KATY, TX — The countdown to the first day of school has officially begun.
Katy ISD students return to class on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, giving families only a few more days to purchase clothing, shoes, backpacks and classroom supplies. The timing also lines up with Texas’ annual sales tax holiday, scheduled for Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9.
To help families save time and money, The Katy News selected five of the most practical back-to-school shopping locations in Katy—plus two additional stops that may help stretch the family budget…