 

The official first day of school for K–12 students is Monday, August 24. DPSCD will also welcome its youngest learners and adult students as PreK students begin their school year on Monday, August 31, and the free Adult Education program begins class on Tuesday, September 8. 

Whether your student is entering PreK, returning for another year of learning, or continuing their educational journey through Adult Education, DPSCD is committed to ensuring every student and family has the resources needed for a successful start. 

Families are encouraged to visit their student’s school website to confirm important details, including bell schedules, dress code expectations, arrival and dismissal procedures, and other school-specific information. Please make sure your contact information is current with your student’s school to receive important updates and emergency notifications throughout the school year. 

Visit the DPSCD Families & Students page for access to essential information and wraparound support services to help students launch into learning. Don’t forget to download and print the 2026–27 Academic Calendar to stay ahead of important dates! 

Get Ready for PreK: Enroll Today! 

Give your student a strong start this school year with Detroit Public Schools Community District’s PreK programs! We are accepting PreK applications at 55+ elementary schools for the 2026-27 school year. Our high-quality early learning programs help young learners build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for success in kindergarten and beyond. 

Children must be 4 years old by December 1, 2026 to be eligible. 

PreK Enrollment Requirements Include: 

  • Parent/Guardian ID 

  • Verification of Birth – Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, court record, immigration record, passport, or hospital/doctor birth verification. 

  • Immunization Record – Must be current (provisional records are accepted) or families may provide a signed waiver from the Health Department. If a record is unavailable, families may request an MCIR printout from the school Clerical IV. 

  • Child Physical Exam (Health Appraisal) – Must be signed by a medical professional and completed within 30 days of enrollment. Families can receive health appraisals at one of the District Health Hubs. 

Learn More and Enroll: 

  • Explore PreK locations, application steps, and enrollment support by visiting detroitk12.org/prek. 

Continue Your Education Through Adult Education 

It's never too late to reach your goals! Detroit Public Schools Community District's FREE Adult Education programs help adults ages 18 and older earn their high school equivalency credential, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for college, career training, and new employment opportunities. 

Enrollment includes orientation and Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems (CASAS) testing, available Monday, August 3 – Friday, September 4, along with enrollment support and access to program locations and services. 

Take the first step toward your future today. 

Learn more and view program locations: https://www.detroitk12.org/enroll/adult-education. Contact the team at (313) 873-7927. 

Back-to-School Need to Know 

Public Safety 

The safety of DPSCD students and staff remains a top priority. Families are encouraged to develop a safety plan with their students and review school safety procedures before the first day of school. 

  • For school safety concerns, call 313-748-6000. 

  • For emergencies outside of school, please call 911. 

Families are also encouraged to review DPSCD’s Personal Communication Device Policy to support safe and responsible digital learning. 

Transportation 

DPSCD is committed to helping students arrive at school safely and on time. 

Families can visit the Transportation page to: 

  • Review 2026–27 bus stops 

  • Learn about transportation policies 

  • Connect with the transportation leadership team for support 

School Nutrition  

All DPSCD students receive free breakfast and lunch daily. Families can visit the Division of School Nutrition page to explore meal options, menus, and wellness programs available throughout the school year. 

Health-Related Services and Initiatives 

DPSCD supports the whole child through a variety of health-related services and initiatives, including fall Universal Wellness Screenings. 

Families can access support through: 

  • School nurses who provide health services and specialized care when needed 

  • Dental and vision screenings, including access to eyeglasses 

  • Behavioral health services through community partnerships 

  • School-Based Health Centers offering comprehensive care 

  • The mobile Nurse Vaccine Team providing routine vaccinations, flu shots, and COVID-19 vaccinations 

Learn more about health services and requirements before the first day of school. 

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) 

The Office of Exceptional Student Education supports students with specialized learning needs and provides resources for families to ensure students receive appropriate services and supports. 

Visit the ESE page to learn more about programs and services. 

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) 

DPSCD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Office helps families stay connected and engaged through opportunities including: 

  • Parent Academy workshops and resources 

  • Parent and family leadership opportunities 

  • Student leadership programs 

  • Family engagement initiatives 

Homeless and Foster Care Services (OHFC) 

DPSCD provides support for students experiencing housing instability, including students who may be: 

  • Sharing housing due to hardship 

  • Living in temporary housing, shelters, or motels 

  • Unaccompanied youth without a fixed residence 

Families seeking support can: 

  • Call 313-748-6383 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Families and community members can support DPSCD schools by becoming volunteers. All volunteers must complete the Galaxy Volunteer Process each school year. 

Questions? Contact FACE at 313-873-7490. 

Bookmark the Families & Students page for year-round access to: 

  • PowerSchool Login 

  • ESE Support 

  • Family Hub 

  • Student Resources 

  • Volunteer Opportunities 

Athletics and Fall Sports 

Students interested in participating in athletics and fall sports are encouraged to explore available programs and eligibility requirements through the Student Support Athletics page. 

All K–12 students must have a current sports physical on file before participating in athletic activities. 

Stay Connected All Year Long 

Families are encouraged to bookmark the DPSCD Families & Students page for year-round access to important resources, including: 

  • PowerSchool Login 

  • Exceptional Student Education (ESE) support 

  • Family Hub resources 

  • Student resources 

  • Volunteer opportunities 

For more information and additional back-to-school resources, visit detroitk12.org. 

DPSCD looks forward to welcoming students, families, and staff back for another successful school year on Monday, August 24. 

We Will Because We Can.