Welcome to Escuela Key!

Whether you're joining Escuela Key for the first time or preparing for a new school year, this guide will help you quickly find the information families use most often.

 

Use the checklist below to get started, then explore the resources and FAQs for everything you need to know before the first day of school.

 

Last updated: June 2026

📌 Getting Started Checklist

☑️ Set Up School Accounts

🐝 Get Connected

🎒 Prepare for School

  • Order school supplies by July 1
  • Complete your child's backpack dismissal tag before the first day
  • Label backpacks and water bottles

📅 Save Important Dates

 

🎒 Starting Kindergarten or New to Key?

✅ Kinder & 1st Grade

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 Guide

☀️ Kindergarten Summer Playdates

Incoming kindergarten families are invited to join. It's a great opportunity for children to meet classmates and for families to connect before the first day.

  • 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 8–9 | Time TBD
    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 for families, but the school is the official source 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)

📅 First Day of School

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

🚸 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 for students who bike to school near drop-off area & Door A1 · Join 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.
  • Email the Attendance Office (EscuelaKeyAttendance@apsva.us) and your teacher for early pickups or dismissal changes.
  • Office will issue a bus pass if riding a different bus.

🕖 Extended Day

  • Before school 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 (key.extendedday@apsva.us I 703-228-8486).

🍎 Meals

  • Breakfast begins at 8:30 AM.
  • Students use their APS Student ID (PIN) to purchase meals (find it in ParentVUE).
  • Meal accounts are managed through MySchoolBucks.
  • Monthly menus and meal assistance are available through APS.

💻 Technology

  • ParentSquare for school communications (teacher messages, bus delays, event alerts, weekly Principal updates).
  • ParentVUE for report cards, test results, attendance, bus info, and student information.
  • Escuela Key Technology Help for device support (paul.maniscalco@apsva.us)

📞 School Contacts

 

📣 Stay Connected

The PTA offers several ways to stay informed throughout the school year. Each communication channel serves a different purpose, so we recommend joining the ones that work best for you.

 

📧 This Week at Key

Best for: Your weekly roundup of everything happening at Key.

 

A curated email with the most important updates from Escuela Key, APS, and the PTA—all in one place.

 

Join: Email key-pta+subscribe@keypta.org and reply to the Google Groups confirmation email.

📱 All-School WhatsApp

Best for: Connecting with the Key community.

Ask questions, get quick reminders, and connect with other Key families. Official announcements are also shared in This Week at Key.

 

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

🎒 Grade-Level WhatsApp

Best for: Grade-specific information.

Stay up to date on classroom activities, field trips, reminders, and events for your child's grade.

 

Join: Email CommsChair@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 (Twitter)

🙋 Volunteer 💙 Join the PTA

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