The St. Elizabeth R-IV School District Board of Education approved the 2026–2027 academic calendar during its meeting on February 18, 2026. Students will begin classes on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The district’s start date complies with Missouri state law governing when public schools may begin the academic year. To view the entire calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, click here.
Missouri Statute Governing School Start Dates
Under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 171.031, school districts in Missouri may not begin classes earlier than fourteen calendar days prior to the first Monday in September, unless the district receives an approved waiver from the state.
For 2026, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, making August 24, 2026, the earliest permissible start date for districts without an exemption.
The St. Elizabeth R-IV School District submitted a request to begin school earlier than the statutory date; however, that request was denied on February 10 by the Missouri State Board of Education. As a result, the district calendar reflects full compliance with state law.