PCSD students head back to class this week

Park City School District classes resume Wednesday, Aug. 19, bringing school buses, student walkers, and cyclists back to local roads. Photo: Thomas Park

Freshmen and elementary students return Aug. 19; upperclassmen follow Thursday. Expect heavier morning and afternoon traffic near campuses.

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City School District students head back to class this week, and drivers, cyclists and neighbors can expect school buses, young walkers and student cyclists on local roads during morning and afternoon commutes.

The 2026-27 school year begins Wednesday, Aug. 19.

At Park City High School, freshmen and new students start Wednesday, Aug. 19, while returning sophomores, juniors and seniors begin Thursday, Aug. 20.

Ecker Hill Middle School, which now houses grades 6-8, also begins Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 8:45 a.m.

Elementary schools generally begin around 8:15 a.m. and dismiss at 3:05 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with early release around 12:30 p.m. Fridays. Jeremy Ranch and Trailside list school hours of 8:15 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. Parley’s Park and McPolin ring a first bell at 8:10 a.m.

Traffic tends to be heaviest around campuses and bus stops during arrival and dismissal, and the first week often brings added congestion as families and bus drivers settle into new routes. Students walking and biking will be out across the district.

Under Utah law, drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop sign. Reduced speed limits in posted school zones also return.

A few extra minutes on the road, a lighter foot near campuses, and an eye out for kids will go a long way. Welcome back.