Year-Round Schools in Elk Grove: How the Calendar Works and Why Parents Should Know

Elk Grove Unified School District operates a year-round calendar at 20 of its elementary schools, and if you’re not familiar with how it works, you might be surprised to see kids heading back to class in mid-July. The system divides students into different tracks—A, B, C, and D—and staggers their schedules throughout the calendar year. This week, Tracks B, C, and D students returned to classrooms while Track A students will begin their year later in the summer. More than 17,000 students across the district benefit from this model, which allows schools to operate continuously and gives families flexibility with vacation timing.

Samuel Kennedy Elementary School is one of those year-round campuses, serving approximately 800 students in pre-K through sixth grade. What makes the school particularly special is its cultural and linguistic diversity. Families speak 25 different languages at home, making it a reflection of Sacramento’s vibrant community. When Superintendent David Reilly and Principal Sandra Brown welcomed families back this week, they weren’t just celebrating a new academic year—they were celebrating a community that brings multiple perspectives and backgrounds into every classroom. That diversity strengthens everyone’s learning experience.

For parents whose kids are back in school right now, district leadership has a clear message: your involvement at home is just as important as what happens in the classroom. Establishing consistent bedtime routines, creating a dedicated homework time, and prioritizing regular attendance are the foundations for student success. Additionally, drivers should exercise caution around school campuses during morning and afternoon hours as traffic increases. Whether your child is starting this week or later in the summer, these principles apply. What back-to-school routine has been the game-changer in your household?