Atlantic City Public Schools Welcomes Students for the First Day of School

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City Public Schools welcomed students back on Thursday, September 3, 2026, with festivities designed to help them get off to a strong start for the 2026–2027 school year.

From canopy tents in schoolyards to welcome assemblies with principals, each school prepared activities to greet students and build excitement for the year ahead. One highlight took place at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex, where prominent men from the community, including Atlantic City Council Vice President Kaleem Shabazz and Atlantic County Commissioner, the Rev. Collins A. Days, along with several businessmen and community leaders, gathered to greet students as they arrived, offering a welcoming show of support on their first day.

 Superintendent of Schools Dr. La' Quetta S. Small, who visited most of the district's schools and plans to visit the others tomorrow, began her day at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex.

"We want every student to begin this school year feeling welcomed, supported and ready to learn," said Dr. Small. "Seeing our staff, families and community members come together to greet our students sets a positive tone for the year ahead. Together, we can help our students build confidence, embrace new opportunities and achieve success."

Students followed an early dismissal schedule, with Atlantic City High School dismissing at 12:15 p.m. and elementary schools dismissing at 12:45 p.m.

Enjoy our photo gallery capturing the welcomes, community connections and first-day celebrations across Atlantic City Public Schools. To view the complete gallery, click the link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/J3xUVwe48JR2kGHX8

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