Back-to-school dates for region

More than 1.3 million students in the Houston metropolitan area return to schools this month as charter schools, traditional public schools and private campuses begin the 2018-2019 school year.

Rather than all starting on the fourth Monday of August, which is the official school start date according to state statute, local districts will welcome students back on six different days.

That’s because a state designation known as “districts of innovation” allows qualified school districts to opt out of some rules, including when to start their school years. Districts that have not pursued or qualified for the distinction still must begin their school years on the fourth Monday of this month, which is Aug. 27.

Below are a list of start dates, along with the districts that will begin their school years then:

Wednesday, Aug. 15: Alief ISD, Katy ISD, La Porte ISD, Spring ISD, Stafford MSD

Thursday, Aug. 16: Crosby ISD, Dayton ISD, Spring Branch ISD

Monday, Aug. 20: Aldine ISD, Channelview ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Deer Park ISD, Humble ISD, Klein ISD, New Caney ISD, Pasadena ISD, Pearland ISD, Santa Fe ISD

Tuesday, Aug. 21: Sheldon ISD, Tomball ISD

Wednesday, Aug. 22: Galena Park ISD

Monday, Aug. 27: CypressFairbanks ISD, Goose Creek CISD, Houston ISD, Huffman ISD, Waller ISD