Back to School: When Richardson Students Return in 2026 and the Key Dates to Know

Summer is winding down, and classes are about to resume for students across Richardson. Here is when the new school year begins and the key dates families will want to mark, based on each district's official 2026-27 calendar.

Most of Richardson is served by Richardson ISD, where students return Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The year runs through May 26, 2027.

Because Richardson spans more than one district, students in some areas start on different days:

Plano ISD: Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (serving the northern third of the city, in Collin County)

Key dates — Richardson ISD 2026-27

First day of school: Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Fall break: October 8-12, 2026

Thanksgiving break: November 23-27, 2026

Winter break: December 21, 2026 - January 5, 2027

Spring break: March 15-19, 2027

Last day of school: May 26, 2027

The complete calendar, including holidays and early-release days, is linked below.

Families who live near a district boundary can confirm their child's assigned district and campus by address on the district's website.

Sources

https://web.risd.org/home/26-27-27-28-calendar/

Richardson families: what matters before Richardson ISD starts Aug. 12

Richardson ISD starts Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Here is a fuller back-to-school guide for Richardson families on routines, bullying, cyberbullying, AI use and honesty.

Renata FerrisJuly 27, 20266 min read

Richardson

'King of the Hill' Returns for Season 15, and Arlen's Real-Life Model Is Richardson

Hulu released all 10 episodes of 'King of the Hill' season 15 on July 20. Arlen, the show's fictional town, was modeled on Richardson, and this season features UT Dallas, which sits in the city.

Renata FerrisJuly 27, 20262 min read

Richardson

Richardson Gas Prices Ease to $3.7010 as Monthly Costs Rise — July 27, 2026

Regular unleaded averages $3.7010 in the Dallas area, down from yesterday, up from last week and above the Texas average.

Renata FerrisJuly 27, 20261 min read

Texas Regulators Move to Shield Home Electric Bills From Data Center Growth

Texas utility regulators and ERCOT outlined steps meant to keep households from paying for the power infrastructure that new data centers require, responding to a directive from Governor Abbott.

Renata FerrisJuly 26, 20262 min read

Texas

Texas Extends Application Window for Workforce Pell Grant Training Programs

Texas is giving colleges and technical schools more time to submit short-term training programs for the new federal Workforce Pell Grant, a move state officials say will widen access to career credentials across the state.

Reese JanssenJuly 25, 20261 min read

Texas

Texas Regulators Move to Keep Data Center Growth From Raising Home Electric Bills

State utility regulators and the ERCOT grid operator have outlined steps to make data centers pay for the infrastructure they require, part of an effort officials say is aimed at keeping residential electric bills affordable.

Renata FerrisJuly 25, 20261 min read