Pack up the floaties and beach reads – back-to-school season in Del Mar is right around the corner! Whether you’re counting down to the first bell or—just maybe—clutching your coffee a little tighter, there’s plenty to look forward to as your household gears up for a brand new school year.
Dates You’ll Want to Highlight. Seriously.
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Monday, July 28, 2025: Registration opens for aspiring residents in escrow moving in by October 15. If you don’t love paperwork, think of this as the warm-up lap before the real race begins.
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First Day of School: August 11, 2025. Show up with your backpack zipped and lunch packed (even if it’s last night’s pizza).
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Kindergarten Hours until September 22: 8:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m., with a bonus half-hour trim on Wednesdays (dismissal at 12:30 p.m.).
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Grades 1-6: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesdays, also saying “happy early dismissal” at 12:30 p.m.
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Full-Day Kindergarten launches September 22, with an 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. schedule (Wednesdays stick with the 12:30 close). Early pick-ups can be your new midday cardio.
Don’t forget: Check your school’s website for the exact time of new student orientation—an excellent opportunity to ask questions, make friends, and spot your kid’s future best buddy.
The Art (and Shopping Cart) of School Supply Shopping
You know the drill: that epic shopping trek for crayons, notebooks, and the world’s stickiest glue. This year, make it less of a marathon:
Where to Stock Up
Target (12845 El Camino Real)
This is your all-in-one headquarters for school supplies. Use the handy “School List Assist” feature: simply enter your kid’s school and class to get a ready-made list, all in a single click. You can choose to pick up your supplies in-store or have them delivered for maximum convenience.
Other local picks:
Visit neighborhood staples like grocery stores, local pharmacies, and—if you like a little extra fun—stationery boutiques in Del Mar Plaza. Look for those special back-to-school deals popping up all over town.
Helpful Tip: Shop early to catch the best deals. Also, supplies tend to disappear fast—especially anything sparkly, neon, or that “one-color-only” binder your child simply must have.
Build a Routine That Works (for You and the Kids)
Start easing into your school wake-up schedule a week or so before Day 1. Say goodbye to summer’s “just five more minutes” mornings and hello to alarm clocks. If your child thinks breakfast before 10 a.m. is rude, a little morning practice can go a long way.
Lay out clothes and pack lunches the night before
This extremely grown-up magic trick will buy back precious morning minutes for things like serial sock-hunting or dramatic cereal debates.
School Success Starts at Home
Top Back-to-School Tips:
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Talk about what’s exciting: New friends, favorite classes, and even fun at recess. A little positive chatter can turn nerves into anticipation.
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Goal setting made simple: Younger kids might aim to read 15 minutes each night or try a new activity. For older students, set a subject to focus on or pick an extracurricular to join—clubs, sports, music, you name it.
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Create a dedicated study space: No more kitchen table chaos! Even a little corner with good lighting makes a huge difference.
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Make a to-do list: From daily homework to weekly projects, seeing things checked off feels great (for students and parents!).
Mark Your Calendar: Holidays and Breaks
Here’s a sneak peek at the CUHSD calendar highlights:
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Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025 (that’s right, a shiny early-year day off!)
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Staff development and minimum days scattered through the fall and spring—watch for those, as pick-up times change.
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Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28, 2025
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Winter Break: December 22, 2025–January 6, 2026
Make sure you peek at the full school calendar online so those surprise days off don’t actually surprise you.
Lunches, Uniforms, and First-Day Selfies
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Del Mar schools require uniforms: Stock up early at Land’s End or check if Target’s local rack has your child’s sizes. Watch for summer uniform sales before they vanish.
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Shoes must be closed-toe (so long flip-flops, at least during school hours).
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Healthy lunches: Try prepping some easy options the weekend before. Bento, wraps, and snackable fruit combos are all hits—just don’t forget the ice pack.
School Is a Team Sport
Encourage your child to join a club or try something new—it’s a top tip from teachers and seasoned parents. First-day jitters are real, but even the most shy kids often find buddies over soccer balls, chess boards, or shared interests.
Be flexible. If there’s a bus hiccup, a teacher swap, or just the usual “where’s my backpack?” drama, a calm attitude quickly turns a mess into a memory. Kids notice and take their cue from grownups, so sprinkle in some humor when things go sideways.
Friendly Reminders
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Registration’s already begun, and the best way to avoid last-minute paperwork panics is to jump on those online forms now.
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Don’t forget your school’s orientation (TBD – check the website for updates).
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Plan carpooling or bus routes in advance to make Day 1 a breeze.
Make This Year Your Most Organized (and Fun!)
Get ready for a great year, Del Mar! With a little planning, some strategic shopping, and a dash of good humor, back-to-school doesn’t just have to be easy—it can be fun. Here’s to new adventures, new friendships, and exactly zero lost lunchboxes. Happy prepping!
Sources: aspirehub.com, dmusd.org, delmar.cuhsd.org
Header Image Source: CDC on Unsplash
