Click here to download our app!
local events this issue subscribe advertise find a copy

Back to School in Billings 2025-2026 School Year  

August is National Back-to-School Month, and in Billings, that means more than just picking out the perfect first-day outfit. With community fairs, supply drives, and a variety of local school districts to navigate, prepping for the new school year can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve gathered a wide range of local resources to help your family start the school year strong. 

Whether you're sending a kindergartener off for their very first day, helping a high schooler get organized, or planning out your homeschool curriculum, this locally curated guide has you covered. 

Free Events & Back-to-School Giveaways 

Family Fun Fest 

Saturday, August 9 | 10:00 AM. to 2:00 PM at Stewart Park 

Hosted by Fervent Fire Ministries, this community celebration is packed with fun. With inflatables, games, puppets, food, and prizes. One of the biggest draws? The giveaway of 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies. While walk-ins are welcome, registering ahead of time is required to be eligible for prizes. You must be present to win. 

Learn more at ferventfireministries.org. Register for prizes here 

Harvest Church Back-to-School Fair 

Saturday, August 16 | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 1235 W. Wicks Lane 

Each year, Harvest Church partners with local organizations like Walmart, Scheels, Trailhead Dentistry, and Riverstone Health to provide families with essential back-to-school items and services. Supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and include backpacks, school supplies, first-day outfits, and a limited number of shoes for elementary-aged children, courtesy of United Way and Rimrock Subaru. 

Additional offerings include free haircuts from local stylists, kindergarten and middle school vaccinations, and sports physical vouchers from LaVie Health. Local partners like W.I.C., Head Start, Park2Park, and Heart & Sole Therapy will also be on-site with additional support. The lines tend to form early, so families are encouraged to bring water, lawn chairs, and outdoor toys if arriving before the doors open. More information is available at harvestchurch.tv/btsfair. 

United Way’s Operation School Supply 

United Way of Yellowstone County believes every child deserves the chance to learn and succeed. Operation School Supply is their ongoing effort to stock school pantries with essentials for students and teachers throughout the school year. 

Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to host their own collection drives and drop off donations mid-August at United Way’s office at 2173 Overland Avenue. Details on exact drop-off dates and backpack pickup times are coming soon, but families can expect distribution days on August 19 and 20. Walk-ins are welcome, though pre-registration is encouraged to help match students with the right supplies. 

Some of the most-needed items include: 

  • Headphones 
  • Disinfecting wipes 
  • Notebooks and loose-leaf paper (college and wide-ruled) 
  • Pencils, crayons, markers, glue, and dry erase markers 

A full printable list and toolkit are available at unitedwayyellowstone.org. 

School Districts & Start Dates 

Billings Public Schools (SD2) 

This is the main district in Billings, serving grades PK through 12, and is split into two components: the elementary district (PK–8) and the high school district (9–12). The 2025–2026 school year begins Tuesday, September 2, the day after Labor Day. 

If your student still needs to be registered, you can do so online at the Billings Schools Enrollment & Registration page. 

Elementary school supply lists are available here. Middle and high schools often do not post supply lists in advance since supplies can vary by teacher. Students are encouraged to bring a notebook and pencil or pen on the first day. Teachers will provide more specific lists once classes begin. 

In addition to SD2, Billings has several independent K–8 districts and a number of private schools. Each one sets its own calendar, enrollment process, and publishes its own supply lists.  

Independent Districts:  

Private Schools in Billings 

Families enrolled in these schools, whether part of an independent district or a private school, should check directly with their school’s website or office for the most up-to-date information. 

Homeschool & Private School Resources 

Elk Mountain Learning & Supplies 

Located at 1033 South 29th Street West, Suite B, Elk Mountain Learning & Supplies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Montana homeschool and private school families. They offer a wide variety of both new and used curriculum, along with helpful services like printing, lamination, a community meeting room, and educational classes. 

Their in-store “Donation Station” features free items available to any family and accepts used curriculum donations from parents and teachers. Depending on the item, they may even offer store credit or cash. 

Visit elkmtlearning.com or follow them on Facebook for updates and class offerings. 

Final Checklist for a Smooth Start 

  • Register your student if you haven’t already. 
  • Look up your school’s supply list or bring basic items for Day 1. 
  • Attending one of the free local events for supplies and services. 
  • Donate if you’re able, every bit helps another local student. 
  • Bookmark this page for reference as the school year approaches. 

As summer winds down and families across Billings prepare to trade in beach towels for backpacks, one thing remains clear: this community shows up for its kids. Whether it's through generous donations, hands-on help at local events, or making sure every child has what they need to succeed, Billings knows how to come together for back-to-school season. Here’s to a confident, well-prepped, and exciting start to the 2025-2026 school year! 

Subscribe

* indicates required