I grew up in Puerto Rico. During my entire K-12 time, we always started during the second week of August and ended in the middle of May, taking the entire Holy Week off. Going to private school or college was a kick, because then you were able to start in the third week of August!
Starting school in September seems weird to me...but then again, that's just me.
I have a lot of problems with the schools here in CA (only one of my children is in public school), but I'm thankful we don't start school here till a few days after Labor Day. Schools get out the 2nd or 3rd week of June.
For us, August is for camping...vacationing...and playing by the pool. :)