👋 Welcome to Escuela Key!

Whether you’re joining Escuela Key for the first time or preparing for a new school year, this guide brings together the information families use most often.

 

Start with the checklist below, then keep scrolling for back-to-school information, school procedures, helpful contacts, and ways to stay connected.

Last updated: August 2026

📌 Start Here: New Family Checklist

☑️ Set Up School Accounts

🐝 Get Connected

🎒 Prepare for School

  • Get your child’s school supplies
  • Complete your child’s backpack dismissal tag before the first day
  • Label backpacks and water bottles

📅 Save Important Dates

☀️ 2026–2027 Back-to-School Information

📅 First Day of School

  • K–5: Monday, August 31, 2026
  • VPI / Pre-K: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

🎒 School Supplies

School supply kits ordered through the PTA will be delivered directly to classrooms before the first day of school.

Questions? Email schoolsupplies@keypta.org.

🎒 Starting Kindergarten or New to Key?

✅ Kinder & 1st Grade Guide

Starting elementary school comes with lots of new routines! Our parent-created guide covers what to expect during the first days and weeks, plus tips we’ve learned along the way.

View the Kinder & 1st Grade Guide →

☀️ Kindergarten Summer Playdates

Incoming kindergarten families are invited to join! Playdates give children a chance to meet classmates and families an opportunity to connect before school begins.

  • Saturday, June 27 | 4:00–5:00 PM
    Host: Casey Laxton
  • Saturday, July 11 | 10:00–11:00 AM
    Host: Erika Chiang
  • Saturday, July 25 | 10:00–11:00 AM
    Host: Ana Alvarez
  • Weekend of August 15 | 10:00–11:00 AM
    Host: Gigi Frías

Questions? Contact rpcoordinator@keypta.org.

🏫 Essential School Information

The information below is maintained by Escuela Key and Arlington Public Schools (APS). We’ve included it here as a convenient reference, but the school and APS are the official sources for school operations and policies.

🕗 School Hours

  • School Day: 9:00 AM–3:50 PM
  • Early Release: 1:30 PM
  • Morning Recess: 8:30–8:50 AM, weather permitting

🚸 Arrival & Dismissal

  • Students may enter beginning at 8:50 AM.
  • Complete your child’s backpack dismissal tag before the first day.
  • Car riders use the Kiss & Ride line.
  • Bus assignments are available in ParentVUE before school begins.
  • Bicycle racks are available near the drop-off area and Door A1. Learn about the Bícibus.

📞 Attendance

  • Report absences through ParentVUE (“Report Absences”) or call 703-228-4212 / 703-228-8477.
  • Students arriving after 9:00 AM should check in at the Front Office.
  • For early pickups or dismissal changes, email EscuelaKeyAttendance@apsva.us and your child’s teacher.
  • The office can issue a bus pass if a student is riding a different bus.

🍎 Meals

  • Breakfast begins at 8:30 AM.
  • Students use their APS Student ID (PIN) to purchase meals. Find the PIN in ParentVUE.
  • Meal accounts are managed through MySchoolBucks.
  • View monthly menus and information about meal assistance.

🕖 Extended Day

  • Before-school care begins at 7:00 AM.
  • After-school care is available until 6:00 PM.
  • Drop-off and pick-up take place at Door D12.
  • Questions? Contact Extended Day at key.extendedday@apsva.us or 703-228-8486.

💻 Technology & School Accounts

  • ParentSquare for teacher messages, bus delays, event alerts, and Principal updates.
  • ParentVUE for report cards, test results, attendance, bus information, and student information.
  • For device support, contact Escuela Key Technology Help at paul.maniscalco@apsva.us.

📞 School Contacts

📣 Stay Connected

There are several ways to stay connected at Key. Each serves a different purpose, so you don’t need to use every channel.

🐝 This Week at Key

Best for: Everything families need to know for the week ahead.

TWAK is our weekly online roundup of important school and PTA news, upcoming events, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and community updates.

Read This Week at Key →

📱 All-School WhatsApp

Best for: Connecting with the Key community.

Ask questions, get quick reminders, and connect with other Key families. Important school and PTA information can always be found in This Week at Key.

Join: Email comms@keypta.org with your name and your student’s grade(s).

🎒 Grade-Level WhatsApp

Best for: Grade-specific conversation and reminders.

Connect with other families in your child’s grade and share helpful information about activities, field trips, reminders, and events.

Join: Email comms@keypta.org with your child’s grade.

💬 Padres Charlan

Best for: Community conversations.

A bilingual email group for asking questions, sharing recommendations, and connecting with other Key families.

Join: Email padres-charlan+subscribe@keypta.org.

📱 Social Media

Best for: Photos, celebrations, and reminders.

Follow the PTA for event highlights, volunteer spotlights, and community updates throughout the year.

Facebook • Instagram • X

🐝 Be Part of the Key Community

Once you’re settled in, there are lots of ways to get involved. Join the PTA, volunteer at an event or from home, and help make the programs and traditions our families enjoy possible.

🙋 Volunteer 💙 Join the PTA