Quick Links
👋 Welcome to Escuela Key!
Whether you’re new to Escuela Key or looking for helpful information throughout the school year, use this page as a quick reference for school basics, transportation, PTA resources, SEPTA, important contacts, and ways to stay connected.
Last updated: September 2026
📢 APS Announcements
Complete Your Back-to-School Packet
Complete this first. The annual Online Back-to-School Packet must be completed to access upcoming information in ParentVUE, including bus and classroom assignments.
Complete the packet in ParentVUE →
Aug. 20: Bus assignments • Aug. 24: Classroom and student information
Bus Tracking Is Changing
WheresTheBus will not be available at the start of the school year. APS is transitioning to Stopfinder, beginning with a limited pilot. This means there won’t be real time tracking of Escuela Key buses at the beginning of the school year.
No action is needed for Key families right now. APS will provide instructions when Stopfinder becomes available.
🚌 Transportation & Arrival
School begins at 9:00 AM. On morning-recess days, arrival begins at 8:30 AM; on days without morning recess, arrival begins at 8:45 AM. There is no morning recess on the first day.
🚌 Bus Riders
If your child is eligible for APS transportation, find their assigned bus stop and transportation information in ParentVUE .
APS Transportation Call Center:
703-228-6640
6:00 AM–6:00 PM
🚗 Car Riders: Kiss & Ride
Students arriving by car should use the Kiss & Ride line. Please do not park in the school parking lot.
🚲 Walking & Biking
Bicycle racks are available near the drop-off area and Door A1.
📣 Stay Connected with the Key PTA
Know where to go for school news, PTA updates, events, and connections with other Key families.
ParentSquare
The official source for teacher messages, school and APS updates, emergency alerts, and communications from the principal. Not managed by the PTA.
Start at KeyPTA.org
Your home base for PTA events, programs, calendars, volunteering, membership, the family directory, and family resources.
PTA Emails + This Week at Key
One hub for your PTA subscriptions:
- Official PTA Email List: important PTA announcements and updates
- This Week at Key: our weekly newsletter with events, deadlines, reminders, and volunteer opportunities
Join the Key PTA WhatsApp Community
Receive quick PTA reminders in the Community announcements group and connect with families in your child’s grade-level group.
To join, email comms@keypta.org with your name and your child’s grade.
Escuela Key Family Directory
Want to connect with families in your child’s class, invite classmates to a birthday party, or find another parent’s contact information? Use the Escuela Key Family Directory to find participating families and keep your own contact information and privacy preferences up to date.
Get Involved
Join the PTA, volunteer your time, or help with an event or program. Every contribution helps strengthen our school community and keeps the PTA able to support Escuela Key students, teachers, and families.
💙 Arlington SEPTA
Arlington SEPTA is the countywide Special Education PTA, bringing together families, educators, and community members to support students with disabilities and their families.
SEPTA Meetings & Events
SEPTA hosts meetings and events throughout the school year for families to connect, learn, share information, and hear about issues affecting special education in Arlington.
SEPTA Restaurant of the Month
Support Arlington SEPTA while enjoying a meal! SEPTA's first Restaurant of the Month of the school year is coming up.
Lebanese Taverna
October 7, 2026
🏫 School Hours & Basic Information
📅 First Days & Hours
- K–5 First Day: Monday, August 31, 2026
- VPI / Pre-K First Day: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- Regular School Day: 9:00 AM–3:50 PM
- Early Release: 1:30 PM
Escuela Key Hours & Phone Numbers →
See upcoming events on the PTA Calendar.
📞 Attendance
- Report absences through ParentVUE.
- 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.
Attendance: 703-228-4212
🍎 Breakfast & Lunch
- Students may bring food from home or purchase breakfast and lunch at school.
🕖 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? key.extendedday@apsva.us or 703-228-8486.
🎒 School Year Essentials
Check Your School Supply List
View 2026–2027 Grade-Level Supply Lists →
Already ordered a PTA school supply kit? It will be delivered directly to your child’s classroom.
Questions? schoolsupplies@keypta.org
Starting Kindergarten or 1st Grade?
Our parent-created guide covers what to expect during the first days and weeks of school, plus helpful tips from Key families.
Prepare for the First Day
Complete your child’s backpack dismissal tag, make sure they know how they are getting home, and label backpacks, lunch boxes, and water bottles.
New to APS?
Make sure your registration and required health forms are complete before school starts.
📞 Need Help?
🐝 Key PTA
Find PTA information, events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and resources at KeyPTA.org.
