Things To Know Before Students Head Back To School

Through Saturday, August 16, Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week is an opportunity for families to stock up on back-to-school essentials like clothing and backpacks without having to pay sales tax.

Posted Tuesday, August 12, 2025 4:00 pm

The sun is setting on summer break, and for Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) students, school starts in just 12 short days. For students entering grades 1, 6 and 9, the first day of the academic year is Monday, August 25. Schools will be open for all students in grades 1-12 on Tuesday, August 26. Early childhood special education, pre-K and kindergarten will have staggered openings throughout the week of August 25-29.

Before students head back to the classroom, here are a few important things for families to know.

Tax-Free Week Is Happening Now

Through Saturday, August 16, the state is again offering Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week for back-to-school shoppers to stock up on essentials. This means that qualifying apparel and footwear priced at $100 or less per item, as well as the first $40 of a backpack or bookbag, are exempt from Maryland sales tax. Examples of tax-free items are shirts, sweaters, slacks, jeans, dresses, underwear, belts, shoes and more. Accessory items are not included. To learn more about Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week, view the FAQs on the Maryland comptroller’s website.

2025-2026 Daily School Schedules

This academic year, elementary school days will run from 8:00am-2:25pm. Middle school days will run from 9:15am-3:55pm, and high school days will run from 8:30am-3:18pm.