The 2025-2026 school year begins for West Columbia and Lexington Two students on Tuesday, August 5. Teachers returned to school on Monday (July 28.) 

East Point Academy students return to school Aug. 6. East Point’s “Meet the Teacher” Day is Aug. 4, at the Sunset Boulevard Campus for elementary students and the middle school campus on Chris Drive.

Also: South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend starts Friday. School supplies, computers, clothes, shoes, and other school-year essentials can be purchased ​without paying Sales Tax during South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend, which runs August 1-3, 2025.

As summer vacation begins to wind down, and with classes starting soon, Lexington Two is offering a few tips to help ensure that your child has a smooth transition to the first day of the new school year.
Several schools in the district are holding orientation and open house events to welcome students. Click here to get more info

There will be a Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, July 29 from 5-to7 p.m. at Brookland-Cayce High School.
Students can pick up schedules, pay fees, meet their teachers, tour the building and more. There will be food truck vendors on site as well.

Gray Collegiate Academy will hold an Open House for new students and families at its West Columbia Campus from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, said Principal, Dr. Brian Newsome.  Students can: Meet teachers in their classrooms; Pick up your Chromebook:  Get your FREE GCA t-shirt; Purchase Parking Decals; and Connect with staff and prepare for an exciting school year.

Northside Middle School has published a list of Back-to-School information. Click here to see it

Saluda River Academy for the Arts, 1520 Duke Street, West Columbia, will hold a Back-to-School Bash from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 31. There will be games, club sign-up and meeting teachers, said Tracy Corley of SRAA. The bash will be held in the cafeteria.

Riverbank Elementary School will hold an Open House on Thursday, July 31, for students to meet their teachers.

Brookland United Methodist Church has been collecting school supplies for the last month, said Cathy Rish, a member volunteer at the church. The United Methodist Women of Faith organized the school supply giveaway. The school supplies will be distributed at Lexington Two Schools on Aug. 5.

The Cayce Police Department is holding its Annual Back to School Bash. It’s from 5:30-to-830 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 1804 Wilkerson Street, Cayce. There will be free haircuts, inflatables, snow cones, popcorn and a DJ. Click for Event Link

Barbara Jane Boutique in Granby Village, at 1505 Charleston Highway, Suite B-10, in West Columbia offers shoppers an outlet to buy women’s clothing for back to school. The boutique has clothes for students, teachers and the parents of students. Barbara Jane’s sells fashionable and stylish women’s apparel. The boutique has a huge selection of high-quality items at affordable prices. Barbara Jane’s also has accessories, including jewelry, purses, hats, and belts. 

Small Cuts and Curls on Meeting Street in West Columbia is reminding parents to book now  so that their student can get a fresh cut to start school from Small Cuts and Curls.

Believe it or not, the 2025-26 School Year in West Columbia is upon us. Attend an event to get oriented with your school soon.