(Washington, DC) – With just under three weeks remaining until the first day of school for DC Public Schools (DCPS) students, Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled the 2026-2027 Back to School Checklist, urging families to ensure their children are up to date on medical visits. The updated four-page checklist is accessible at backtoschool.dc.gov, which has been redesigned to provide comprehensive resources for the upcoming school year.
“My favorite day of the year is the first day of school because it’s filled with joy, excitement, and promise,” stated Mayor Bowser. “We want families to go through the checklists, make your plans and appointments, and if you need help getting your child back-to-school ready – reach out to us.” The checklist is organized into four key areas: enrollment, health records and immunizations, transportation, and attendance, guiding families through essential tasks to prepare for the new academic year.
The enrollment section offers information on registering at in-boundary DCPS schools and applying to charter schools, while the health records segment emphasizes the importance of annual medical and dental visits, as well as compliance with DC’s immunization requirements. Additionally, the checklist provides details about transportation options such as the Kids Ride Free program and Safe Passage initiatives, especially for students with special needs.
In conjunction with the checklist, the revamped backtoschool.dc.gov website serves as a year-round resource, featuring an events calendar, social and emotional health resources, and tools for college and career readiness. “Families don’t have to stop enjoying summer to start getting ready for the school year,” remarked Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, emphasizing the importance of timely attendance for students’ success.
As the school year approaches, DC Health is encouraging families to schedule routine medical and dental appointments to ensure that students meet immunization requirements ahead of the December 7, 2026, exclusion deadline for those entering Pre-K3, kindergarten, seventh grade, and eleventh grade. Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of DC Health, reinforced the significance of vaccinations as a foundational lesson in lifelong health.
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