San Antonio- The final days of summer are winding down, and for thousands of families across North San Antonio, it’s time to start checking school supply lists, scheduling haircuts, and preparing for another school year.
Students across the San Antonio area will begin returning to classrooms in early to mid-August, with most North Side districts welcoming students back during the second week of the month. While start dates vary by district, many local families will be spending the next two weekends getting ready for the busy school year ahead.
One date parents should circle on the calendar is Texas’ annual Tax-Free Weekend, which runs Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026. During the three-day event, shoppers can purchase most qualifying clothing, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies priced under $100 without paying state or local sales tax. The savings apply whether purchases are made in stores or online through participating Texas retailers.
Electronics such as laptops and tablets are not included in the Texas tax holiday, so parents should review the state’s list of qualifying items before shopping.
Important Dates
- Aug. 7–9: Texas Tax-Free Weekend
- Aug. 10: Northside ISD (NISD) first day of school
- Aug. 12: North East ISD (NEISD) first day of school
Retailers throughout North San Antonio—including H-E-B, Target, Walmart, Staples, Office Depot, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and local clothing stores—are expected to offer additional back-to-school promotions during tax-free weekend, making it one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.
School officials also encourage families to verify bus routes, update emergency contact information, complete any required online registration forms, and attend campus meet-the-teacher events before classes begin.
With new teachers, fresh notebooks, and another year of opportunities just around the corner, the start of the 2026-27 school year marks an exciting time for students throughout North San Antonio.
Whether it’s a first-day photo in the driveway or a nervous walk into kindergarten, back-to-school season is once again bringing excitement—and just a little bit of summer’s end—to neighborhoods across the North Side.