Orange Beach students prepare to head back to school

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WALA) - Students in Orange Beach are set to return to classrooms on Wednesday, with teachers and community members spending the summer preparing for the new school year.

The school system released its 2026 State of Education report on its social media pages earlier this week.

The report covered news from the elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as finances, safety, and special events planned for the school year.

Orange Beach Principal Chris Shaw said the start of school is a community-wide occasion.

“We’re very excited here in Orange Beach,” Shaw said. “It’s one of those things where it’s really a community event. Our community is excited. Our middle school, high school, and elementary school have been planning. Our teachers came back this week, and they’re pre-planning a lot of activities.”

Teachers have spent the past week setting up their classrooms, though Shaw said the preparation has continued throughout the summer months.

“The teachers, it’s now almost a full-time year-round job,” Shaw said. “They really don’t get a long break over the summer because they are planning for those lesson plans and they’re planning those activities. And getting their classrooms ready. And teachers have come in and out throughout the summer, just preparing for tomorrow. And they are super excited because that’s what they live for, to educate kids and make a difference.”

The school system is also marking the return with its annual Makos on Main parade at the Wharf, bringing together students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

“One of the things that we’re excited about is tonight our community is doing Makos on Main,” Shaw said. “It’s a parade that we’re going to have with all our students, K through 12, over at the Wharf. And they’ll celebrate and walk around, and they’re going to wear their favorite school shirts and colors. And it’s just a great time to be an Orange Beach Mako.”