The district said its focus for the new school year includes ensuring students, staff and families feel welcomed, valued, supported and connected. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Students returned to Cordova High School on Aug. 6, filling classrooms and hallways once again as the Folsom Cordova Unified School District began the 2026-27 school year.

For students, the first day meant more than new schedules and classes. Cordova High School Principal Amy Strawn said the start of a school year offers students an opportunity to reconnect, establish new goals and remember they have a community supporting them.

“The first day of school always represents a fresh start, a chance to reconnect, set goals and remind our students that they belong here,” Strawn said. “At Cordova High, we hope every Lancer walks on campus feeling known, welcomed and confident that the adults on campus believe in them.”

Cordova High students were among thousands returning to campuses across the Folsom Cordova Unified School District on Aug. 6. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

That sense of belonging will be a major focus at Cordova High this year, along with maintaining high expectations for students, Strawn said.

“We believe deeply in the potential of our students, and our mission is to both challenge them and provide the care, relationships and support they need to rise to those expectations,” Strawn said.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Erik Swanson said the atmosphere on campus reflected both Cordova High’s history and the optimism surrounding the year ahead.

“Great schools are built on strong traditions and bright futures,” Swanson said. “Cordova High School is a school with a proud legacy, incredible momentum and a community that believes deeply in its students.”

Swanson added that the energy he saw on campus during the first day demonstrated that support.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District Superintendent Erik Swanson said the atmosphere on campus reflected both Cordova High’s history and the optimism surrounding the year ahead. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

“The energy on campus was a reflection of that, and I can't wait to see what our Lancers accomplish this year,” he said.

Cordova High’s goals extend beyond students’ immediate academic success. Strawn said the school is working to prepare students for college, careers and life beyond high school while helping them recognize their own potential.

“We want them to leave Cordova High knowing they are capable of more than they may have imagined for themselves,” Strawn said.

She also encouraged families to remain active participants throughout the school year, particularly when students face challenges.

“My message to our students and families is simple: stay connected and partner with us,” Strawn said. “High school is a journey, and none of us do it alone. Ask questions, get involved, celebrate the successes and reach out when things get hard.”

Students returned to Cordova High School on Aug. 6, filling classrooms and hallways once again as the Folsom Cordova Unified School District began the 2026-27 school year. Photo courtesy of Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Cordova High students were among thousands returning to campuses across the Folsom Cordova Unified School District on Aug. 6. The first day included students ranging from preschoolers and transitional kindergarteners entering classrooms for the first time to high school seniors beginning their final year.

The district said its focus for the new school year includes ensuring students, staff and families feel welcomed, valued, supported and connected.

At Cordova High, Strawn said the school is looking forward to continuing that work alongside the broader Rancho Cordova community.

“We are proud to be part of the Rancho Cordova community and are excited to LEAD the charge together into an incredible school year,” Strawn said.