After a summer marked by wildfire evacuations, drought, and community hardship, Jefferson County's schools are preparing to welcome students back through their doors for a new academic year — a moment of routine and normalcy that many families are looking forward to.
Jefferson County School District 509J, which serves approximately 2,740 students across nine schools including Madras High School, Madras Middle School, and several elementary campuses, is finalizing preparations for the 2026-27 school year. School board meetings for the new year are already on the calendar, with sessions planned through the fall semester.
Warm Springs Back to School Barbecue — Sept. 3
The Warm Springs K-8 Academy has announced its annual Back to School Barbecue, scheduled for September 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the academy. The event is a beloved tradition in the Warm Springs community, giving students and families a chance to reconnect with teachers and staff before the first full day of classes.
This year's back-to-school season carries added weight on the reservation, coming just weeks after the Bench and Beachcomb fires displaced families and disrupted life across the community. School officials have indicated that the academy is prepared to provide additional support for students who experienced trauma or displacement during the fire.
Sports Season Ahead for Madras Buffaloes
At Madras High School, fall athletic programs are beginning their pre-season preparations. The White Buffaloes — who compete in Oregon's 4A classification — field teams in football, cross country, volleyball, and soccer each fall. Coaches and student athletes have been working through summer conditioning programs in anticipation of the new season.
Football is typically the marquee fall sport in Jefferson County, drawing community crowds to Madras High School's Warrior Stadium on Friday nights. Schedules for the 2026 season are available through the Oregon School Activities Association website and the school's athletic department.
A Fresh Start
For Jefferson County's younger students, the return to school represents a return to structure and community — something many families say they've been ready for after an eventful summer. 509J District offices are located at 445 SE Buff Street in Madras. Enrollment and registration questions can be directed to individual school offices or the district main line at (541) 475-6192.
Information on school supply needs, meal programs, and transportation routes will be posted on the 509J website at jcsd.k12.or.us as the school year approaches.