Students in the Jericho Union Free School District headed back to class Wednesday to kick off their school year.

The district is the first on Long Island to be back in school from summer recess due to its longer academic calendar at 186 days.

District Superintendent Hank Grisman says they have a diverse student body that celebrates many cultural and religious holidays, including Eid, Diwali and Lunar New Year.

“So that extends our school year, so again it works for us to come back early,” Grisman says.

Students had mixed emotions heading back to see friends and meet new teachers.

“It’s going to be stressful, but we can make it through,” said eighth grader Aidan Kim.

The district was just ranked as one of the best schools in the country by U.S. News and World Report.