LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Unified today welcomed students back to classrooms across the city, marking the beginning of the 2026-27 school year with a districtwide focus on academic growth, student success and the promise of a new beginning.
Superintendent Andrés E. Chait began his first day before sunrise at the District’s Van Nuys bus depot, joining transportation employees as they prepared to get students safely to school. Over the course of the day, he visited school communities from the Valley to South Los Angeles and the Eastside, meeting with students, educators, principals and staff.
“Today, Los Angeles Unified is back, and more importantly, our students are back,” Superintendent Chait said. “Everywhere I went today, I saw possibility. I saw teachers welcoming students, principals and staff creating safe and supportive schoolhouses, and students learning, exploring and finding their place in a new school year.”
Los Angeles Unified enters the new school year building on three consecutive years of sustained academic growth. The District is on track for record-setting achievement for the second consecutive year in English Language Arts, mathematics and science, with improvement across every grade and subject. Many historically underserved student groups are now outpacing the Districtwide average in at least one subject area, while achievement gaps continue to narrow as growth accelerates.
“This is a moment to be proud of what our students and educators have accomplished,” Chait said. “But we are not here simply to celebrate yesterday’s success. We are here to build on it. Our goal is to keep raising achievement, keep accelerating growth and make sure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The District is also prioritizing student attendance as a foundation for academic success. Students who are in school are better positioned to learn, build relationships, access critical supports, and remain connected to their school communities. Attendance also directly affects the resources available to schools because school funding is tied to Average Daily Attendance.
The first day tour highlighted the breadth of opportunities available across Los Angeles Unified. Chait visited a first-grade classroom at Gledhill Street Elementary, observed English language development and math classes at Reseda Charter High School, toured aviation training programs at North Valley Occupational Center, and visited early education classrooms at Glassell Park Early Education Center.
The day also showcased programs that connect students to their futures, including STEAM and Linked Learning opportunities at Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy, career preparation at Banneker Career Transition Center and a new Career Exploration program at Belvedere Middle School. It underscored the many pathways available to students and families throughout Los Angeles Unified, including magnet schools, STEM programs, college and career pathways, early education and adult education. Enrollment remains open. Families can continue to explore options through the District’s enrollment website: enroll.lausd.net.
At the conclusion of the day, Chait thanked the thousands of employees who made the first day possible including teachers, principals, counselors, bus drivers, food service workers, custodians, early education staff, adult educators, support professionals and administrators.
“You were ready. You opened your schoolhouse. And you welcomed our students home,” Chait said.
Chait also acknowledged school communities affected by the Lineage warehouse fire, including the Belvedere area where the District’s first-day press conference was held.
“We know that families and employees are experiencing disruption,” Chait said. “Their safety and well-being remain our highest priority. We will continue to communicate with those school communities and provide the support they need.”
As the new school year begins, Los Angeles Unified remains focused on maintaining the momentum of recent academic gains while ensuring schools are safe, welcoming and equipped to meet the needs of every student.
“A new school year is a new beginning, a year of new questions, new friendships, new challenges and new opportunities,” Chait said. “After what I saw today, I could not be more optimistic about what lies ahead.”
"After speaking with so many families, teachers, and principals, I know this day was met with a lot of anticipation and preparation," Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. "Our LAUSD community will miss the summer break, but they are also looking forward to what this District has improved upon from last year. We cannot wait to show them what our staff has been working on. Welcome back, LAUSD. We have missed you, and let us have a great 2026-27 school year!"
“Today, we welcomed our students back with care, preparation, and a commitment to their safety and success,” Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. said. “We know this first day carried a lot of emotion, especially for families in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles. LA Unified will continue monitoring conditions, supporting the mental health and wellness of our communities, and standing with our immigrant families. Every child belongs in our schools, and we are ready to support every student as they learn, grow, and dream.”
"What a wonderful way to kick off the new school year! Board District 1 staff and I spent the day visiting schools in our district where we welcomed students, connected with principals, teachers, staff, and families, and enjoyed the excitement and energy on our campuses,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. "I’m looking forward to a safe, successful, and inspirational school year full of learning, growth, and new opportunities for our students!”
“We are excited to welcome students back to school and kick off a new year full of opportunities for academic progress and growth,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I’m thrilled to be back in classrooms to see kids gathering with friends, connecting with teachers, and getting ready to learn and thrive.”
“The first day of school is always exciting for our students, parents, educators, and school workers,” Board Member Karla Griego said. “LAUSD is navigating financial pressures that require us to be thoughtful and resourceful, while always centering our students. We will need to work together to find creative solutions and stand by our unwavering commitment to students and families. I also recognize the impact the Lineage Fire continues to have on our Eastside communities. Environmental crises impact student learning and wellbeing. We will continue to work closely with local agencies, families, and schools to protect our children and provide them with safe environments to learn and grow. Our communities are powerful and we will meet these moments of uncertainty with strength and optimism.”
“From Florence-Firestone to San Pedro, I visited 7 incredible schools in Board District 7 this first day of the 2026-27 school year and saw so much to celebrate,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Our school staff welcomed students with clean campuses and giant smiles; our educators prepared and lead strong instruction; and our safe passage and after school partners guided students to school safely and facilitated meaningful activities. Thank you to our families who entrust us with your children and congratulations to our students who have taken one more important step to fulfilling their ancestor’s wildest dreams.”
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