Welcome Back to School! Preparing for an Inspiring 2026–2027 School Year

As summer comes to a close, the energy across Cedar Rapids Community School District is building. Our teachers, administrators, and staff have been working all summer diligently to prepare classrooms, update learning technologies, and refresh facility spaces. We are thrilled to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm greeting to every new student joining our school community this year!

Don’t Forget to Register for Preschool & Kindergarten

We are thrilled to welcome our newest and littlest learners for the upcoming school year! Early registration is vital, as it helps us plan for staffing and ensures your child secures a spot at your preferred neighborhood school.

• Age Requirements: Per Iowa state law, students must be 4 years old on or before September 15, 2026, to register for preschool, and 5 years old on or before September 15, 2026, for kindergarten.
• Kindergarten: Full-day kindergarten is offered at all CRCSD elementary schools. Click Here to Complete Your Online Registration for Kindergarten!
• Alternative Kindergarten: Our Alternative Kindergarten (AK) program is available in select elementary schools across the district. This program provides a bridge for students who need a little more time to grow socially or academically.
• Preschool Options: Our preschool programming has a limited number of spots available. Families can choose between:
  • Free Half-Day Preschool: Offered at Cedar River Academy, Hiawatha, Johnson STEAM, Kenwood Leadership, Maple Grove, Truman, West Willow, and Wright.
  • Tuition-Based Full-Day Preschool ($350/month): Offered at Grant Wood, Viola Gibson, and Truman.
  • Before- and after-school care options are available for both options.

Click Here to Complete Your Online Registration for Preschool!

• Required Documents for Preschool/Kindergarten Enrollment: To complete your registration and to secure a placement for your student, please ensure you have the following required documents ready to upload (scanned copies or clear photos of the documents) in the registration portal. Or you can drop off physical copies at your resident school building or our District’s Educational Leadership and Support Center.
  • Proof of Residence: Provide one of the following documents showing the parent/guardian’s name AND the current residence address.
    • Gas, electric, or water utility bill (current or last month)
    • Current mortgage statement or signed lease/rental agreement
    • Recent pay stub or property tax bill
  • Immunization Record or Exemption Certificate: Provide a valid Iowa Certificate of Immunization showing that your child has received all state-required vaccines for their age. Or, submit a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption (Religious or Medical), or a Provisional Certificate of Immunization.
  • Proof of Birthdate: Submit one of the following documents for proof of your child’s birthdate: 
    • Birth certificate (not a hospital record), 
    • Passport/visa, 
    • Physician’s statement
    • Adoption papers.
  • Dental & Vision Screening (For Kindergarten Students Only): 
    • Certificate of Dental Screening or Certificate of Dental Screening Exemption.
    • Certificate of Vision Screening

Need help navigating the enrollment portal? Call 319-558-2570 or email registration@crschools.us.

Action Item: Complete Annual Verification Today!

Annual Verification for the 2026–2027 school year is officially open and available through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. ALL CRCSD families must complete this verification each year.

Your prompt response is crucial because it directly impacts our ability to plan for classroom assignments, secure bus routes, and ensure we have accurate resources ready for day one.

• Update Contact Info: Ensure your family and emergency contact details are accurate, so you never miss critical, timely updates from the district and your child’s school.
• Complete Consent Forms: Easily sign off on yearly student releases, field trips, photo releases, and technology use.
• Upload Important Docs: Quickly upload your student's updated vaccination records and sports physical forms.
• Fee Reductions: Update eligibility for reduced school fees.

Log in to the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to Complete Annual Verification Here!

Complete your verification today to ensure a seamless, stress-free start to the new school year for your student!

Key Dates & Kickoff Events

Mark your calendars! The first day of school is Tuesday, August 25, and it will be a FULL DAY of learning and reconnection.

To find details for all district and campus-specific events:

• View the overall district schedule on our District Calendar and your individual School’s Calendar under “Our School” on our website.
• Check back-to-school open house dates, freshman orientation times, and special events on your school’s back-to-school page under “Families & Resources,” or right here on the District Back to School Page.

Logistics & Essential Information

 

To ensure a smooth transition on day one, please review these key administrative updates:

1. Daily Bell Schedules (Arrival & Dismissal)

Please note the standard school hours across all grade levels for the 2026–2027 school year:

• Preschool (Half-Day):
  • AM Session: 8:50 AM – 11:50 AM
  • PM Session: 12:50 PM – 3:50 PM
• Preschool (Full-Day):
  • 8:50 AM – 3:50 PM
• Elementary School: 8:50 AM – 3:50 PM
• Middle School: 7:50 AM – 2:50 PM
• High School: 7:50 AM – 2:50 PM

Please check your specific school's traffic flow map and designated drop-off/pick-up locations prior to Tuesday, August 25.

2. School Supplies & Technology

• Supply Lists: Grade-specific and subject-specific supply lists are available on your individual School’s Back to School Page or on our District Back to School Page.
• 💻 Device Prep for Day One: Returning students who have district Chromebooks at home should plug them in the night before and bring them to school 100% fully charged on Tuesday, August 25! Don't forget to pack the charger in their backpack as well. New students will receive their assigned devices during the first week.

3. Transportation & Bus Routes

Routes will be published and ready for public view via StopFinder and Infinite Campus on Tuesday 8/18/2026.  Please note that a significant number of routing changes are made daily.  Please make sure to recheck your student’s bus route information on Monday 8/24/2026 for the most accurate routing information for the 1st day of school.

Stay Connected with the new CRCSD Connections App!

Download the CRCSD Connections App: Search for "CRCSD Connections" in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Check out our overview flyer about the app here.

• School News & Calendars: Keep up to date with the news and events from your school. Select the items that you want to see, all right at your fingertips. If you have students across many schools, you can customize the settings to your preferences, personalized for you. 
• 2-Way Communication: Log in using the same email address associated with your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account to unlock two-way messaging. After putting in that address, to finish setting up your account, click Forgot Password to set up a new password. This password will only work when accessing the app. 
• Classroom Group Chats: Each of your students’ classrooms will have a dedicated group chat that teachers can utilize for quick updates, direct communication, and class news!

Social Media: Stay connected on our Facebook and our Instagram.

We look forward to a successful, inspiring year together!