NISD staff ready to welcome students back to school

Get Ready for the 2026–2027 School Year

With the start of the school year in less than a month, here are some helpful tips for parents and students as we prepare for a great school year. 

Enrollment & Transfers

Registration
All new Northside ISD students should register online by clicking the appropriate link. Additional registration and general enrollment information is also available on that webpage.  

What school will your child attend? 
NISD assigns students to schools according to the street address where the student resides. The Boundaries and Buses Information System will provide you with the name, address, and contact information of the schools serving your area. The system will also provide information regarding bus eligibility and routes.

Transfers
If you are interested in a school choice transfer, apply by filling out an application at https://transferreq.nisd.net/TransferReq.nsf. The deadline for transfer requests for this school year is July 27. For questions, contact the Office of Student Advocacy and School Choice (SASC) by emailing SASC@nisd.net or calling 210-397-8695.

Safety & Security

Safety
In Northside, the safety of our students and staff is one of our top priorities. We regularly review and revise our safety plans and procedures to enhance security. Keeping our schools safe requires continuous work and communication with our students, staff, and families. Our approach to safety focuses on three areas - our people, our facilities and technology, and our procedures. For more information, please visit our school safety page. 

Cell Phone Policy
At Northside ISD, we are committed to providing a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for every student.

In compliance with House Bill 1481, all students must power off their cell phones and store all electronic devices—including phones, smartwatches, earbuds, tablets, and similar items—in their backpacks or in a designated classroom location.

This policy is in effect from the first bell to the last bell, including passing periods and lunchtime. Students in violation of this State law could be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Student Badges
We continue to add, update, and monitor a wide variety of security measures.  High School students are required to wear their student badge and have it easily visible at all times. Middle School students are strongly encouraged to wear theirs to build a culture of badge-wearing. These additional security measures allow district staff to know who is authorized to be on campus. 

Attendance & Learning

Student Attendance
In-person attendance and engagement are critical to a student’s success in school and will be required. NISD does not provide virtual learning models or remote conferencing, except for those enrolled in the new Northside Virtual Academy. Families are encouraged to work directly with their child’s school if they foresee attendance issues.

Transportation & Supplies

Bus Routes 
Bus routes for the 2026-2027 school year will be available on Aug. 4 on the Buses and Boundaries Information System. 

School Supplies
School supply lists are available here. Elementary Schools are listed, and a few middle schools provide information; however, most middle schools will share supply needs with students during the first week of school. If you need assistance with school supplies, contact your campus counselors, who will return to their offices on July 20 for high school, July 27 for middle schools, and July 29 for elementary schools.

Backpacks
Backpacks will be allowed at all campuses; however, individual schools may provide further guidance on which types are allowed. Refer to your child’s campus communication for more information. 

Meals & Support Services

Meals
Visit the Child Nutrition website for 2026-2027 meal service information, free and reduced-price meal benefits, menus, resources, policies, and special dietary needs

Northside Threads
Northside Threads is a Clothes Closet created by the NISD Family Engagement Program and community volunteers to serve every campus and family in the District that needs clothing support. NISD families needing support can confidentially receive a referral from their school counselor to shop (at no cost) at the Clothes Closet. For more details, visit the Northside Threads website. 

If you need assistance, counselors will be back in school at the following times: July 20 for high school, July 27 for middle school, and July 29 for elementary school.

NISD Market
NISD Market, part of the Whole Child Family Engagement Program, is a free food pantry located inside the Northside Family Engagement Center. In partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, NISD Market provides 25 lbs. of food per week to qualifying families.

Families may walk in during service hours and complete a short application on site. No appointment or referral is required. Visit the NISD Market website for more information.

Additional support services
NISD offers a whole host of support and wrap-around services to support all students. Additional information can be found by visiting the Whole Child website.