Incoming middle and high school students in Tacoma can walk their new hallways, meet teachers and eat a free breakfast a week before classes begin.

Tacoma Public Schools is hosting its free Jump Start orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 25, for all students entering 6th and 9th grade, the two major transitions in the K-12 system where students move to an unfamiliar building with new routines.

Middle school: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The 6th grade Jump Start runs from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m. and lunch at 11:15 a.m. The district has not published which middle schools are hosting the event; families should check the program page for locations.

High school: breakfast at 9 a.m.

The 9th grade Jump Start takes place at all five comprehensive high schools: Foss, Lincoln, Mt. Tahoma, Silas and Stadium. Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and lunch at 12:15 p.m.

According to the district's program page, students will find their classrooms, practice school routines, work on time management and connect with peers and staff. Transportation will be provided from each high school's middle school feeder locations.

All incoming 9th graders are automatically registered. Families can also complete an RSVP on the district's Jump Start page.

What's next

The first day of school for grades 1–12 is Monday, Aug. 31, according to the district's 2026-2027 calendar. Pre-K and kindergarten students start Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Registration for Beyond the Bell (grades K–5) and Club B (grades 6–8) after-school programs opens Aug. 31.

Families with questions can contact TPS Chief Communications Officer Tanisha Jumper at 253-571-1015 or [email protected].