BHUSD Celebrates Successful Start to 2026-2027 School Year

Beverly Hills, CA (August 16, 2026) – Beverly Hills Unified School District welcomed students back to campus on Wednesday, August 12, for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. The first week brought classrooms and campuses back to life at Horace Mann Elementary School, El Rodeo Elementary School, Beverly Vista Middle School, and Beverly Hills High School.

In the weeks leading up to opening day, teams across BHUSD prepared campuses, strengthened programs, and focused on creating greater opportunities for students.

Students returned to High-Impact Tutoring, a growing Dual Language Academy, expanded arts and athletics opportunities, and Unified Physical Education through the Special Olympics. Beverly Hills Preschool is also beginning its transition to BHUSD this school year.

The District is also moving forward with initiatives designed to prepare students for the world ahead, including exploration of an artificial intelligence graduation requirement focused on practical AI literacy. BHUSD is implementing the Board of Education’s new technology policy and resolution promoting more intentional technology use, along with new closed-campus policies and procedures focused on safety and student engagement.

“Our responsibility is simple: put students first and make every day they spend in our schools count,” said Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “That means challenging them academically, supporting them when they need help, creating opportunities for them to discover what they are capable of, and continuing to evolve as their needs and the world around them change.”

Districtwide enrollment remains consistent with the previous school year, with approximately 3,000 students attending BHUSD schools.

“Every child who walks through our doors is carrying enormous potential, and our responsibility is to make sure their education rises to meet it,” said Board of Education President Judith Manouchehri. “Putting students first means listening to them, believing in them and never accepting that what was good enough yesterday will be good enough tomorrow. It means continually raising the standard for ourselves so that every student leaves BHUSD knowing they were challenged, supported and given every opportunity to become everything they are capable of becoming.”

With students back in classrooms, on fields and stages, and throughout BHUSD campuses, the focus for the year ahead is clear: make every day count for every student.

View Photos

Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss connects with a student during the first week of the 2026-2027 school year, as BHUSD welcomed students back to classrooms across the District.

Photo Credit: The Beverly Hills Unified School District

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For Immediate Release 
August 16, 2026

Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected] 
(310) 871-8246 Mobile