Google Classroom Assignment Setup

When you unarchive an old class, Google Classroom restores it exactly as it was—including last year’s students, submissions, grades, and posts.


Do not attempt to delete last year's students from the old class to reuse it. Reusing an active class shell overwrites past data and can cause issues with grades and linked apps. Last year’s classes should remain archived so past records are preserved.


Here is how to set up your Google Classrooms for the new school year, depending on how your district handles setup:


Option 1: Check for Pre-Created Classes (Most Likely)

Since your classes were set up for you last year, your district’s IT department or rostering system (such as Clever or ClassLink) may automatically generate your new classes and rosters each year.


  1. Go to classroom.google.com.

  2. Look at your main dashboard for class cards that have an Accept button on them.

  3. If you see your new classes listed, click Accept to activate them with your new student rosters loaded.

Option 2: Copy Last Year’s Class (Best for Reusing All Assignments)

If your school does not automatically create classes for you, the fastest way to start fresh while keeping your curriculum structure is to make a Copy of last year's class:


  1. Go to classroom.google.com.

  2. Locate last year’s class card (or find it under Archived classes in the left menu ☰).

  3. Click the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the class card and select Copy.

  4. Update the Class Name (e.g., 7th Grade Science – 2026-2027) and click Copy.

What this does:


  • Creates a brand-new class shell with all your topics, assignments, and instructions copied over as Drafts.

  • Does NOT copy last year's students, grades, or comments—giving you a clean roster.

  • You can then go to the People tab in the new class to invite this year's students using a class code, link, or email address.

Option 3: Create a Fresh Class & Reuse Posts One by One

If you want to start with a blank slate and only pull in assignments as you need them throughout the year:


  1. Click the + icon in the top-right corner of Google Classroom and select Create class.

  2. Fill in the class details and click Create.

  3. Go to the Classwork tab in your new class.

  4. Click + Create and select Reuse post.

  5. Select your archived class from the list, choose the assignment you want to bring over, and click Reuse.

Summary Checklist for a New School Year

  • Re-archive last year's classes so your dashboard stays organized and old students cannot post or turn in late work.

  • Verify with your school IT contact if you aren't sure whether class rosters are pushed automatically.

  • Publish draft assignments in your new class as you are ready to assign them to your new students.
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