Back-to-school season in Merrimack Valley is here, and we’ve got everything local families need to start the 2025 school year off right. Whether you're looking for Merrimack Valley school calendars, community back-to-school events, haircuts, or deals on school supplies — this guide is your one-stop shop for back-to-school in Merrimack Valley.
🗓 School Calendars for Merrimack Valley
Here’s when school starts for local students. Click to view the full calendar for each district:
📅 School Calendars by Town
Andover Public Schools
The 2025–26 district school year calendar is now available with early‑release dates, holiday breaks, and full student schedules.North Andover Public Schools
Access the full district calendar for upcoming school year events, school board updates, and holiday schedules.
northandoverpublicschools.comMethuen Public Schools
The official Methuen Public School district maintains a year‑long master calendar with all student events, vacations, and professional development days.
methuen.k12.ma.usHaverhill Public Schools
Download the approved 2025–26 Haverhill Public Schools student calendar, including school start and end dates, holidays, and in-service days.
EduCountyLawrence Public Schools
Check out the district-wide 2025–26 student and staff calendar for holidays, vacation weeks, and the first/last days of school.
Andover, MAGeorgetown Public Schools
Access the 2025–26 revised school calendar (including professional development, first day of school, and holidays).
EduCountyGeorgetown Public SchoolsGroveland (Pentucket Regional School District)
Groveland students are served through the Pentucket Regional School District, which publishes approved annual calendars for the district that include Groveland, West Newbury, and Merrimac.Boxford & Middleton (Masconomet Regional School District)
Calendars for both towns are part of the Masconomet district schedule. Parents may also find event postings via the Tri-Town School Union calendar and Boxford PTO.
tritownschoolunion.com🎉 Back-to-School Events in Merrimack Valley
Make the most of the end of summer with these fun back-to-school events in and around Merrimack Valley:
📍 Andover + North Andover
YMCA Back to School Bash – Andover/North Andover YMCA- A community celebration to kick off the school year with inflatable obstacle courses, foam play, face painting, lawn games, food, and a backpack giveaway mvymca.org.
- Dates: Around August 23, 2025 (~1 PM at Andover YMCA) and August 20 at Methuen YMCA for similar events Facebook.
- Free and open to all families—great for meeting neighbors and getting ready for school.
📍 Methuen
Methuen YMCA Family Night – Back to School Bash- Families can attend a fun evening event with community resources and kids’ activities to ease into the school year
- Free admission, usually mid to late August—watch their site for exact 2025 dates.
Know of a community event we’re missing? Submit it to our calendar! {Link}
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✂️ Back-to-School Haircuts in Merrimack Valley
Kids’ Haircut Guide: By Town
Andover / North Andover
- Snip-its (North Andover) – A playful, kid-focused salon with games, prizes, and “Magic Box” treats. Book your appointment.
- New Beginnings Hair Design (North Andover) – Offers children’s haircuts for about $25. Book your appointment.
Haverhill
- Family Affair Salon & Barbershop (Groveland) – Welcomes kids of all ages, offers first-cut certificates, keepsake locks, and a warm, welcoming vibe. Serves Haverhill and neighboring towns. Find out more!
- Edgar Barber Shop – Around $27 for a kids’ haircut, easily bookable online. Book online.
- Womo Barber Shop – Similar pricing and booking convenience as Edgar. Book online.
- Orquidea Salon & Spa – Located in Haverhill, kid’s cuts available for about $15. Find out more.
Georgetown / Groveland / Methuen / North Andover
- Family Affair (Groveland) – A top choice for children’s cuts, offering photo ops and celebratory certificates. Serves nearby towns including Georgetown, Methuen, and North Andover.
Peabody
- Snip-its (Peabody) – Fun, stress-free salon experience with interactive games, magic prizes, and spa options. Back-to-school specials often available.
Why These Work for Families:
- Kid-Centric Experience: Snip-its and Family Affair go above and beyond to make haircuts fun and memorable.
- First Haircut Keepsake: Family Affair includes a lock-of-hair keepsake and certificate—ideal for celebrating milestones.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Orquidea and Edgar offer affordable cuts without sacrificing quality or comfort.
- Convenient Online Booking: Many locations such as Edgar and Womo offer easy scheduling via Booksy.
Know a stylist offering back-to-school specials? Email us at cheryllachendro@macaronikid.com and we’ll get them added!
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💡 Back-to-School Hack for Busy Parents
🎒 Walmart has many school supply lists already loaded! Many local teachers sent their lists directly to Walmart, so you can shop online in just a few clicks. Check it out and cross school supplies off your list today:
🛍️ Back-to-School Shopping in Merrimack Valley
Support local while checking off that supply list! These small businesses are great stops for back-to-school shopping:
Andover / North Andover
- Staples (North Andover) – A one-stop spot for school supplies, office essentials, tech accessories, and printing services to support student and classroom needs.
- Purple Couch Bookshop (North Andover) – A charming local bookstore perfect for picking up reading materials, chapter books, and kids' journals to jumpstart the new school year.
- Dollar Tree / WAGS (Turnpike St, North Andover) – Budget-friendly source for basic school items like pencils, notebooks, binders, and art supplies—all at very reasonable prices.
Methuen
- The Loop Shopping Center – Houses stores like Marshalls and Home Depot, perfect for backpacks, casual clothing, durable water bottles, and general school gear.
Haverhill / Lawrence / Groveland / Georgetown / Boxford / Middleton
- These towns do not have singular dedicated supply stores, but many family-oriented local retailers offer basics. Families often combine visits to Andover/North Andover for key supplies.
- Community Action and charitable drives like Operation Backpack (CAI) in Haverhill offer school supplies and free backpacks for eligible families.
📍 Major Shopping Destinations Nearby
- Northshore Mall (Peabody) – Includes anchor stores like Macy’s and JCPenney, plus specialty shops that carry school clothing, backpacks, and lunch gear. Ideal for parents who want variety.
- Liberty Tree Mall (Danvers) – Offers Old Navy, Kohl’s, Marshalls, Staples, and specialty stores in one location—great for combining back-to-school essentials with clothing and electronics.
- Have a favorite local shop that should be on this list? Email cheryllachendro@macaronikid.com and we’ll add it!
📬 Want more back-to-school tips and local family fun? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter — it’s packed with events, giveaways, and ideas your kids will love.
