Days Until Back to School 2026
Typical First Day: Late August 2026 (varies by district)
Loading countdown...
Back to School 2026: What You Need to Know
Back-to-school season is the second-largest shopping period in the U.S. after the winter holidays. In 2025, families spent a record ~$39.4 billion on K-12 supplies and clothing. For 2026, projections remain strong around $38–40 billion.
Regional School Start Trends
- Southern States (TX, FL, GA): Mid-July to Early August
- Midwest & West: Mid-August
- Northeast (NY, NJ, PA): After Labor Day (Sept 7+)
Back-to-School Spending Statistics
- Average family spends $570 – $886 per child
- ~50 million K-12 students returning
- Clothing & electronics are the biggest categories
Planning Tips
Start shopping in July–early August to catch the best sales. Use our main Days Between Dates Calculator to count down to open houses, sports tryouts, or immunization deadlines.