Classes in the Renton School District start Sept. 2 and 3 this year.

Every year students show up a few days late, because they confuse the start dates with other districts, especially Seattle, said spokesperson Randy Matheson.

The school district allows 6th graders to explore their new middle schools for a day before the other students Sept. 2. So 7th graders and 8th graders start on Thursday, Sept. 3. Renton School District middle schools are Dimmitt, McKnight and Nelsen.

Entering high school freshmen get to do the same thing, starting classes on the Sept. 2. So sophomores, juniors and seniors also start Sept. 3. High schools are Renton, Hazen and Lindbergh.

This doesn’t apply to alternative high schools, where students all start on Sept. 2. These schools include Black River High School, Sartori Education Center and Renton Academy.

All elementary schools start Wednesday, Sept. 2. They include Benson Hill, Bryn Mawr, Campbell Hill, Cascade, Hazelwood, Highlands, Kennydale, Lakeridge, Maplewood Heights, Renton Park, Sierra Heights, Talbot Hill and Tiffany Park.