Summer is winding down across southern and south-central Ohio. Families in Pickaway, Ross, Pike, Highland, Scioto, Jackson, Vinton and Gallia counties are preparing for the 2026-2027 school year. Start dates vary by district, and many use staggered schedules for kindergarten, preschool or specific grades.
Information below comes from district announcements and official calendars where available. Dates can change due to weather, board decisions or other factors. Always confirm the exact schedule, including any staggered starts or early dismissals, directly with your school district website or office.
Pickaway County
• Circleville City Schools: Aug. 19 for grades 1-12. Preschool and kindergarten use a staggered start beginning around Aug. 24 (last names A-L) and Aug. 25 (M-Z), with all preschool/kindergarten students typically reporting shortly after.
• Logan Elm Local Schools: Aug. 18 (staggered by grade groups).
• Teays Valley Local Schools: Aug. 12 (staggered for different grades and pre-K).
• Westfall Local Schools: Aug. 12 (staggered for pre-K, elementary, middle and high school groups).
Ross County
• Adena Local Schools: Aug. 20.
• Chillicothe City Schools: Aug. 19 for most students (including grade 6). Staggered starts follow for grade 7 and K-3 (last names A-L on Aug. 20), grade 8 and remaining K-3 (M-Z on Aug. 21). All students report by Aug. 24.
• Huntington Local Schools: Aug. 24.
• Paint Valley Local Schools: Aug. 12 (per ABC6 reporting).
• Southeastern Local Schools: Aug. 20.
• Union-Scioto Local Schools: Aug. 20.
• Zane Trace Local Schools: Aug. 20, with kindergarten staggered into the following days.
Pike County
• Eastern Local Schools: Reported as Aug. 27 in one recent compilation and Aug. 21 in another. Confirm with the district.
• Scioto Valley Local Schools: Aug. 19.
• Waverly City Schools: Aug. 19.
• Western Local Schools: Aug. 19.
Highland County
• Hillsboro City Schools: Aug. 12 (board-approved calendar). The week of Sept. 7 is typically off for the Highland County Fair.
• Fairfield Local Schools: Aug. 19.
Vinton County
• Vinton County Local Schools: Aug. 19.
Jackson County
• Oak Hill Union Local Schools: Aug. 20 (first day for students per district calendar).
Additional Jackson County districts (such as Jackson City Schools and Wellston City Schools) should be verified directly, as detailed 2026-27 public listings were more limited in aggregated regional reports at the time of compilation.
Many districts use staggered starts, especially for younger students, to ease the transition. Ohio school calendars must meet state instructional hour or day requirements under Ohio Revised Code. Individual boards of education set the specific calendars.
For the most current details, including open houses, transportation, supply lists and any last-minute changes, visit your district’s official website or contact the school office.
