It’s back to school time, which means thousands of children and teens will head back into the classroom in days ahead.
If you’re wondering when the first day of school is for a local school district, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of first-day-of-school dates for metro Atlanta school districts.
Back To School Dates: Metro Atlanta School Districts
- Public Schools, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, and Newton, start on August 4, 2025.
- Charter Schools: Some charter schools, such as Atlanta Heights, may start earlier (e.g., July 31, 2025). Always verify with the specific school.
- Dates are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check with individual school districts or schools for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Below is a table listing the first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year for major school districts in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area.
| School District | Address | First Day of School |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Public Schools (APS) | 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | August 4, 2025 |
| Fulton County Schools | 6201 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30339 | August 4, 2025 |
| DeKalb County School District | 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 | August 4, 2025 |
| Cobb County School District | 514 Glover St, Marietta, GA 30060 | August 4, 2025 |
| Gwinnett County Public Schools | 437 Old Peachtree Rd NW, Suwanee, GA 30024 | August 4, 2025 |
| Clayton County Public Schools | 1058 Fifth Ave, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | August 4, 2025 |
| City Schools of Decatur | 125 Electric Ave, Decatur, GA 30030 | August 4, 2025 |
| Newton County Schools | 2109 Newton Dr NE, Covington, GA 30014 | August 4, 2025 |
Back To School: How To Prepare
Organize School Supplies and Materials
- Check School Supply Lists: Visit your school’s website (e.g., atlantapublicschools.us, fultonschools.org, or dekalbschoolsga.org) for specific supply lists. Common items include notebooks, pencils, pens, folders, and backpacks. Some schools, like those in Fulton County, may provide tablets or laptops, so confirm tech requirements.
- Shop Smart: Take advantage of Georgia’s tax-free weekend (typically early August) for school supplies, clothing, and electronics under set price limits (e.g., $100 for clothing, $1,500 for computers). Stores like Walmart, Target, or local shops in Atlanta have back-to-school deals.
- Label Everything: Use permanent markers or labels for your child’s belongings to prevent loss.
2. Update Clothing and Uniforms
- Review Dress Codes: Check if your school (e.g., Atlanta Public Schools or DeKalb County) requires uniforms or has specific dress codes. Purchase uniforms early from local vendors or retailers like Old Navy or Lands’ End.
- Ensure Proper Fit: Buy clothes and shoes that fit comfortably, accounting for growth. Atlanta’s warm August weather calls for lightweight, breathable fabrics.
3. Establish Routines Early
- Adjust Sleep Schedules: Start shifting bedtime and wake-up times 1-2 weeks before August 4 to align with school hours (e.g., 7:30 AM for many APS elementary schools). Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep for kids.
- Practice Morning Routines: Simulate school mornings, including breakfast and getting dressed, to ease the transition.
- Plan Meals: Prepare a list of quick, healthy breakfasts and lunches. If your child uses school meals, check district websites for menus and free/reduced lunch applications (common in Clayton and DeKalb County schools).
Final Word
School is in session, or will be soon. Make sure you confirm bus routes on district websites or arrange carpool schedules. For example, Cobb County Schools provide bus route finders online. If walking or biking in areas like Decatur, review safe routes with your child.
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