Seeking Community Input: Preparing for New School Start and End Times Starting in August 2026

  • A new law passed requires middle schools to begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and high schools must begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

    A new state law, House Bill 733 (2023), requires that all middle schools begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and all high schools begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m. These new start times will also impact when elementary schools start. The changes will take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, starting August 2026. 

    Click here for school hours for the 2024-2025 academic year.

    According to the law, there are health, safety, and academic impacts of sleep deprivation on middle and high school students, and there will be benefits associated with a later school start time. Additional details and information will be posted to this webpage at PalmBeachSchools.org/NewStartTimes.

    HB 733 Future New Start Times for Schools - School Board Presentation June 5, 2024

    Watch the School Board Presentation here.

    The School District of Palm Beach County values the input of our families, educators, community, businesses, and other stakeholders as new start times are evaluated to comply with state law. The School District is seeking community input on three options.

Option 1

  • Elementary
    7:30 a.m. - 1:35 p.m.

    High
    8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

    Middle
    10:15 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.

Option 2

  • Middle
    8:00 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

    High
    9:15 a.m. - 4:35 p.m.

    Elementary
    9:45 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Option 3

  • High
    8:30 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

    Elementary
    9:00 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.

    Middle
    10:20 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.

Timeline

    • July-September 2024: Gather stakeholder and community input 
    • January-March 2025: Incorporate stakeholder and community input 
    • 2025: Final Recommendation for consideration by the School Board
    • August 2026: Implementation 

Survey on School Start and End Times

  • This survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will provide the School District of Palm Beach County with valuable feedback as our community comes together to address a significant change in our lives. Click here to take the survey.

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