Bible stories now required in Texas public schools
Texas voted to add Bible stories and verses to curriculum, sparking debate over religion in public education policy.
The summer heat is about to trade places with fresh notebooks and new sneakers as back-to-school season gets underway.
In Texas, parents can take advantage of the state’s tax-free weekend from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, to help check off those back-to-school supply lists.
But for right now, nearly 5.5 million students across Texas’ more than 1,200 school districts are counting down the days to the first bell.
Whether it’s out of excitement to see their friends once more or the sting of summer vacation coming to an end, here is a look at Texas’s biggest school districts in the state’s major cities and when they start.
Houston Independent School District
Student population: 168,812.
First day of class: Aug. 10, 2026.
Last day of class: May 28, 2027.
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Dallas Independent School District
Student population: 134,308.
First day of class: Aug. 11.
Last day of class: May 26, 2027.
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Austin Independent School District
Student population: 72,175.
First day of class: Aug. 18.
Last day of class: May 27, 2027.
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Fort Worth Independent School District
Student population: 70,184.
First day of class: Aug. 10.
Last day of class: May 21, 2027.
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El Paso Independent School District
Student population: 47,994.
First day of class: Aug. 3.
Last day of class: June 3, 2027.
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San Antonio Independent School District
Student population: 44,011.
First day of class: Aug. 12.
Last day of class: May 26, 2027.
Click here for full calendar.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.