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Back to School Month

It's Back to School Month! Get your kids ready with the latest supplies, clothes, and fun activities to make their return to school memorable.

Saturday

1–31

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of August

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYBack to School

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to start getting excited for Back to School Month on August 1! This month is a chance for students of all ages to get ready for the upcoming academic year and make sure they're prepared for success. It's also a great opportunity for parents, teachers, and administrators to come together to ensure that the coming school year is a successful one. With so many new educational tools and resources available, there's no better time than now to get your student prepped and ready for a successful semester. Let's get started!

TIMELINE

Back to School Month Timeline

First Mandatory Education Laws

Massachusetts becomes the first U.S. state to enact laws requiring children to attend school.

Invention of Crayola Crayons

Binney & Smith, the company that later creates Crayola, is founded, adding a new tool in school supplies for children.

Establishment of PTA

The first Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings take place, showcasing the importance of parent and teacher cooperation in a child’s education.

G.I. Bill Introduction

The G.I. Bill is signed into law, providing educational benefits for World War II veterans and popularizing higher education in the United States.

Innovation of School Supplies

The BIC pen is introduced in the United States, becoming a must-have staple in students' school supplies.

Advent of Modern Personal Computers

IBM introduces its first personal computer, revolutionizing the way students learn and complete their school assignments.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Back to School Month

Organize a school supply drive

Host a school supply drive to help local students in need. Ask community members to donate gently used supplies or new items such as pencils, paper, notebooks, calculators, and backpacks.

THROW

Throw a back-to-school party

Invite friends and family over for a fun back-to-school celebration. Serve themed snacks like apples and pencils and plan activities like a spelling bee or math game.

CREATE

Create a memory book

Get the kids excited for a new school year by helping them create a memory book with photos from the previous year and blank pages to fill with new memories.

VISIT

Visit a college campus

Take an afternoon trip to visit a college campus and tour the facilities. Talk to students and faculty to get an inside look at what life is like on campus.

HOST

Host a teacher appreciation event

Show your appreciation for all the hard work teachers do by throwing a teacher appreciation event. Ask parents to bring in food, drinks, and small gifts for the teachers.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Back to School Month is Important

It opens up possibilities

Back to school month presents students with exciting opportunities, such as participating in hands-on projects or presenting research findings at conferences. It is also the perfect time for students to explore their interests outside of traditional academic subjects, such as music or art!

It is a time of renewal and learning

The back to school season marks the beginning of a new school year, and a time for students to learn and grow. It's an opportunity to take on new challenges and make meaningful connections with their peers. It's also a chance to sharpen their skills and become even better learners!

It teaches responsibility and independence

Back to school months give children a chance to practice responsibility as they learn how to become more independent. They are responsible for balancing their studies with extracurricular activities, sports and other hobbies. Teracing this skill now will help them become successful adults in the future.

Related holidays

SAT

Aug 2026

School

National Back To School Prep Day

A practical observance on August 15 encouraging families to organize school supplies, coordinate schedules, and prepare students for the upcoming academic year.

Attendance Awareness Month

Make sure to mark your calendars - Attendance Awareness Month is here! Join us in celebrating, and learn more about the importance of attendance.

American Education Week

Explore new realms of knowledge during American Education Week – where learning gets celebrated and dreams get ignited!

National Parents as Teachers Day

Show your appreciation to the parents in your life on National Parents as Teachers Day - thank them for all they do!

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