Dallas ISD making big changes as 2026-27 school year begins
Dallas ISD, Plano ISD, and dozens of North Texas districts kick off first day of school
Dozens of North Texas school districts, including Dallas, Plano, Irving, and Mesquite ISDs, head back to class today for the first day of the new school year.
DALLAS - It's that time of year again, with students at Dallas ISD schools returning to class for the 2026-27 school year.
Dallas ISD first day of class
Today is the first day of school for nearly 130,000 students in Dallas ISD, and it comes with notable changes across the district.
The district is starting a new student badge system, with each student's ID now including services for transportation, meals, library checkouts and athletic events in the district.
Dallas ISD is also making Pre-K services for three-year-old and four-year-old students free, regardless of the family's income. Previously, those services were only offered to students with a family income below a certain level.
District leaders hope the program will help increase enrollment. Last year, Dallas ISD saw a decline in enrollment after seeing a rise the previous school year.
"We are prepared to receive as many students as come through our doors," Dallas ISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde said Tuesday morning.
Hexter Elementary School's opening ceremonies
At Hexter Elementary School on Waterview Road, students were welcomed by a mariachi band. Dr. Elizalde greeted students as they arrived in class.
The school's new campus opened in January, and is nearly 40% larger than the original school building.
Dallas ISD welcomes back students at newly rebuilt Hexter Elementary School campus
Dallas ISD students returned to class at the newly rebuilt Hexter Elementary with mariachi music and new tuition-free Pre-K offerings as school starts across DFW.
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The Source: Information in this story comes from Dallas ISD and FOX 4 reporting.