Back to School Brings Excitement, Pirate Pride to Morro Bay
By Staff Report · Mon Aug 17 2026
Students return to classrooms Aug. 20 as football season and fall traditions signal the start of a new school year
Summer is quickly winding down, and Morro Bay families are preparing for the return of classrooms, Friday night lights, and a new school year filled with opportunity. Students throughout the San Luis Coastal Unified School District will head back to campus on Thursday, Aug. 20, marking the official start of the 2026–27 academic year.
Before the first bell rings, Morro Bay High School will welcome students for Pirate Welcome Day on Friday, Aug. 14. The annual event gives students the opportunity to pick up class schedules, purchase yearbooks and ASB Pirate Passes, reconnect with classmates, and prepare for the year ahead. An optional new-parent orientation will also introduce families to the school's new principal, Michael Franklin Jr.
The first week of school also signals another highly anticipated tradition in the community — the return of Pirate football.
Excitement is building as the Morro Bay High School Pirates prepare to kick off a new season, bringing together students, families, alumni, and community members for Friday night football under the lights. The Pirates open their season on Friday, Aug. 28, with a road game against Lindsay before returning home for consecutive home games against Atascadero on Sept. 4 and Templeton on Sept. 11.
For many in Morro Bay, football season represents much more than the games themselves. It marks the return of school spirit, marching band performances, cheerleaders, student sections packed with blue and gold, and a renewed sense of community pride.
The start of school also brings a full calendar of activities for students of all ages across the district. Teachers will spend Aug. 17–19 preparing classrooms before students return on Aug. 20. The district's academic calendar includes Labor Day on Sept. 7, Thanksgiving Break Nov. 23–27, Winter Break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 4, Spring Break March 22–26, and the final day of school on June 10.
As backpacks are packed and classrooms come back to life, Morro Bay is once again ready to embrace another school year. Whether it's a kindergarten student's first day, a senior's final first day of high school, or the roar of the crowd at the Pirates' home opener, August marks the beginning of a season filled with learning, friendships, and community traditions.
With classrooms reopening and Pirate football ready to take the field, Morro Bay is prepared to celebrate another year of academic achievement, athletic competition, and hometown pride.
Pirates Football Schedule
August 28
Opponent: Lindsay
7 p.m.
September 4*
Opponent: Atascadero
7 p.m.
September 11*
Opponent: Templeton
7 p.m.
September 18
Opponent: St. Joseph
7 p.m.
September 25*
Opponent: Lompoc
2:10 p.m.
October 23
Opponent: Santa Ynez
7 p.m.
October 30*
Opponent: Pioneer Valley
7 p.m.
*Home games