Important reminders, news about 2025-2026 school year

The 2025-2026 school year has almost arrived! Northwest ISD begins the new year on Wednesday, August 13, and we want students and families to be prepared with the following news and reminders.

In addition to the details listed below, be sure to visit www.nisdtx.org/backtoschool for important events and dates relevant to your child’s school. Expect additional communication from your school in the days ahead as we prepare for a great year.

Enrollment Ongoing
If you haven’t already enrolled your child and they will attend a Northwest ISD school, please do so immediately at www.nisdtx.org/enrollment. Late enrollments increase the possibility of class changes because of rising student numbers per grade level or course, which our district always attempts to minimize to the greatest extent possible. Several documents are required for enrollment, including proof of residency and immunization record updates, examples of which are available on the enrollment webpage.

School Start & Dismissal Times
School start and dismissal times are posted on the “School Hours” page under “About Us” on the district website.

Schedule Availability & Teacher Assignments
For elementary students, schools will contact the students' families by phone or email Thursday, August 7, or Friday, August 8, to announce their students' teachers. Please be aware this process may take a few days because of enrollment growth and changes to class numbers. Once finalized, elementary class information will also be available in Home Access Center the afternoon of August 8. For families of secondary students, all schedules will be available the afternoon of August 8 in Home Access Center.

Bus Route Details & Smart Tag App
Is your child riding the bus this year? Be sure to check in Home Access Center beginning August 8 for route information. Please remember to check again the week school starts, as routes may change because of our enrollment growth closer to the first day of school. Please do not rely on route information from 2024-2025, as bell schedules and enrollment increases have all affected routes. Additionally, please be sure to download the Smart Tag app to track your child's bus.

Online Absence Reporting
Northwest ISD schools use an online form (located at absence.nisdtx.org) for parents and guardians to report student absences. Families input their student's absence information with this form, and each school front lobby has a sign with a QR code and friendly website link for quick access. The form will send a verification email to the parent/guardian email address on record, so students will not be able to submit their absences without approval.

Student Cellphone Usage Prohibited During Class
In accordance with a new state law, students across Texas will no longer be allowed to use personal digital communication devices during the school day. Prohibited personal devices include cellphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, wireless earphones and other personal communication technology. Students may continue to use district-issued Chromebooks and other educational devices provided by Northwest ISD. Additional details about Northwest ISD's personal device standards will be shared with families on Thursday, August 7.

First Week Procedures at Elementary Schools
Families of elementary students are welcome to walk their students in during the first week of school (Wednesday, August 13, to Friday, August 15). Beginning the second day of school, August 14, all visitors must sign in at the front desk.

Back-to-School Event Dates
Schools across the district will host a variety of events to welcome students and families leading up to the new school year! On Monday, August 11, elementary campuses will host Meet the Teacher events. High schools will hold Meet the Mascots, which are community rally-style celebrations to kick off the school year, on Friday, August 8, or Monday, August 11. Dates and times for these events and orientations at the secondary level vary by campus, though all take place prior to the start of school. Visit www.nisdtx.org/backtoschool for a list of events by campus.

Apply Now for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program
Northwest ISD encourages families to apply for the federally funded Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program, which provides students with one free breakfast and lunch combo meal each school day, and for the 2025-2026 school year, all approved students will receive meals at no cost, whether they qualify for free or reduced pricing. Beyond meals, qualifying students may also be eligible for additional benefits like weekend snack packs, free school supplies, discounted exam fees and more. Apply online for the fastest processing or pick up a paper application from your child’s campus. A new application is required each school year. To learn more, please read this news article.

Immunization Clinics 
Immunization clinics offering back-to-school vaccinations will take place on Saturday, August 2, and Saturday, August 9, with services offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be 3–18 years old and currently enrolled in NISD to participate. A parent or guardian must be present, and a current shot record or school note listing missing vaccines is required. For full clinic details, locations and costs, visit this web page.