Student registration was underway Wednesday in the Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified school districts for the 2026-27 academic year, and officials said new educational options are in the works.
PSUSD classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 5, while DSUSD classes are scheduled to start Aug. 19. Officials from both districts urged families not to put off registrations, which are free and can be done online or in person, until the last minute.
New educational initiatives will be presented this academic year and next with the intent of sparking students’ interests, according to representatives from the two districts.
DSUSD spokeswoman Janice Diaz said the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program will feature a variety of activities this year.
“Programs include skateboarding classes, American Youth Soccer Organization clinics, an Elite Cosmetology program, a … (drone) Flight Academy and a Paint & Fire ceramics program,” Diaz told City News Service.
PSUSD spokeswoman Joan Boiko told CNS the district is looking forward to partnering with College of the Desert to establish the Middle College High School, now slated to begin in the 2027-28 school year.
Boiko said the program will enable students to earn high school and transferable college credit simultaneously through concurrent enrollment. The PSUSD is also introducing Vision 2031, focused on improving academic achievement, student belonging and organizational excellence.
Superintendent Marcus Funchess said recently that the effort is part of a “promise that PSUSD will continue striving for excellence in ways that are bold, inclusive and student-centered.”
Officials said registration requirements for the upcoming school year haven’t changed. Enrollment requires presentation of a birth certificate, proof of residency and immunization records. The DSUSD also requires a dental assessment for kindergarten students, Diaz said.
Families without a student’s birth certificate may provide alternates, including a passport or hospital certificate of live birth, officials said, adding that families will not be asked for documentation regarding immigration status.
The academic calendar allows for a week-long break during Thanksgiving recess, followed by winter break beginning on Dec. 21. PSUSD students return Jan. 8, while DSUSD students return Jan. 3.
Boiko and Diaz said their respective districts are prepared for potential weather-related disturbances.
PSUSD schools could close or dismiss students early if severe weather causes unsafe conditions, Boiko said.
“If we had a power outage for an extended period of time, or we experienced extreme flooding, then the schools would either be closed or end in early dismissal,” she said.
The DSUSD has heat mitigation plans and emergency weather protocols in place, according to Diaz.
“Schools would close only because of extreme weather, or other health and safety concerns,” she said.
The PSUSD also will implement a new cell phone policy this school year, based on state legislation.
“The school board has officially adopted the Mobile Communication Devices Policy,” Boiko said.
Under that policy, elementary school students must have their phones silenced and stored away throughout the school day. Middle school and high school students must also have their phones silenced and stored away during instructional time but may use them during breaks.
Additional information about registration, school requirements and calendars can be found at psusd.us/, and dsusd.us/.
It’s good to see that registration for the upcoming school year in both districts is already underway. I appreciate the reminder for families not to wait until the last minute to sign up. helpful site
I’m glad to hear that both Palm Springs and Desert Sands Unified are rolling out new educational options this year. It’s definitely a good idea for families to register early so they can take advantage of these initiatives! recommended
It’s exciting to hear that PSUSD is starting its classes on August 5! I appreciate the push for families to register early; it can really make a difference in securing spots and accessing new educational initiatives. Looking forward to seeing what both districts have planned! this one
It’s interesting to see the different start dates for PSUSD and DSUSD, with PSUSD kicking off on August 5. I agree that parents should take advantage of the online registration option to ensure their kids are ready for the new school year and any exciting educational options coming up! relevant link
It’s encouraging to see that student registration is already happening for the 2026-27 school year. With classes starting for PSUSD on August 5, it’s essential for families to register early to secure their spots and be informed about the new educational initiatives both districts are planning. Excited to see what’s in store! good resource
It’s great to see that the Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified districts are preparing for the upcoming school year with new educational options. I think it’s really important for families to register early to ensure their children can benefit from these initiatives. Looking forward to seeing what new programs they introduce this year! this resource
It’s great to see that both Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified are preparing for the upcoming school year with different start dates. I think it’s especially important for families to register early to ensure they don’t miss out on any new educational initiatives that might be on the horizon. Excited to see what’s in store for the students this year! check this out
It’s great to see that Palm Springs Unified is starting classes earlier on August 5! With the registration already open, families should definitely prioritize signing up early to explore the new educational options being developed. It’s an exciting time for students! see here
It’s wonderful to see that both Palm Springs Unified and Desert Sands Unified are taking proactive steps with registration for the 2026-27 school year. The focus on new educational options is particularly exciting, and I agree that early registration will help families get the most out of the upcoming initiatives. Looking forward to seeing what these districts have in store! relevant link
It’s fantastic to see that both districts are urging families to register early for the upcoming school year. Starting classes as early as August 5 for PSUSD is a change that will definitely require some planning. I’m eager to learn more about the new educational options they’re developing! interesting find