RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - Can you believe we’re already talking about BACK TO SCHOOL? Across Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, families are gearing up for the 2026–2027 school year, which officially kicks off in early August. And Tennessee's TAX FREE HOLIDAY saves money for all shoppers on the July 31 - Aug. 2, 2026 weekend. 

Just before backpacks zip up and buses roll out, Tennessee’s annual back‑to‑school sales tax holiday arrives. From Friday, July 31 at 12:01 a.m. through Sunday, August 2 at 11:59 p.m., shoppers can skip state and local sales taxes on qualifying clothing, school supplies, and personal computers—both in‑store and online.

Clothing items priced at $100 or less per piece qualify, including shirts, pants, dresses, and shoes. School and art supplies also qualify at $100 or less per item, covering everything from backpacks and binders to crayons and paints. Personal‑use laptops, desktops, and tablets priced at $1,500 or less are included as well.

Items above those price limits remain taxable, and certain products—like jewelry, sporting equipment, flash drives, and cell phones—are not exempt. For full details, families can review the Tennessee Department of Revenue’s official guidelines.

Back to School in Rutherford County

Rutherford County Schools will welcome students on Friday, August 7, for a two‑hour orientation day. Full classes begin Monday, August 10. The district’s fall break runs October 5–9, Thanksgiving break is November 23–27, and winter break stretches from December 21 through January 4. Parents can find the full schedule on the Rutherford County Schools calendar.

Murfreesboro City Schools also begins its year on August 7, but with a staggered entry. Students in grades 1–6 attend a half‑day that Friday, followed by their first full day on Monday, August 10. Kindergarteners begin with half‑days based on last names—A through L on August 11, M through Z on August 12—and all kindergarten students attend a half‑day on August 13. Everyone, grades K–6, begins full days on Friday, August 14. The complete layout is available on the Murfreesboro City Schools academic calendar.

With school bells set to ring and tax‑free savings just around the corner, Rutherford County families have plenty to prepare for as August approaches. Let me know if you’d like help building a shopping checklist or comparing deals across local retailers.