This Is When Western Colorado Schools Go Back for the 2025-26 Year

11 weeks. That's how long summer break is for most Mesa County Valley District 51 students. Summer break amounts to about 55 school-free weekdays, and boy, do they fly by fast.

In Grand Junction, it’ll soon be time for back-to-school shopping, doctor visits, and figuring out the new bus schedule. Keep scrolling to see when backpacks, buses, and first-day photos will return at D51 schools.

Key dates for Mesa County Valley School District 51

Grand Junction’s return pattern at D51 schools can sometimes surprise new residents. Just when you hit your summer stride, you have registration timelines limiting your July vacation plans. Back-to-school nights, supply drop-offs, and open house dates will be here before we know it.

🍎 Key First Day Dates for D51

• August 6, 2025 – First day of school for grades 1–12
• August 8, 2025 – Kindergarten begins districtwide

Key Back-to-School Dates for Grand Junction

• July 23 (9 A.M. - 2 P.M.): R‑5 High School Registration
• July 30 (7:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.): Central High School Fresh & Sr check‑in
• July 31: Elementary Kindergarten; Mt. Garfield & Orchard Mesa Middle School 6th-Grade Orientation.
• Aug 2: Central High School Soph/Jr. Check‑in: Orchard Mesa 6th Grade Back-To-School Night
• Aug 4: Grand Mesa MS 7th/8th Back-To-School Night
• Aug 5: Mt. Garfield Middle School Back-To-School nights; CHS Freshman Orientation
• Aug 6: First day for grades 1–12; Back-To-School for others; Fruita Monument High School Open House
• Aug 8: Kindergarten begins; Redlands Middle School 7/8 Back-To-School Night
• Aug 20: Central High School Back-To-School Night

The beginning of the school year is determined by several factors, including weather, allowing for snow day makeups (if necessary), and testing schedules.

To-Dos Before School Starts

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Deals on supplies can be found at Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar in Grand Junction. You can find everything on display and ready to go. Take the time to look up coupons online for even more savings at these stores.

• Walmart: 2551 N Ave (Supercenter). Walmart often has its back-to-school basics, including wide‑ruled notebooks, #2 pencils, and glue sticks.
• Dollar Tree: 2535 Rimrock Ave. Their $5 backpacks offer a 75% discount
• Family Dollar: 2776 Acrin Ave. Using Smart Coupons on the Family Dollar app can drop many school basics under $1.

Back-to-school clothing sales can be found throughout Mesa Mall, at 2424 US-6, Grand Junction, CO 81505.

Read More: Here’s How to Help Grand Junction Kids Get Their Supplies

Back-To-School Vaccinations and Sports Physicals

Parents can find easy-to-schedule vaccinations and sports physicals at the following locations:

• AFC Urgent Care: 995 Independent Avenue, Grand Junction. Ideal for flexibility—just walk in anytime during their hours.
• Trailhead Clinics: 235 North 7th Street, Grand Junction. Call ahead at 970‑644‑5999 to reserve your child’s sports physical.
• Tiger Wellness Center: Grand Junction High School campus. Contact GJHS to enroll your student and schedule on-campus visits.