There are still a few weeks of summer left, but for families preparing for the 2026-27 school year, now is a good time to make sure registration is taken care of.

“Registration is one of the big things families should be thinking about as we get closer to the start of the school year,” says Candace Ahmed, principal of James L. Alexander School in the Parkridge neighbourhood. “This is the perfect time to get that sorted.”

Does my child need to register?

For many returning Saskatoon Public Schools students, the answer is no.

Students returning to the same school they attended last year do not need to register again. Students moving from Grade 8 to Grade 9 within Saskatoon Public Schools also do not need to register, as that transition was arranged during the previous school year.

Families do need to register if:

• their child is transferring from another school, whether that school is in Saskatoon or elsewhere; or
• their child is entering the school system for the first time, including children beginning Prekindergarten or Kindergarten.

Families should register a child entering Prekindergarten or Kindergarten even if an older sibling already attends the school.

How can families register while schools are closed for summer break?

Although schools remain closed for summer break, families have several options.

Registration is available online any time. Families can also call (306-683-8200) or visit the Saskatoon Public Schools division office (310 21st St E), which remains staffed during the summer months.

Families will have another opportunity on Tuesday, Sept. 1, when Saskatoon Public elementary schools open their doors from 1 to 3 p.m. for a New Family Open House.

The open house is intended for families with children attending a new-to-them Saskatoon Public elementary school. Families who still need to register can do so at this time.

“We welcome families who want to register or just come in, meet our staff, ask questions, and learn a bit about school routines,” Ahmed says. “It’s a great way to start the year feeling prepared.”

What should returning families do now?

For families whose children are already registered, there’s no need to rush the final weeks of summer. But there are a few simple things they can do as the first day approaches.

Ahmed encourages families to watch for communication from their school. School staff return before students and will typically share information about the first day and the start of the new school year.

Families can also check their school website for details such as school hours, calendars, supply lists, and other school-specific information.

A week or two before classes begin can also be a good time to gradually return to school-year routines, particularly around bedtime, wake-up times, and morning routines.

Starting conversations about what to expect

Preparation doesn’t have to be all about schedules and school supplies.

Ahmed suggests talking with children about how they’re feeling about the year ahead—asking what they’re looking forward to and whether there is anything they are nervous about.

Some nervousness is completely normal, she says, whether a child is starting Kindergarten, moving to a new school, or simply returning after a long summer of different routines.

Acknowledging those feelings while reminding children of the things they enjoy about school—seeing friends, returning to activities, or reconnecting with familiar staff—can help make the transition back a little easier.

The first day of classes for Saskatoon Public Schools students is Sept. 2. On this first day, elementary students attend school for the morning only.