News Summary
Families in Rancho Santa Margarita are preparing for the upcoming academic year as local school districts announce essential dates. The Saddleback Valley Unified School District will start school on August 14, while the Capistrano Unified School District begins on August 15. Notable breaks include Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks, while community resources will help families plan for the school year and stay informed on updates.
Rancho Santa Margarita Schools Announce Key Dates for 2025-26 Academic Year
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Families in Rancho Santa Margarita are gearing up for the 2025-26 academic year as the Saddleback Valley Unified School District and Capistrano Unified School District announce critical dates for the upcoming school year. The first day of school for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District is set for August 14, 2025, while Capistrano Unified School District will commence its school year on August 15, 2025. These updates are essential for parents and students as they plan for the upcoming challenges and opportunities in education.
Important Academic Dates
Saddleback Valley Unified School District
- First Day of School: Monday, August 14
- Thanksgiving Break: November 20 through November 24
- Winter Break: December 25 through January 5
- Spring Break: April 1 through April 5
- Last Day of School: Thursday, May 30
Capistrano Unified School District
- First Day of School: Tuesday, August 15
- Thanksgiving Break: November 20 through November 24
- Winter Break: December 25 through January 5
- Spring Break: April 1 through April 5
- Last Day of School: Thursday, May 30
While these dates are currently set, it is worth noting that they are subject to change. Parents are advised to stay tuned for any updates from school districts that may occur as the academic year approaches.
Back-to-School Planning
The announcements have sparked back-to-school planning among families in the area. Parents are encouraged to mark their calendars and start preparing for their children’s educational needs as summer comes to a close. Notable schools within the districts, such as Trabuco Elementary School, La Paz Intermediate School, and Mission Viejo High School, will also follow these academic schedules, ensuring consistency across the educational landscape in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Beyond just the school calendar, families and students can access various resources that will assist them as they prepare for the school year. These resources include checklists for school supplies, informational handouts about school programs, and tips for transitioning back to school life.
Community Resources
For ongoing information, community members can stay updated with the latest academic news, events, and alerts relevant to their local schools. There are free newsletters available that provide valuable insights into school operations, special events, and changes that may impact families in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Conclusion
As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, parents and students in Rancho Santa Margarita will find these announced dates vital for effective planning and preparation. With the official start dates set and additional resources available to help families navigate the academic landscape, the community looks forward to another year of educational growth and success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Saddleback Unified Calendar 2025-26 Key Dates
- SI: Southwest Top 10 High School Football Teams Full Schedule Release
- Press-Telegram: CIF-SS Baseball Playoffs Schedule
- MaxPreps: St. John Bosco 2025 Schedule
- Patch: Back to School Rancho Santa Margarita 2023-24 Calendar

Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.