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First Day

The first day of school for students in kindergarten through grade 12 is Thursday, Aug. 27. Preschoolers will start on Sept. 3.

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A young woman kneels on a road, embracing a child wearing a superhero backpack. They are surrounded by other people.
  • A young woman kneels on a road, embracing a child wearing a superhero backpack. They are surrounded by other people.

    First Day

    The first day of school for students in kindergarten through grade 12 is Thursday, Aug. 27. Preschoolers will start on Sept. 3.

  • A city map with multiple colored regions and connecting lines. Green, purple, and blue shapes are visible.

    School Boundaries

    School boundary changes will affect a number of students for the 2026-27 school year. Use the school locator tool to confirm your school attendance area.

  • A woman in yellow helps a young girl with a backpack board a yellow school bus.

    Transportation

    Families who qualify for bus service are expected to be able to access detailed route information in Infinite Campus by Aug. 24. The Transportation Department is currently analyzing routes based on updated attendance boundaries and enrollment data, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and reasonable ride times.

  • A woman in a colorful outfit shakes hands with another woman. Behind them, cheerleaders stand with pom-poms, and a brick building.

    New Start Times

    High Schools: 7:40 a.m.-2:55 p.m.; Middle Schools: 9:05 a.m.-3:41 p.m.; Elementary Schools: 7:55 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; Preschool: (Full Day) 7:55 a.m.-2:15 p.m.,(Half Day) 7:55-10:25 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

  • A city map with multiple colored regions and connecting lines. Green, purple, and blue shapes are visible.

    School Boundaries

    School boundary changes will affect a number of students for the 2026-27 school year. Use the school locator tool to confirm your school attendance area.

  • A woman in yellow helps a young girl with a backpack board a yellow school bus.

    Transportation

    Families who qualify for bus service are expected to be able to access detailed route information in Infinite Campus by Aug. 24. The Transportation Department is currently analyzing routes based on updated attendance boundaries and enrollment data, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and reasonable ride times.

  • A woman in a colorful outfit shakes hands with another woman. Behind them, cheerleaders stand with pom-poms, and a brick building.

    New Start Times

    High Schools: 7:40 a.m.-2:55 p.m.; Middle Schools: 9:05 a.m.-3:41 p.m.; Elementary Schools: 7:55 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; Preschool: (Full Day) 7:55 a.m.-2:15 p.m.,(Half Day) 7:55-10:25 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

Updates

U-46 by the Numbers

Three high school students work on an engine in an automotive lab.
10
Career & Technical Education Pathways

Hands-On Experience and Career Exploration

U-46 prepares students for post-secondary education and the modern workforce through 10 different Career & Technical Education pathways including automotive technology, precision manufacturing, healthcare sciences, culinary arts, veterinary assisting, and welding.

A student wears audio headphones while looking through a camera at a sporting event.
5
Nationally Accredited Magnet Academies

Rigorous Curriculum within Specialized Facilities

U-46's Magnet Academies allow students to explore a unique theme or focus in high school while completing a rigorous academic curriculum. Students discover their passions while building credentials for college and beyond, all in a small, supportive community.

Three children stand in a hole holding shovels, with a yellow excavator and blue ribbons in the background.
$380 Million
Investment in Moving Our Schools Forward

Unite U-46

Thanks to community support, the district's Unite U-46 effort is investing $380 million in transforming schools through new construction, renovations, and expanded opportunities so every student has access to safe, modern, and engaging learning environments.

A teacher looks over a paper held by a young boy while a girl watches; classroom walls have decorations.
60+ Percent
Teachers Living in the District

A Community Committment

More than 60% of U-46's teachers also reside in the school district's boundaries. They teach where they live, giving them a unique connection to the students, families, and neighborhoods they serve every day.

A high school marching band wears red, white and blue as they play on the field.
8
Years of Recognition for Music Education Programs

U-46 has earned the “Best Communities for Music Education” recognition from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for eight straight years. The honor is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. In 2026, U-46 was one of only 32 districts in Illinois to receive the recognition.

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Careers
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In the U

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Want a glimpse into some of the career paths available in U-46? Join Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson for a behind-the-scenes look through these Johnson on the Job episodes.

Careers
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Meet the SWEP Team
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Preparing students for life after school starts with real-world experience. Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson visits our Secondary Work Experience Program (SWEP) to see how students develop independent living and job skills while building confidence and self-determination. At the SWEP Diner, students gain hands-on experience in food service and operating a cash register—working in a real diner that serves employees in our Educational Services Center.

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SWEP Teacher
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Meet a Custodian
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Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson spends time with South Elgin High School's head custodian, Adam Bryl, learning about all of the inner workings that keep students and employees comfortable and safe each day.

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Custodian
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Meet a Science Teacher
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School District U-46 superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson spends time at Sycamore Trails Elementary School to learn about the district's new elementary science program, with teacher Jim Reed.

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Teacher
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Meet a Bus Driver
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School District U-46 Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson spends time with a standby bus driver, learning how he impacts students.

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Bus Driver
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Meet a Warehouse Foreman
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School District U-46 superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson spends time in the district's distribution center to learn about the integral role it plays in keeping things moving across the school district.

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Warehouse Foreman
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Meet an Attendance Secretary
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School District U-46 Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson spends time with Jennifer O'Neal at Fox Meadow Elementary School, learning about her day-to-day activities.

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Social Worker
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Meet the Registration Team
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Dr. Johnson spends time with Registration Coordinator Lynn Ward as she gives a tour of the full registration process at the U-46 Welcome Center, featuring the Registration office, the Early Learner First Steps office, the Project Access office, the Family Welcome Center office, and the District Records office.

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Welcome Center
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Meet a Social Worker
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School District U-46 Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson spends time with a middle school social worker to learn about her day-to-day responsibilities.

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Social Worker
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