It makes sense that the Kent School District posted a reminder on its website that the first day of school is Wednesday, Aug. 23.
That’s the earliest start of any district in the area. The Federal Way, Renton and Tahoma districts begin Aug. 30. Seattle, Highline and Auburn begin Sept. 6.
Some might forget, but if not for a nine-day strike last year by teachers, Kent schools would have started Aug. 25, 2022. The Kent Education Association (teachers’ union) and district agreed Sept. 7, 2022 on a two-year contract and school started Sept. 8, 2022.
Kent students will get out next year sooner than most districts, with the final day of school on June 14, 2024. Federal Way’s last day is June 13 (a shorter winter break and mid-winter break than Kent). Highline and Renton are done on June 18, Auburn on June 20, and Seattle and Tahoma on June 21.
Kent has scheduled four snow days, one each in March and April and two in May. There will be no school on those days unless the dates are needed for when school might have closed due to snow days.
District staff released the 2023-2024 calendar earlier this year after approval by its labor partners, according to district documents. Unlike past years, the Kent School Board did not consider approval of the calendar.
“In the past, the board ‘approved’ the calendar, however there is no policy requiring this, and continuing this practice could lead to a conflict with our labor partners resulting in a potential unfair labor practice,” according to district board documents. “Going forward this is an informational only item.”
The state requires that students have 180 days of classes per school year.
First-day reminders
Kent school officials listed the following updates for opening day:
All middle schools
• Regular start time for all incoming 6th and 7th grade students.
• Incoming 8th grade students will start 3 hours late.
• Buses will run regular times and then again 3 hours later. All students will take the same bus home.
• Some 8th grade students who are serving as mentors that day may need to take the bus in the morning.
• Only 6th and 7th grade will be eating breakfast.
Kentwood, Kentlake and Kent-Meridian
• Regular start time for all incoming 9th grade students.
• Incoming 10th, 11th and 12th grade students will start 3 hours late.
• Buses will run regular times and then again 3 hours later. All students will take the same bus home.
• Some 10-12th grade students who are serving as mentors that day may need to take the bus in the morning.
• Only 9th grade will be eating breakfast.
Kentridge and academy schools
• Regular schedule opening day.
• For more information, visit the bell schedule page or your school’s website and or contact them directly with any questions.
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