The end of summer brings that familiar mix of excitement and anxiety: back-to-school season in Greenwich. Whether you're a first-time kindergarten parent or a seasoned GPS veteran, August preparation makes all the difference for a smooth school year start. Here's your complete guide to back to school in Greenwich, Connecticut.
New to Julian Curtiss? Check out our Julian Curtiss School page and detailed 2025-2026 calendar guide.
Key Dates for 2025-2026
Mark your calendar for these essential dates:
- First Day of School: Friday, August 29, 2025
- Labor Day (No School): Monday, September 1, 2025
- Back to School Night: Typically during the first two weeks (check your school's calendar)
Starting on a Friday gives students a short first week to ease into the routine before a long weekend.
For the complete list of holidays and breaks, see our Greenwich Public Schools Holiday Calendar 2025.
School Supply Lists
Each Greenwich elementary school provides grade-specific supply lists, typically available:
- On the school website by mid-August
- Through the school office
- From your child's teacher via email
Common Elementary Supplies
While lists vary by grade and teacher, most Greenwich elementary students need:
Classroom Basics
- Composition notebooks
- Pencils (plenty of them)
- Erasers
- Scissors (child-safe)
- Glue sticks
- Crayons and/or colored pencils
- Markers
- Folders (often specific colors for different subjects)
Personal Items
- Backpack (sized appropriately for your child)
- Water bottle
- Lunch box (if not buying lunch)
- Indoor shoes (some schools require these)
- Change of clothes (especially for younger grades)
Technology
- Headphones or earbuds (for use with school devices)
Pro Tips for Supply Shopping
- Shop early: Popular items sell out as August progresses
- Label everything: Use permanent marker or labels on all supplies
- Buy extras: Teachers often request supply replenishment mid-year
- Check for sales: Office supply stores offer significant back-to-school discounts
Orientation and Meet-the-Teacher
Greenwich schools typically hold orientation events before the first day:
Kindergarten Orientation
New kindergarteners and parents usually attend orientation in late August, which includes:
- Classroom tour
- Meeting the teacher
- Practicing drop-off and pickup routines
- Learning about daily schedule and procedures
All-School Events
Many elementary schools host:
- Open House/Meet the Teacher: Visit classrooms and meet teachers before school starts
- Supply Drop-Off: Some schools allow dropping off supplies early
- Playground Playdates: Informal gatherings organized by the PTA
Check your school's August communications for specific dates and times.
Registration and Paperwork
New Students
If you're new to Greenwich Public Schools, complete registration through the district's enrollment office. Requirements typically include:
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or deed)
- Birth certificate
- Immunization records
- Previous school records
Returning Students
Even returning families have annual paperwork:
- Emergency contact updates
- Medical form updates
- Transportation requests
- Photo/media release forms
- Acceptable use policy for technology
Most forms are completed online through the parent portal. Complete these early to avoid first-week hassles.
💡 Tip: Once school starts, Schoolwise can help you track all those forms and deadlines automatically. Ask questions like "When is the permission slip due?" — try a demo.
Transportation Setup
Bus Transportation
Greenwich Public Schools provides bus transportation for eligible students. Key points:
- Bus routes are typically published in late August
- Route changes can be requested through the transportation office
- First-week delays are common as routes are optimized
Drop-Off and Pickup
If you're driving your child:
- Learn the specific drop-off procedures at your school
- Practice the route before the first day
- Build in extra time during the first week
Before and After-School Care
Working parents need childcare solutions:
Before School
Some schools offer early drop-off programs. Check with your school about:
- Start time and cost
- Registration requirements
- Activities provided
After School
Options vary by school but may include:
- School-based extended day programs (typically until 5:30-6:00 PM)
- YMCA programs
- Private childcare providers
Register early as programs fill up quickly.
First Day Tips
The Night Before
- Lay out clothes and pack the backpack
- Prepare lunch and snacks
- Review the morning routine
- Set multiple alarms (for parents, too)
- Get to bed early
Morning Of
- Allow extra time for everything
- Eat a good breakfast
- Take the traditional first-day photo
- Stay calm and positive—kids pick up on parent anxiety
Drop-Off
- Follow school procedures
- Keep goodbyes brief and upbeat
- Trust that your child will be fine
- Have tissues ready for yourself
What to Expect the First Week
Communication from Teachers
Within the first week, expect:
- Welcome email or newsletter
- Classroom procedures and expectations
- Information about homework and communication preferences
- Sign-up links for conferences or volunteer opportunities
🎯 Pro tip: Forward your school emails to Schoolwise and ask questions anytime. "What did the teacher say about homework?" — see how it works.
Adjustment Period
It's normal for children to:
- Be exhausted after school
- Need time to decompress before talking
- Have some anxiety about new routines
- Take a week or two to settle in
Important Contacts
Keep these numbers handy:
District Level
- Greenwich Public Schools Main Office: Check district website for current number
- Transportation Department: For bus questions
- Enrollment Office: For registration questions
School Level
Each school has:
- Main office phone number
- Nurse's office
- Principal and assistant principal contact
Add these to your phone before school starts.
Staying Informed All Year
The back-to-school flurry of emails is just the beginning. Throughout the year, you'll receive:
- Weekly classroom newsletters
- School-wide announcements
- PTA updates
- District communications
Managing the Information Flow
With so much communication coming your way, many parents struggle to keep track of what's important. Questions like "When is picture day?" or "What should I pack for the field trip?" require searching through dozens of emails.
This is exactly why we built Schoolwise. Instead of digging through your inbox every time you have a question, you can simply ask and get an instant answer. Schoolwise reads all your school communications so you don't have to.
Making This Year Great
The best back-to-school preparation isn't just about supplies and schedules—it's about mindset. Approach the year with:
- Flexibility: Things won't always go as planned
- Connection: Build relationships with teachers and other parents
- Organization: Systems that work for your family
- Patience: With yourself, your child, and the school
Greenwich Public Schools offer excellent educational opportunities. With good preparation and the right tools, your family can make the most of the 2025-2026 school year.
Welcome back to school, Greenwich families!
Related Reading for Greenwich Parents
- Julian Curtiss School Calendar 2025-2026
- Greenwich Public Schools Holiday Calendar 2025
- Greenwich Elementary School Hours Guide
- How to Keep Track of School Events
Make this school year easier from day one. Download Schoolwise for iPhone or Android and get instant answers about everything happening at your child's school. Or try the web demo first.
Not in Greenwich? Request your school and we'll work on adding it to Schoolwise.