DES MOINES, Iowa — With the 2024-2025 school year right around the corner, families across central Iowa are preparing to go back to school.
Local 5 has everything you need to know before that school bell rings, including when the first day of school is, supply list links and more.
Ames Community School District
For grades EK-5, classes begin on Friday, Aug. 23. All sixth-grade students and seventh/eighth-grade students new to the district will also have orientation that same day.
- All grades EK-12: Monday, Aug. 26
- Preschool: Tuesday, Sept. 3
The last day of school for students is Friday, May 30.
Click here for school supply lists.
Ankeny Community School District
The first day of school for Ankeny Schools is Friday, Aug. 23.
- Preschool: Tuesday, Sept. 3
The last day of school for students is Friday, May 23.
Click here for school supply lists.
Des Moines Public Schools
The first day of school for DMPS is Monday, Aug. 26.
- Preschool: Monday, Sept. 9
The last day of school for DMPS is Wednesday, June 4.
- Preschool: Tuesday, June 3
- Downtown School: Wednesday, June 17
School supply lists are posted on each school's individual website. Click here for the list of schools in the district.
Johnston Community School District
K-12 students begin classes on Friday, Aug. 23.
- Preschool: Friday, Aug. 30
The last day of school for students is Friday, May 30.
Click here for school supply lists.
Urbandale Community School District
The first day of school for Urbandale Schools is Friday, Aug. 23.
- Preschool: Tuesday, Aug. 27
The last day for seniors is Wednesday, May 21.
- PK-11: Thursday, May 29
Click here for school supply lists.
Waukee Community School District
The first day of school for Waukee Schools is Friday, Aug. 23.
- Preschool: Tuesday, Sept. 3
The last day of school for students is Friday, May 30.
Click here for school supply lists.
West Des Moines Community Schools
K-12 students begin classes on Friday, Aug. 23.
- Preschool: Tuesday, Sept. 3
The last day for seniors is Thursday, May 22.
- Preschool: Friday, May 23
- PK-11: Friday, May 30
Click here for school supply lists.