It’s Aug. 31, that time of year again in Arlington. Backpacks are loaded with number 2 pencils and composition books. Excited but slightly anxious children squirm in their school bus seats. Newly polished and welcoming classrooms stand ready for the first day of school. Additional speed cameras have been installed and will be in operation before and after school during the week.
But something is different this year as immigrant enforcement efforts have been stepped up, generating fear among a number of families who are afraid to venture outside their homes. The Arlington Public School system sent out a letter to parents on Aug. 20 assuring students they belong in the schools, information is not required about immigration status and they want students to feel safe, cared for and connected to adults they trust.
Bold oversized print declares, “We want every APS family to hear this clearly: You are an important part of our community. Your students belong in our schools, and we are here to support them.
“We want every student to continue coming to school every day. If circumstances are making it difficult for your student to attend school or participate fully, please contact your school so we can work with you and provide support.
“School counselors and social workers are available to support students who may be experiencing fear, anxiety, changes at home or other challenges. Bilingual Family Specialists are also available to help families communicate with their schools, understand school processes and connect with resources and support.”
The APS population is 41 percent white, 31 percent Hispanic, almost 11 percent African American and almost 9 percent Asian. Educational materials are provided in English, Español, Amharic, Arabic and Mongolian.
APS has 24 elementary, 6 middle, and 4 high schools, 1 secondary institution with 4 other educational programs within the school district. This is comprised of 45 schools with 27,026 students enrolled in PreK-12 as of Aug. 26, 2026 and with a teacher ratio of 13-1.
The calendar for the Arlington school year is set by School Board Policy I-4.30 which establishes, “The first instructional day of the school year for students will occur during the week one week before Labor Day.”
