Duval County Public Schools students return to classrooms Aug. 10 for the start of the 2026-27 school year, which will bring changes involving campus security, high school schedules, athletic participation and transportation.
The district will begin adding OPENGATE walk-through weapons detection systems at elementary schools this year. Similar systems are already in place at Duval County middle and high schools.
Approximately 30 elementary schools will receive the technology each school year until all district elementary schools are equipped. Families will receive information from their child’s school before the system is installed.
The systems are designed to detect prohibited items, including firearms, knives and explosives, without requiring students to remove personal belongings.
The district said the new equipment is part of a broader school safety strategy that includes armed safety officers at every school, emergency alert technology and Duval County School Police K-9 teams. Schools will also continue conducting safety drills, often in partnership with local law enforcement.
Schools may use lockdowns or lockouts when safety concerns arise. District officials encourage students, employees and families to report concerns through the FortifyFL app or directly to school staff, School Police or local law enforcement.
The district’s 2026-27 calendar reflects several changes including a full week off for Thanksgiving. Four weather make-up days have been designated for next spring as needed following any school closures for hurricanes or other severe weather.
There will be no early release days during the school year, continuing the schedule used last year. Required staff professional development will instead take place during scheduled employee in-service days, allowing students to remain in class for full school days.
High school students will begin and end their school days at slightly different times. The district’s standard high school schedule will run from 7:10 a.m. to 2:05 p.m., replacing last year’s schedule of 7:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Some high schools will follow different schedules. Standard elementary and middle school bell times will remain unchanged.
Under Florida’s Second Chance Act, which took effect July 1, students must complete an electrocardiogram, or EKG, screening before participating in a Florida High School Athletic Association sport for the first time.
The requirement applies to all incoming ninth-grade student-athletes and students in grades 10 through 12 who have not previously participated in an FHSAA high school sport.
Students may complete screenings through school-sponsored events, approved organizations such as Who We Play For, or a licensed health care provider, clinic or hospital. Families should contact their school’s athletic director or coach for information about available screening options.
Changes are also coming to the district’s school bus fleet. DCPS has added 36 electric buses through the federally funded Clean School Bus Program at no cost to local taxpayers.
Transportation employees have completed specialized training for the vehicles. The electric buses will serve routes on the Northside, Downtown, at the Beaches and in Arlington.
Students who plan to ride a school bus must register for transportation, including students enrolled in self-contained exceptional student education programs.
Bus stop information will be posted in FOCUS within 10 business days after registration. The information will not be available before July 27 and will be provided only to students who are eligible for district transportation.
DCPS will also continue its school bus stop-arm camera violation program in partnership with BusPatrol America. The program issues a citation and $225 fine for motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing.
District officials are also asking families to reinforce pedestrian and bicycle safety as students return to school. The district’s “Be Safe. Be Seen.” initiative provides videos, safety practices and a family pledge intended to encourage safer travel by foot, bicycle, bus or car.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to establish a Linked Parent Account, and ensure their contact information in those accounts is current. This provides access to student schedules and grades in FOCUS, school bus registration and other district resources.
Breakfast will continue to be free for all district students. Lunch will also remain free at most Duval County public schools through the federal Community Eligibility Provision.
Thirty-seven schools do not participate in that program. Families with students attending those schools may apply for free or reduced-price meals if they meet eligibility requirements. Applications in English and Spanish are expected to be available on the district’s website during the first week of August.
Families that receive notice that a child has been directly certified through the Florida Direct Certification System do not need to submit a meal application.
Adults interested in volunteering at schools must complete a background screening before working on campus.
A Level I screening is required for volunteers who remain under the direct supervision of school employees, including classroom helpers, cafeteria monitors and book fair volunteers. There is no charge for that screening.
A Level II screening is required for volunteers who may supervise students or work outside the direct view of school employees, including some field trip chaperones. The screening costs approximately $74.50.
The district also provides mental and emotional health services at many schools. Through the Full Service Schools partnership, students and families at participating campuses may receive free counseling, mentoring, case management, health services and family support.
School counselors provide short-term, nonclinical assistance for students’ social, emotional and academic needs. Full Service School social workers may connect families with community resources or refer students to mental health therapists for clinical evaluation and treatment.
Some schools also offer student-led GROW Clubs, supported by trained GROW coaches, to promote mental wellness and help students and employees recognize and respond to mental health concerns.
Additional information about the school calendar, transportation, volunteer requirements and parent accounts is available at duvalschools.org.