The 2026-27 school year in Greenwich, Connecticut starts Friday, August 28, 2026 — a one-day first week before the routine kicks in. Here's what the week actually looks like for an elementary family, with Julian Curtiss School as the worked example, and a checklist so nothing sneaks up on you. (All dates are from the official Greenwich Public Schools calendar and current school communications.)
Is the first day of school a full day in Greenwich?
Yes — for elementary students, Friday, August 28 is a regular full day. At Julian Curtiss that means 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Grade 6 and Grade 9 students have an orientation early-release schedule on the 28th, so middle and high school families should check their school's specific times.
Teachers reported back Monday, August 24, with professional learning days August 25-26 — which is why teacher assignments landed in the Aspen Family Portal on August 24 at 6:00 PM.
What time does school start at Julian Curtiss?
- Regular day: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Early drop-off: available from 7:30 AM
- Early-release days: dismissal at 1:00 PM (the first one district-wide is Tuesday, October 20)
Every GPS school publishes its bell times on the district's School Bell Times page — if you're at another elementary school, check yours there.
What's happening at Julian Curtiss during back-to-school week?
- Thursday, August 27, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: PTA Back to School Picnic — the reconnect-with-everyone event before day one.
- Friday, August 28, 9:00 - 10:00 AM: PTA Parent Coffee, right after first-day drop-off.
- Friday, August 28, 10:30 AM: Kindergarten Welcome Visit on the JC field.
And for the "what's for lunch?" question at pickup: day one's menu at JC is an all-beef hot dog with smiley fries and glazed carrots (vegetarian option included). GPS lunch menus are published per day, all pork-free, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy items marked — more in our Greenwich school lunch guide.
Where do I find my school's supply list?
Greenwich elementary supply lists are distributed through TeacherLists and each school's own communications — Julian Curtiss's 2026-27 list is live on TeacherLists. Your school's welcome email has the direct link; you don't need to buy everything before day one, and teachers often send class-specific additions the first week.
First-week checklist
- Look up your child's teacher in Aspen (posted August 24).
- Find your bus stop and time on your school's route sheet — here's how.
- Order or check off the supply list (TeacherLists link above).
- Put the school's forms in one place — handbook acknowledgement, medical authorization, publicity release: they all come due in the first weeks.
- Mark the near-term dates: picnic Thursday 8/27, first day Friday 8/28, and no school Monday, September 7 (Labor Day).
Related reading for Greenwich parents
- Greenwich Public Schools Calendar 2026-27
- Julian Curtiss School Calendar 2026-2027
- Back to School in Greenwich CT: The Complete Parent Guide
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