School Calendar and Start Times Update

Posted on 08/27/2020

The School Board voted to approve the recommend calendar adjustment and revised start times during the August 26 School Board Meeting.

First Day of School

1st - 12th grade: September 4

Preschool and kindergarten: September 8

To ensure a strong start, school will begin on Friday, September 4 for 1st through 12th grade students. This will provide all educators with six full days of training on common learning platforms, culturally responsive instruction in a remote setting, racial equity, and best practices in remote instruction.

School Day Start Times

Elementary and K-8 Schools

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Middle and High Schools

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Strong Start September 4 - 11

September 4–11 will be considered "Strong Start" days for fall of 2020. These first days of school will ensure a strong foundation for the rest of the year. In agreement with Seattle Education Association all educators will focus on supporting students' social and emotional well-being, culturally responsive community building, family connections, and making sure students know how to use their technology tools to access learning.

Two hours each day will be dedicated to student supports. For the remaining school hours, educators will provide supplemental activities for each day of the first week, Sept. 4-11. These activities will take place offline and independent of a teacher.

We know these past months have been challenging. During Strong Start we are committed to developing a sense of belonging and connection, hearing about students' experiences, as well as setting up routines for a positive remote learning environment responsive to student's individual needs.

Strong Start schedules for Sept. 4–11 will be developed at the school level, but central office is recommending consistency across grades and classrooms. Elementary: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. K-8 schools: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Middle School: 9 - 11 a.m. High School: 9 - 11 a.m.

Schools will individually communicate their Strong Start approach. Final school year student schedules will be communicated no later than Wednesday, September 2.

September 14 is when the full instructional schedules will be implemented and followed.

Sample School Day Schedules

View sample schedules that adhere to the state required 1,027 instructional hours and what families and students can expect this fall visit.

Please visit FAQs about Remote Learning and the 2020-21 School Year for additional information.