School District U-46 Welcomes Students  on Aug. 13 for the 2024-25 School Year 

Preschool students to return on Aug. 20  

ELGIN - Classes resume Tuesday, Aug. 13, for more than 34,000 kindergartners through 12th graders, as well as Transition students, across School District U-46. Preschool students will return to classrooms on Tuesday, Aug. 20. 

“We can hardly wait to welcome our students back for another year of learning and growth,” said Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Johnson. “Many of our employees have spent this summer preparing our buildings, classrooms, curriculum, and resources to serve U-46 students and families during the 2024-25 school year and to continue to work toward achieving our core purpose - success for every student, without exception.” 

To watch a welcome video from Dr. Johnson, click here or visit the District’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/SchoolDistrictU46. 

During the 2024-25 school year, U-46 will embark on the creation, adoption, and implementation of a new strategic plan. The plan will chart U-46’s course for the next 10 to 15 years, and a short-term plan for the next five years will be developed as well. There will be opportunities in the months ahead for students, parents, staff, community members, and other stakeholders to be a part of the strategic plan process. 

Following a successful bond proposal in the spring of 2023, District officials continue to work on plans and projects to replace or renovate some of U-46’s older school buildings to provide equitable access to learning environments that support academic success for all. 

The facilities work includes the transformation of the former Hawk Hollow Elementary in Bartlett into a new middle school to serve the southeast portion of the District, as well as the construction of a new middle school next to Hilltop Elementary in Elgin to serve the northeast portion of the District. Additions are also planned at Kimball and Kenyon Woods middle schools. The work is all part of the plan to transition U-46 to a true middle school model, where 6th graders, who currently are in elementary schools, attend middle school with 7th and 8th graders. 

Local residents are encouraged to stay informed about the school district’s facilities work by visiting the website u-46.org/uniteu46.

The 2024-25 school year will also see U-46 place a renewed emphasis on the importance of consistent, timely attendance for students and the role it plays in academic growth, success, and achievement. The “Every Minute Matters” campaign will provide resources for parents, guardians, teachers, school staff, and community members to help students overcome barriers that might affect their ability to to attend school regularly. Those interested in learning more should visit u-46.org/attendance.

As it has for several years, the U-46 Board of Education voted to waive instructional fees for U-46 students for the 2024-25 school year. In addition, the District is providing school supplies to elementary students, and school meals will be provided at no cost to students at all U-46 schools.

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School District U-46 serves families in 11 communities: Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood and Wayne, as well as portions of Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg, and West Chicago. In total, the District encompasses 90 square miles within the Fox River Valley, approximately 45 minutes west of downtown Chicago, and includes communities within Cook, DuPage and Kane counties. More than 34,000 preschoolers through 12th graders attend the 55 District schools and programs. To learn more, visit the U-46 website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.