With the 2026-27 school year approaching, Montgomery County is changing how families access its annual back-to-school fair resources.
In a major structural shift, Montgomery County Public Schools has retired its traditional, centralized countywide back-to-school fair. Instead, school officials are launching a regional model that brings supplies, health care information and services into local neighborhoods.
“Transitioning from a single central event to six regional back-to-school fairs prioritizes equity, accessibility and convenience for all families,” said Liliana López, public information officer for MCPS.
The change aims to reach more families. “Bringing these resources directly into local neighborhoods removes significant transit barriers and allows families to connect more meaningfully with the staff, school regions and community partners that serve their immediate area, ensuring every student gets a supportive start to the school year right in their own community,” López added.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, MCPS will host six regional Back-to-School Fairs across the county. MCPS split the events into morning and afternoon blocks to maximize accessibility for working parents and transit‑dependent families.
How to Support Local Students
Although distribution events happen later in the month, local charities face immediate deadlines to collect and pack supplies.
Community members looking to give back have several distinct opportunities to support vulnerable students this August:
- The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless is seeking backpacks, school supplies, and $50 gift cards for shoes to equip 175 children living in supportive housing.
- Potomac Lifestyle Magazine on August 22 is hosting a Park Potomac Bash & Backpack Drive at 11:00 AM.
- Drive-Thru Giving & Shredding on August 29: At 10:00 AM, All Saints Church in Chevy Chase will combine a community paper shredding event with a targeted school supply drop-off.
- For residents unable to attend a physical drop-off, the MCPS Educational Foundation is running its virtual “GIVE BackPacks” campaign.
