The 2025-26 school year is upon us! Questa Independent School District (QISD), Red River Valley Charter School (RRVCS), and Roots & Wings Community School all welcome students back on Monday, August 4.
Questa and Red River will operate on a four-day school week while Roots & Wings will operate on a traditional 5-day in-person schedule, with typically one Monday per month designated as a remote learning day. Pre-K at RRVCS starts a week later, on August 11.

As the new school year approaches, a little preparation can go a long way in setting kids up for success. Parents and guardians can help ease those first-day jitters by prioritizing good rest, establishing a predictable daily routine, and fueling kids and teens with healthy snacks. Maintaining open communication with both the child and their teachers is also key to a smooth and thriving academic year

No matter how your child is feeling—whether heading back to the classroom or learning at home—a little encouragement and enthusiasm from friends and family can go a long way in setting a positive outlook for the year ahead.

Questa Del Rio News heard from our administrative leads regarding the start of the new year in their respective schools:
“As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, there is ‘bear’-sized excitement in the air at Red River Valley Charter School! It’s a time full of fresh possibilities, new goals, and endless opportunities for growth and connection. Whether it’s exploring new ideas in the classroom, building friendships, helping others in our community during service learning, or taking on new challenges, we can ‘bearly’ wait to see what the school year holds. Here’s to a new school year of Bear pride, big dreams, bold learning, discovery, and success for all of our scholars at Red River Valley Charter School!” —RRVCS Executive Director Kimberly Ritterhouse

“Welcome to the 2025-26 school year at Roots & Wings Community School! As an expeditionary learning-inspired school, we’re diving into a year of exciting wilderness adventures, purposeful projects, and meaningful real-world connections. Together, we’re building a joyful, purposeful, and connected learning community—here’s to a great year ahead!” —Interim Director/Lead Special Education Director Alice Allen

“I am incredibly excited to begin my first full year at Questa Jr./Sr. High School. We have initiated a number of changes to better serve our student population and increase the academic rigor across all contents. Our students will graduate college, career or military ready.” —Principal Miller at Questa Junior/Senior High School

“Welcome back to a brand new school year! We are so excited to see our hallways filled with bright smiles, eager minds, and the energy that makes our school such a special place. This year promises to be full of learning, laughter, and growth. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare engaging lessons and a warm, welcoming environment for every child. Together, we will continue to nurture curiosity, kindness, and a love of learning. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. Let’s make this year our best one yet!” —Principal Deyhle Adkins at Alta Vista Elementary Intermediate School

Supply Lists:

Alta Vista K-3 School

• Backpack (Does NOT need to be clear)
• Reusable water bottle
• Elementary sketch book (1st Grade)
• 1 pack dry erase markers (1st-3rd grade)
• Glue Sticks (3 pack) replenish as needed
• Extra pair of clothes (K-1)
• 1 pack highlighters (1st-3rd grade)
• Clorox wipes & paper towels
• Kleenex (3 boxes)
• Healthy afternoon Snack

Alta Vista 4-6 School

• Backpack (Does NOT need to be clear)
• Reusable water bottle
• 1 pack of graph paper
• 8-1 subject notebooks
• Glue Sticks (3 pack) replenish as needed
• 1- red 1- yellow pocket folder
• 3 composition notebooks
• 1 pack dry erase markers
• 1 pack of highlighters.
• Healthy afternoon Snack
• Clorox wipes
• Kleenex (3 boxes)

Questa Jr. High School

• Backpack (Does NOT need to be clear)
• #2 Pencils
• Colored Pencils
• 1 Pair Scissors
• 6 Glue Sticks
• 1 pack of Notebook Paper
• 1 Large Box of Kleenex
• 1 pack Disinfecting Wipes
• 1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

Questa Sr. High School

• Backpack (Does NOT need to be clear)
• Mechanical Pencils and Lead Refills
• Erasable Pens
• 1 pack of College Ruled Notebook Paper
• 1 Large Box of Kleenex
• 1 pack Disinfecting Wipes
• 1 Bottle of Hand Sanitizer

2025-26 Questa Schools Calendar

August
1 Teacher Planning/Prep
4 First Day of School PreK-12

September
1 Labor Day – No School
26 Teacher Planning/Prep

October
9 End of 1st Quarter
10 No School
13 Indigenous People Day – No School
14 Start 2nd Quarter
23 Student early release 1:30 p.m. PTC 4-6 p.m.
24 Teacher Planning/Prep

November
4 Election Day – No School/Site Closed
14 Teacher Planning/Prep
26-28 Thanksgiving Break

December
11 End of 2nd Quarter
22-31 Winter Break

January
1-2 Winter Break
5 Start of 3rd Quarter
19 No School

February
16 President’s Day – No School

March
05 End of 3rd Quarter
09 Start of 4th Quarter
19 Student Early Release 1:30 p.m. PTC 4-6 p.m.
27 Teacher Planning/Prep

April
1-6 Spring Break/Easter Break
17 Teacher Planning/Prep

May
16 Graduation + All employees attendance
18 End of 4th Quarter
21 Last Day of School
22 Teacher Planning/Prep