Back to School Across Colorado: Fountain-Fort Carson Students Begin a New School Year
The sounds of school buses, crowded hallways and students reconnecting with friends are once again filling communities across Colorado as students return to classrooms for the 2026-27 school year.
School calendars vary from district to district across the state, with some students returning in early August and others starting later in the month. In the Colorado Springs area, districts have been rolling into the new school year throughout August, making the transition from summer vacation to the classroom a familiar annual milestone for families.
For families in Fountain and the Fort Carson community, the new school year is already underway at Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8.
Fountain-Fort Carson School District Eight began its 2026-27 school year for students in kindergarten through 12th grade on Aug. 11. Sixth- and ninth-grade students had orientation on Aug. 10, while preschool orientation was also held Aug. 10. Preschool and Online Academy students began Aug. 13.
District 8 serves students throughout Fountain and the Fort Carson community, including elementary, middle and high school campuses. The district has a particularly strong connection to the military community, with many students coming from military families stationed at Fort Carson.
For families preparing for the new school year, the district's back-to-school hub provides information on registration, transportation, school schedules, supplies, meals and other resources.
One of the biggest reminders for parents is transportation. District 8 asks families who use district transportation to complete bus registration as soon as possible. Bus stop information is available through the district's transportation resources and the My Ride K-12 system, which allows families to check bus stops and times and receive transportation updates.
The district is also continuing to participate in Colorado's Healthy School Meals for All program, providing free breakfast and lunch to students. District officials are encouraging families to complete the district's annual FEDS form even when meals are provided at no cost because the information can help determine eligibility for other programs, discounts and school-related assistance.
At Fountain-Fort Carson High School, the new year comes with an emphasis on student engagement and preparation for life after graduation. Principal Anthony Greco welcomed students back under the school's "Be Present" theme, encouraging students to show up, get involved, build relationships and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
The high school began its school year with ninth graders returning Aug. 10, followed by all students in grades 9-12 on Aug. 11. A back-to-school open house was held Aug. 12, giving families an opportunity to meet teachers, walk through student schedules and become familiar with classrooms.
The return to school also brings changes and new routines for families across Colorado. Students are adjusting to new teachers and schedules, while parents are once again balancing school drop-offs, bus routes, extracurricular activities and homework.
Across the state, school start dates differ considerably. Colorado school districts establish their own calendars, meaning the first day of school can vary depending on where a family lives. The Colorado Department of Education maintains statewide information on school calendars and notes that districts operating fewer than 160 scheduled school days must receive approval for a reduced academic calendar.
For Fountain-Fort Carson families, the focus now shifts from preparing for the first day to settling into the school year.
District 8's 2026-27 calendar runs through May 27, with the final day scheduled as an early dismissal for all schools. The school year includes scheduled breaks for Thanksgiving, winter and spring break, as well as professional development and conference days throughout the year.
As students settle into classrooms across Colorado, the start of another school year represents more than a change on the calendar. For students entering kindergarten, middle school or high school, it can mark the beginning of a new chapter. For military families at Fort Carson, it can also mean adjusting to another school year amid the moves and transitions that come with military life.
For families in Fountain and Fort Carson, the 2026-27 school year is officially underway, and another year of learning, activities, friendships and new opportunities has begun.
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