The countdown is on! Sacaton Elementary School District #18 is excited to welcome students, families, and staff back for another outstanding school year. The first day of school is Monday, July 27, 2026, and this year brings several exciting changes designed to better serve our students and strengthen teaching and learning across the district.
A New School Organization
Beginning this school year, the District has transitioned from a K–4 Elementary School and 5–8 Middle School to a more traditional school configuration:
Sacaton Elementary School:
Kindergarten through Grade 5
Sacaton Middle School:
Grades 6 through 8
This change creates stronger grade-level continuity, better prepares students for the transition to middle school, and allows teachers and administrators to focus on the unique academic and developmental needs of each age group.
Four-Day School Week Begins
The 2026–2027 school year also marks the beginning of the District's new four-day instructional week, approved by the Governing Board after gathering input from families, employees, and the community.
Students will continue to receive the instructional time required by the State of Arizona while benefiting from longer school days and a three-day weekend. The additional day each week provides opportunities for teacher collaboration, professional development, student intervention, family time, and attendance at appointments without missing classroom instruction.
School Hours
Sacaton Elementary School (Grades K–5)
8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Sacaton Middle School (Grades 6–8)
8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
To continue providing safe and efficient transportation, elementary and middle school students will continue riding separate bus routes. Elementary students will ride the earlier route, while middle school students will be picked up and dropped off approximately 30 minutes later. Families have received updated transportation schedules. Questions regarding transportation may be directed to the Transportation Department at (520) 562-8600.
"Away for the Day" Cell Phone Expectations
This school year, Sacaton Elementary School District is implementing its new "Away for the Day" personal electronic device expectations.
Upon arriving at school each morning, students will check their phones into the school office. The devices will be securely stored during the school day and returned to students at dismissal.
The District's goal is simple: to maximize student engagement, strengthen face-to-face interactions, and ensure students are fully present in their learning throughout the school day. By removing the distraction of cell phone devices, students can better focus on academics, build meaningful relationships with peers and staff, and actively participate in school activities.
We recognize that being without a cell phone during the school day may be an adjustment for some students. As with any new routine, we expect there will be a brief transition period while students become accustomed to the new expectations. Our staff will work with students to help make this adjustment as smooth as possible.
If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during the school day, they may request permission from a teacher or administrator to use the school office telephone. Likewise, parents and guardians who need to reach their child during the school day may contact the school office, and staff will ensure that important messages are delivered promptly.
We appreciate the partnership and support of our families as we implement this initiative. Together, we can provide students with an environment that encourages learning, meaningful connections, and full participation in the school experience.
Consistent with Arizona law, exceptions may be made for:
• Emergencies
• Documented medical needs
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans
Meet the Teacher Night
Families are invited to kick off the new school year by attending Meet the Teacher Night.
Thursday, July 23, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Parents and students will have the opportunity to:
Meet teachers and school administrators
Visit classrooms
Learn about classroom expectations
Receive important school information
Prepare for a successful first day of school
We encourage every family to attend and begin building the strong home-school partnership that is essential to student success.
Welcome Back!
Our mission is to provide every student with the opportunity to succeed academically while growing into confident, responsible, and compassionate individuals. This school year represents an exciting new beginning for our district. With our new school organization, the four-day week, strengthened academic supports, and our focus on keeping students engaged and present in learning, we believe this will be one of our best years yet."
As always, the District remains committed to its guiding principles:
Be Brave. Be Kind. Be Present.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, July 27, 2026, and wish all of our families a safe and enjoyable remainder of the summer.
Welcome back, Braves! Let's make the 2026–2027 school year our best one yet!