The start of a new school year is just around the corner! As GHAPS families prepare for 2026–2027, we want to make sure you have the important dates and resources you need for the weeks ahead.
School Begins August 26
The 2026–2027 school year begins Wednesday, August 26, for students in grades 1–12. Kindergarten, Young Fives, and ECSE begin August 27, followed by GSRP and PDP on August 31.
This year's calendar begins a little earlier than in recent years. Each year, GHAPS considers a number of factors when developing the school calendar, including family feedback, instructional requirements, staff professional learning, contractual obligations, and the timing of the school year. With Labor Day falling later this year, waiting until after the holiday would have extended the school year farther into June and begun to overlap with summer camps and other community programs.
Students will have an extended Labor Day weekend, with no school Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7.
Key Dates to Start the Year
Here are a few districtwide dates to have on your calendar:
August 26: First day of school for grades 1–12
August 27: First day of school for Kindergarten, Young Fives and ECSE
August 31: First day of school for GSRP and PDP
September 2: First Early Release Day; students will be released 60 minutes early
September 4–7: No school for students
Back-to-School Events
Before classes begin, GHAPS schools will host open houses, orientations, and other opportunities for students and families to meet staff, get familiar with their schools, and prepare for the year ahead.
Duneside Discovery Center School Hours
August 19
4:30–5:30 p.m., PDP Parent Information Night
6–7 p.m., Young Fives Parent Information Night
August 20
4:30–5:30 p.m., ECSE Parent Information Night
6–7 p.m., GSRP Parent Information Night
August 26
8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., GSRP & ECSE Open House
12:30–4 p.m., Young Fives & PDP Open House
August 26–28: GSRP Home Visits, scheduled individually with families
Elementary Schools
Peach Plains Elementary: August 20
5:30–6:30 p.m., Meet the Teacher Night
Ferry Elementary: August 24
5:30–6 p.m., Kindergarten Parent Meeting
6–7 p.m., Grades 1–4 Open House
Griffin Elementary: August 24
6–7 p.m., Grades 1–4 Open House
Lake Hills Elementary: August 24
5:30–7 p.m., Back-to-School Open House
Robinson Elementary: August 24
5:30–6 p.m., Kindergarten Open House/Parent Meeting
6–7 p.m., Grades 1–4 Open House
Rosy Mound Elementary: August 24
6–7 p.m., Fall Open House
Secondary Schools
White Pines Intermediate: August 24
5–7 p.m., Open House
Lakeshore Middle School: August 19 & 20
August 19: 3:30–6 p.m., 8th Grade Orientation/Open House
August 20: 6–7:30 p.m., 7th Grade Orientation/Parent Meeting
Grand Haven High School: August 24
9–11:30 a.m.: Grades 10–12+ LAUNCH/Schedule Revisions
2–3:15 p.m.: Freshmen LAUNCH into 2026–27
3:30–6 p.m.: Fall Open House/Grades 9–12 LAUNCH
Central High School: August 25
5–7 p.m.: Central High School and CyberSchool Open House
School-Year Calendar & Quick Reference
Once the school year gets underway, there are plenty of other dates to keep on your radar, including Early Release Days, half-days, conference windows, school breaks and days with no school.
Follow district and school events by visiting the GHAPS Calendars page, or view and download the printable GHAPS Calendar and Quick Reference.
We look forward to welcoming our students and families back for another great year at GHAPS!
