By Hola Nebraska
In Lincoln, Kindergarten, sixth-grade and ninth-grade students will return first. Families should verify enrollment, school hours, vaccinations and transportation before classes begin.
Updated Friday, Aug. 7, 2026.
LINCOLN, NE — The 2026-27 school year will begin Wednesday, Aug. 12, for some of the more than 42,000 students enrolled in Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), but not every grade will return to the classroom on the same day.
Students in kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade will report first. Students in the remaining K-12 grades will join them Thursday, Aug. 13, while Early Childhood classes will begin Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Before classes begin, families should review their annual enrollment verification, their school’s specific hours, health requirements and transportation information when applicable.
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- Wednesday, Aug. 12: Kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade.
- Thursday, Aug. 13: Grades 1-5, 7-8 and 10-12.
- Tuesday, Aug. 18: Early Childhood students.
- LPS main phone number: 402-436-1000.
Families in Lincoln must update ParentVUE before the first day
All families with returning students must complete the annual enrollment verification process before the first day of school.
The process is available through the “Online Registration” option in ParentVUE. Families must review their address, phone number and email address, as well as required consent and release forms.
Families who have previously used ParentVUE can sign in with their existing credentials. Those who have not activated their account must request an activation key from their student’s school office.
New students can be enrolled online. Families will need proof of the child’s age and identity, along with a current immunization record, to begin the process.
LPS accepts a certified copy of a birth certificate. When that document is unavailable, the district may accept other reliable records showing the child’s identity and age, accompanied by a notarized statement explaining why the birth certificate cannot be provided.
Children entering kindergarten must turn 5 on or before July 31 unless they are admitted through the district’s early entrance process.
Lincoln schools follow different daily schedules
LPS middle schools will hold classes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but elementary and high school schedules vary by building.
Most elementary schools follow one of two schedules:
- First group: 8:15 a.m. to 2:53 p.m.
- Second group: 9 a.m. to 3:38 p.m.
Most high schools begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss between 2:55 and 3:05 p.m. Southwest High School will operate from 8:15 a.m. to 3:03 p.m.
Specialized programs, The Career Academy and some educational centers follow different schedules. LPS notes that school hours may change, so families should confirm final arrival and dismissal times directly with their student’s school.
Breakfast starts at $1.30 and lunch at $2.50
Meal prices for students paying the full rate vary by school level.
- Elementary breakfast: $1.30.
- Secondary breakfast: $1.50.
- Elementary lunch: $2.50.
- Middle school lunch: $2.70.
- High school lunch: $2.85.
Students approved for free meals will not pay for breakfast or lunch. Students who qualify for reduced-price meals will also receive both meals at no charge during the 2026-27 school year.
Families must submit a new free or reduced-price meal application each school year unless they receive a letter or email confirming direct certification for the new year.
Meals are charged at the full price until LPS determines a student’s eligibility. Digital applications can take two to three business days to process, while paper applications may take up to 10 business days.
One application can include every student in the household. The LPS Nutrition Services Office provides assistance at 402-436-1746 and at the district offices at 5905 O St.
Aug. 12 is also another important deadline for some Nebraska families. Households that were not automatically enrolled can check whether they need to apply for $120 per eligible child through Summer EBT by Aug. 12.
Preschool, kindergarten and seventh-grade students need physical exams
Early Childhood, kindergarten and seventh-grade students must provide proof of a physical examination completed within the six months before they enter school.
The requirement also applies to students transferring from another state, regardless of grade level. The examination must be completed by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.
All students must be current on required school vaccinations and provide documentation. Students entering seventh grade also need a Tdap dose, which includes a booster against pertussis, or whooping cough.
Questions about vaccinations, exemptions or medical documents can be directed to the nurse at the student’s school or LPS Health Services at 402-436-1655.
Some bus routes in Lincoln will use corner stops
LPS will begin the school year with 128 bus routes and is working to expand its operation to 150 routes as staffing and equipment allow.
Some routes will use designated corner stops instead of door-to-door service. The district has also acknowledged that certain rides may exceed one hour and approach 90 minutes because routes have been consolidated.
Regular transportation is available primarily to elementary and middle school students who live more than four miles from the school assigned to their attendance area.
Transportation is also available to students whose Individualized Education Program, or IEP, identifies it as necessary; students reassigned for the benefit of the district; and students receiving services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act because they lack stable housing.
LPS will send eligible families their route, stop and schedule information directly. The LPS Transportation Department can answer questions at 402-436-1073.
The district calendar, enrollment resources, ParentVUE, school menus and building directory are available through the Lincoln Public Schools website.
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