San Francisco’s public school students returned to classrooms Monday, Aug. 17, opening the 2026–27 school year for a district that serves roughly 50,000 students across some 120 schools, according to SFUSD.
They arrived equipped, thanks to a citywide push by community organizations the weekend before. At least five free back-to-school events ran across San Francisco Aug. 15–16, distributing backpacks, school supplies, food, and haircuts to families from the Bayview to the Richmond.
In the Bayview, Us4Us hosted its giveaway at the Southeast Community Center at 1550 Evans Ave., offering food, backpacks, supplies, haircuts, and music. In Hunters Point, All My Usos paired its Family Day barbecue at Gilman Playground with school supplies and free cuts. On Divisadero, Westside Cuts and Styles opened its chairs for free haircuts and supplies. Mission Lotería filled the Mission Street BART plazas with backpacks and music, and in the Richmond, NationTakers Ministries’ distribution filled its registration list before doors opened.
The season isn’t over. The African American Art & Culture Complex hosts a back-to-school book fair Saturday, Aug. 22, at 762 Fulton St. at Webster in the Fillmore, with free registration on Eventbrite.
