Back-to-School Prep: 7 Things for Families to Do in Bloomfield, West Orange & Montclair Before School Starts

We are two weeks out from the start of the school year here in Essex County. Bloomfield and West Orange public schools start on Wednesday, September 2, and Montclair starts on Thursday, September 3. If you are a parent in the middle of a move or just trying to figure out how to transition from summer mode to school routine, you are not alone.

This time of year can feel like a scramble, but it does not have to be. Here are seven practical things families in Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair can do between now and the first day of school to make the transition smoother, while also squeezing in a few last bits of summer fun.

Where can families shop for school supplies locally in Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair?

Each of the three school districts has published its 2026-2027 school supply lists online. The Bloomfield School District lists are posted on the district website by school, and Montclair and West Orange publish grade-by-grade lists through their respective district portals. Before you head out, check your child's school website or the district homepage so you know exactly what each grade needs.

For local shopping, Montclair has several independent stores worth visiting. Watchung Booksellers (54 Fairfield St, Montclair) stocks journals, notebooks, and reading materials for all ages. Parcel (7 Seymour St, Montclair) carries unique stationery and desk accessories that make school supplies feel a little more personal. For basics like folders, binders, and backpacks, The Paper Store in Clifton Commons (near both Bloomfield and Montclair) is a convenient stop with a broad selection.

In West Orange, the Essex Green Shopping Center has a Target (which opened just this year at West Orange Plaza) that carries everything on most school supply lists in one trip. And in Bloomfield, the Broad Street corridor has a mix of pharmacies and home goods stores that stock basic supplies without the big-box crowds.

A quick tip: shop during weekday mornings if you can. The weekend before school starts is the busiest window, and stores can run low on specific items from the grade-level lists.

What orientation events are happening at Bloomfield High School?

If your child is starting Bloomfield High School as a freshman this year, mark your calendar for the last week of August. Freshman Parent Orientation is on Monday, August 26, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Freshman Orientation for students is on Tuesday, August 27, 2026 at BHS.

These events are a good chance to tour the building, meet teachers and administrators, and get answers to questions about schedules, extracurriculars, and drop-off routines before the first day. Even if your family just moved to Bloomfield over the summer, the orientation is designed to help new students feel comfortable. If you missed the registration window, call the school directly, they can walk you through the process.

For families in West Orange and Montclair, check your district calendar for similar orientation dates. Middle school and elementary events are typically scheduled in the week or two before school starts.

Are there any last-chance end-of-summer family activities the weekend before school starts?

The weekend of August 29-30 is the final full weekend before the school year begins. Here are a few family-friendly options across the three towns.

In Bloomfield, the Classic Car Cruise Night & Drive-In Movie on Wednesday, August 26 at Universal Technical Institute (1515 Broad St) is the last Cruise Night of the season. Vintage cars, food vendors, and a free drive-in movie starting at dusk. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs.

In West Orange, Turtle Back Zoo is still offering extended evening hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays through August, with last admission at 7:00 PM and the grounds open until 8:00 PM. Evening admission is $12 per person, and the smaller crowds in the evening make it a relaxed way to spend a late-summer evening. The zoo also has the Mini Golf Safari and the Essex County Skyline Ride, which kids of all ages enjoy.

In Montclair, the last Montclair History Center Food Tasting & History Tour of the season happens on Saturday, August 22 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This is a walking tour that samples food from local restaurants while learning about Montclair's history. It works well for families with older kids and anyone wanting to explore downtown Montclair before the school routine locks in.

If you are settling into a new home in any of these towns, taking one of these final summer outings can also help your kids feel more connected to the community before they walk into a new classroom full of unfamiliar faces.

What should families do to prepare their home for the school year routine?

If you moved into a new home over the summer, or you are planning to move before the school year starts, now is the time to set up your home for the school routine. A few practical steps can make the first week less chaotic.

Set up a homework station early. Whether it is a dedicated desk or a corner of the kitchen table, having a spot with good lighting, basic supplies, and minimal distractions helps kids start the year focused. In a new home, this is also a chance for your child to claim their own space and feel settled.

Confirm bus routes and drop-off logistics. Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair each have different busing policies and eligibility zones based on your address. If you are buying a home in a new school zone, call the district transportation office before the first day to confirm your child's bus stop, pickup time, and whether bus service is available from your specific street.

Update emergency contact and medical forms. Every district requires updated forms at the start of the year. If you moved over the summer, your new address and phone number need to be on file. Most districts now offer online portal updates, but it is worth confirming your registration is complete before September.

Are there any community back-to-school donation or support events in Essex County?

Jersey Cares is running a school supply drive in Essex County with donations accepted by appointment through August 19. This is a good option if you have extra supplies to donate or if your family needs assistance gathering school materials. You can arrange a drop-off through the Jersey Cares website.

In West Orange, local teachers have posted "Clear The List" campaigns on Amazon, which let community members contribute directly to classroom supply needs. Many of these lists are still active through late August. It is a small way to connect with your child's school community even before the year starts, especially if you are new to the area.

For families moving from NYC, these programs are also a good introduction to how Essex County communities support their schools. Unlike New York City, where school funding and parent organizing vary widely by district, towns like Bloomfield, West Orange, and Montclair have active PTAs, community foundations, and local businesses that regularly contribute to classrooms. It is one of those things you notice after you move.

How can families ease the back-to-school transition during their first few weeks in a new town?

Moving over the summer and starting a new school in a new town is a lot for any kid. Here are a few things that help, based on what I have seen from families who have made this move before.

Walk or drive the route to school before the first day. If your child will walk to school, or if you plan to do drop-off, do a dry run a few days before school starts. Knowing exactly where the entrance is, where to park, and how long it takes reduces first-day anxiety for everyone. In Montclair, some elementary schools are in walkable neighborhoods, while in Bloomfield and West Orange, bus service is more common depending on the zone.

Visit a local park or playground in the week before school. Brookdale Park straddles Bloomfield and Montclair and has large fields, walking paths, and a playground that is great for younger kids. Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange offers hiking trails with views of the Manhattan skyline. Spending an afternoon at either one gives kids a positive association with their new town before they walk into the classroom.

Talk to neighbors. One thing I hear from NYC transplants all the time is that they were surprised by how friendly their neighbors in Essex County are. If you see other parents out in the driveway or walking dogs, say hello. Odds are good they have kids in the same school and can give you the inside scoop on bus stop locations, teacher assignments, and what school events are worth attending.

Does choosing the right town matter for school-year quality of life?

Yes. The town you choose affects not just your child's school, but your daily routine in ways that add up fast. Commute time to school, after-school activity availability, and how easy it is to get to parks, libraries, and weekend sports all depend on where you live. That is why I spend time with each client talking through what their school-year life will actually look like, not just what the house looks like in photos.

If you are thinking about buying a home in Essex County and you want to make sure the town you pick works for your family's school-year schedule, I can help with that. I know the bus routes, the school zone boundaries, and the neighborhoods where families tend to settle in. No pressure, no sales pitch, just honest guidance based on what works for your family.

Talk soon,
Sorelle