Why Palm Springs Students Head Back to School Early —

As students in Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) prepare to return to class this Wednesday, many parents are wondering — and some are questioning — why the school year is starting so early, especially amid soaring desert temperatures.

For several years now, PSUSD has consistently begun its school year during the first week of August, making it the earliest-starting district in the Coachella Valley. While other nearby school districts start roughly two weeks later (August 20th for most), PSUSD maintains its August start date for strategic reasons.

Why the Early Start?

According to PSUSD spokesperson Joan Boiko, the district's academic calendar was adjusted intentionally. "The reason for this earlier start is twofold," Boiko stated.

"First, our high school students are able to complete midterms or finals before winter break, which allows them to return in January to a fresh start in a new semester. Second, while most districts offer two weeks of winter break and one week of spring break, PSUSD offers three weeks in winter and two weeks in spring."

This approach gives students and staff extended breaks that some families appreciate — though not all are convinced the trade-off is worth the early August return.

Parental Concerns About the Heat

Some parents have expressed concern about sending their children back to school during the hottest part of the year. Maribel Walker, whose daughter attends a school within the district says, "I do worry about them when they’re outside in the playground. I think it’s too hot for them to be out there."

PSUSD says it takes these concerns seriously. “Our students are protected from the heat on our school buses and in our classrooms,” the district assured. “We monitor heat risks and ensure that students are not outdoors if it is unsafe.”

Calls for a Voice

Some families hope the district might eventually reconsider the schedule. “Hopefully they’ll ask us,” Walker said. “If they do a survey or something where we could vote, that would be great.”

While there’s no indication that the calendar will be changed anytime soon, the conversation around heat safety and parental input continues. For now, PSUSD students will be among the first in the region to crack open their textbooks — and face the August heat — when the bell rings this Wednesday.