Anchorage Schools Move Up 2026-27 Start Date by One Week

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The Anchorage School Board has approved a revised calendar for the 2026-27 academic year, moving the first day of classes for students in grades 1-6 and 9 to August 13th, one week earlier than the original start date of August 19th. This change was made to address concerns about the length of semesters and quarters, ensuring a more balanced distribution of instructional time after weather-related school closures earlier in the year.

Why it matters

The decision to shift the school start date reflects the district's commitment to adapting to the needs and preferences of its stakeholders. A survey conducted in 2025 showed that a majority of respondents preferred starting school near the end of the week and supported allowing students and staff to have Veterans Day off, leading the board to revise the calendar accordingly.

The details

The Anchorage School Board approved the revised 2026-27 calendar in January 2026, adding three days to the beginning of the school year to bring the total number of instructional days to 170, which meets the state requirement. This adjustment was necessary after the district closed schools for four days due to weather-related issues in January and February 2026, and the addition of two more days in the spring to meet the state requirement.

• The original start date for the 2026-27 school year was August 19th, 2026.
• The revised start date for grades 1-6 and 9 is now August 13th, 2026.
• The school board approved the calendar change in January 2026.
• The district had to close schools for four days in January and February 2026 due to weather, and add two more days in the spring to meet the state's instructional day requirement.