Back to School: Saline County Students Begin Returning to Class Wednesday

Summer break is coming to an end across Saline County, with students in the county’s three largest public school districts returning to class over the next several days.

Salina USD 305 and Southeast of Saline USD 306 begin welcoming students back on Wednesday, August 12, while Ell-Saline USD 307 begins classes the following week.

Salina Public Schools — USD 305

The 2026-27 school year begins Wednesday, August 12, with a staggered opening for some grade levels.

USD 305’s calendar lists August 12 as the first day for students in grades 1-5 and high school freshmen, along with first-day activities for other buildings. Additional high school students return Thursday, August 13. Kindergarten students have a separate beginning-of-year schedule established through their individual schools.

Regular USD 305 school-day hours are:

Elementary schools, grades K-5: 8:25 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Middle schools, grades 6-8: 7:45 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

High schools, grades 9-12: 7:45 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

USD 305 has also posted its 2026-27 elementary and middle school supply lists, with versions available in English and Spanish.

USD 305 preschool operates on a separate calendar, with the first day of preschool scheduled for Monday, August 17.

Southeast of Saline — USD 306

Students at Southeast of Saline also begin returning Wednesday.

According to the district’s 2026-27 academic calendar, Wednesday, August 12, is the first day for students in grades 1-12.

Kindergarten students begin Friday, August 14.

Southeast of Saline has also posted updated school supply information for elementary, junior high and senior high students as families prepare for the new year.

Ell-Saline — USD 307

Ell-Saline students have a few additional days of summer break.

Teachers return this week for inservice and work days, with the first day of school for students scheduled for Tuesday, August 18.

Ell-Saline is also holding several back-to-school activities before classes begin, including a parent activities meeting and orientation for seventh-grade and new middle/high school students on Thursday, August 13, followed by a back-to-school night Monday, August 17.

Back-to-School Dates at a Glance

Salina USD 305: Students begin returning Wednesday, August 12

Southeast of Saline USD 306: Grades 1-12 begin Wednesday, August 12; kindergarten begins Friday, August 14

Ell-Saline USD 307: First day of school is Tuesday, August 18

The return of students will also mean increased morning and afternoon traffic around schools throughout Saline County, along with the return of school buses, school-zone traffic and students walking or biking to class.

Families should check directly with their individual school or district for grade-specific schedules, transportation information and other first-week instructions.