The Ultimate Back to School Guide for Upstate Families

Getting ready for “Back to School” in Upstate, South Carolina? We have all the information you need about school start dates, education options, plus places where you can find free school supplies in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Pickens, and back-to-school celebrations for that last bit of summer fun.

This article includes information on:
Greenville County Schools
Spartanburg County School Districts
Anderson County School Districts
School District of Pickens County
Back-to-School Events

When does public school start?

Greenville County Schools begins classes Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Spartanburg Districts 1 – 7 begin classes Monday, August 14, 2023
Anderson Districts 1 – 5 begin classes Thursday, August 3, 2023
School District of Pickens County begins classes Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Educational Options in the Upstate: If you have questions about your schooling options, this is the place to start. Find summaries and resources for all the public school, private school, virtual school, and homeschool options the Upstate.

Greenville County School District

The Greenville County School District will begin classes on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The 2023-2024 School Calendar is available on the greenville.k12.sc.us website.

Everything You Need to Know About Greenville County Schools

For more information about public schools in Greenville County, check out our Guide to Greenville County Public Schools!  We have school calendars, menus, registration information, a tutorial for GCS Backpack, and lots more! You’ll want to bookmark this guide.

You can find out more about private schools in our area in our Private School Guide to Greenville.

Find Free School Supplies in Greenville, SC

If you or someone you know needs help purchasing school supplies for this year, don’t miss this list of Events with Free School Supplies. And if you’re not sure what supplies your child needs, check with your child’s school website for a detailed list.

Spartanburg County School Districts 1 – 7

Spartanburg County Schools operate as seven separate districts. Each district starts the 2022-2023 academic year on Monday, August 14, 2023. You can find registration requirements, bus information, and more on each district’s website, which is listed below.

Spartanburg District Sites:

If you want to find more specific information about each district or you are new to Spartanburg and our area schools, please see our Guide to Spartanburg County School Districts.

You can find out more about private schools in our area in our Private School Guide to Spartanburg.

Free School Supplies in Spartanburg, SC

Need help with school supplies? Here’s a list of events where kids can get free school supplies in Spartanburg. If you need to find your child’s school supply list, visit their school’s website.

Anderson County School Districts 1 – 5

Anderson County Schools operate by 5 separate districts. Classes will start on Thursday, August 3, 2023, for all districts for the 2022-2023 academic year. Information about each district’s schedules, bus information, registration, and more can be found on their individual websites.

Free School Supplies in Anderson, SC

Need help finding school supplies in Anderson, SC? Check out our list of free school supply events in the Upstate. You can find a detailed list of school supplies need for your child on their school’s website.

School District of Pickens County

The School District of Pickens County begins classes Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The 2022-2023 academic calendar can be located at https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us along with additional information about registration, bus schedules, specific schools, and much more.

Planning to enroll in a charter school? Pickens County offers several charter schools that can be an alternative to your child’s education. 

Free School Supplies in the Upstate

In need of school supplies in Pickens County? We have a list of dozens of free school supply events throughout the upstate where you can get supplies for your child.

Back to School Events in the Upstate

Back to School Blessing Day

Waycross Baptist Church
104 Waycross Church Road, Pelzer
July 23, 2023, 3 to 5 pm
Back to School Blessing Day includes free backpacks, shoes, socks, and underwear for children. Free hot dog plates for everyone, free family food boxes. Children must be present to receive items.

United Way School Tools

Staunton Bridge Community Center, 165 Staunton Bridge Road, Greenville (Main event)
Greer Relief, 202 Victoria Street, Greer (Satellite location)
Simpsonville Activity & Senior Center, 310 Curtis Street, Simpsonville (Satellite location)
July 29, 2023, 10 am to 2 pm
Free school supplies, free food, and opportunities to register for the MillVillage Farms Food Share and other free and low-cost community resources.
United Way School Tools Day

Back to School Picnic and Backpack Giveaway

20 Bell Road, Greenville
Woodruff Road Christian Church
July 29th, 2023, 10 am – 1 pm
Back to School Picnic with free school supplies.

National Night Out Event

Town of Duncan
121 South Spencer Street, Duncan
August 1, 2023, 5 to 8 pm
Duncan National Night Out Event

Free school supplies, hotdogs, hamburgers, birthday cake, and drinks, plus fireworks at dusk!

Back to School Bash

Spartanburg Public Libraries- organized by Custom Graphic Design LLC
151 S Church Street
August 5th, 2023, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Important! You must RSVP that you need supplies by July 14th, 2023!! To RSVP email [email protected].
Back to School Bash event will include food, music, and games, as well as free school supplies.

Countdown to Kindergarten

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg 29306
Friday, August 4th, 2023, 6 – 8 pm
This FREE event prepares children and families for an exciting kindergarten year. Geared toward families with children entering 3K, 4K, and Kindergarten, this event gives families an opportunity to connect with an array of community partners focused on student success and childhood development.
Countdown to Kindergarten

Do you know of a back-to-school event we have missed? Let us know so we can add it to our list!