Back to School Guide for Lancaster County Public Schools

LANCASTER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- 8News is your back-to-school headquarters this 2025-26 school year! Here's what students and families kicking off a new academic year at Lancaster County Public Schools need to know.

The first day of school for students attending Lancaster County Public Schools is Monday, Aug. 11.

Things to know and what to bring to school

The school district urged parents and students to check their Facebook page and website for updates and information about upcoming events. Officials also emphasized the importance of attendance.

Supply lists for different grades and schools can also be found on the school district's website. A note from officials on the site asks that students only bring clear plastic water bottles that can be closed tightly -- no metal, colored or open-top water bottles will be allowed on campus.

Policies, changes for students and families to know about

In terms of security, the school district said there have been no changes, and that they are continuing to use weapon detectors for daily entry.

When it comes to cellphone usage, devices will be locked in lockers at the start of each day, as officials said that Lancaster schools practice cellphone-free education.

For school meals and nutrition services, Lancaster schools are moving from a singular choice of meal to three daily choices, including a hot meal, a fresh salad or a deli choice. All students eat free of charge, the district said.

The school district also has several construction updates, with a target for the opening of its new high school in the fall of 2026.

Anything on the calendar before school starts?

There will be an open house for the school district held on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for the Early Childhood Education Center, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for Lancaster Elementary School and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for Lancaster High School.