Nyla Glover
As the 2026–27 school year begins, Riverside Unified School District (RUSD)—ranked the 16th largest in California with over 38,000 students—will welcome youth back to school across 51 campuses starting Friday, Aug. 7 for seventh graders and Monday, Aug. 10 for all remaining grades.
Opening-day festivities will take place at Highgrove Elementary School in Riverside.
Established in 1888 amidst the area’s signature orange groves, Highgrove Elementary has served as the educational heart of Riverside’s Highgrove community for nearly 140 years, will serve as RUSD’s featured staging location for opening day.
The 2026–27 school year marks the official launch of the district’s new, five-year Strategic Plan, adopted by the Board of Education in June 2026. Running through 2031, the framework focuses on accelerating student achievement, building safe and supportive campus environments, deepening community partnerships, and preparing every student for college, career, and life success.
According to the district, the plan will serve as a foundation for learning by setting clear goals and strategies that empower educators and students alike. “It will help unlock the promise and potential of our youth by focusing on equity, opportunity, and innovation,” the district highlights on its website.
The district further notes that by fostering partnerships and shared accountability, “it will strengthen the bonds that make our communities and Riverside resilient and vibrant.”
Riverside Unified serves students across 49 schools, making it one of the larger districts in the Inland Empire region.