As summer draws to a close, families across Altoona are preparing for the upcoming school year. Whether your student is brand new to the district or heading back for another year of academic and personal growth, we’ve gathered everything you need for a successful, stress-free start — right here in the Hillcrest Estates community.

Close to Every School in the District

One of the best parts of calling Hillcrest Estates home is how close you are to school. Altoona Elementary School is just 0.4 miles away — under a 5-minute walk down Birch Drive — and it falls within the school’s walk boundary, so there’s no bussing needed for grades K-3rd. Altoona Intermediate School and Altoona Middle School are both 1.9 miles away (about 5 minutes), and Altoona High School is 2.2 miles away (about 6 minutes). The district provides dedicated school bus pickup right here at Hillcrest Estates for all three.

That short commute matters once the school year gets busy. Forgotten lunchbox, last-minute poster board, a permission slip that needs printing — Festival Foods is just a few minutes away for grocery runs, and Altoona Family Restaurant is close enough for an easy dinner out on those nights when homework and after-school activities eat up the whole evening.

Important Dates to Remember

School Start Dates:

• Altoona School District: Classes begin Tuesday, September 1, 2026 (Welcome Back Day for staff is August 27; 4K students begin September 2). Confirmed directly from the district’s official 2026-2027 calendar, viewable here.

Meet the Teacher:

• Altoona School District: Elementary, Middle, and High School dates/times are typically released by the district in mid-to-late August. We’ll update this section the moment they’re announced.

Registration Dates and Information:

• New Student Registration: Complete online enrollment here. Families living outside the Altoona School District boundaries must apply for Open Enrollment first — the regular 26/27 application window closed April 30, 2026, but an Alternative Application period opens July 1, 2026 if space remains.
• Returning Student Verification (Annual Registration): Log in to Family Access/Skyward to complete your Annual Online Registration here.

For registration, please bring necessary documents such as proof of residency, birth certificates, immunization records, and previous school records if transferring.

2026-2027 Online Meal Applications

• Altoona School District: Apply online for free or reduced-price meals HERE. Forms can also be printed and sent to Cherie Bundrant, Food Service Supervisor, at AltoonaFSD@taher.com, or dropped off at your school’s office.

School Supplies List

Make sure your child is prepared with the right supplies! The 2026–2027 school supply lists are now available, please check with your child’s specific school.

Elementary School:

• Altoona Elementary School supply list, 4 year old Kindergarten-3rd: Click here.

Middle School:

• Altoona Intermediate School, 4th-5th grade: Click here.
• Altoona Middle School, 6th-8th grade: Click here.

High School:

• Altoona High School, 9th-12th grade: Click here.

Wishing all our students and families a wonderful and successful school year ahead!

Looking for a Home Near Altoona’s Schools?

Hillcrest Estates puts your family minutes from every school in the district. Browse our available homes for sale, explore our location, or read more about raising children in Eau Claire County. Looking for more to do before the year starts? Check out our guide to summer camps and kids’ activities in Eau Claire. Schedule a tour today!