When Do Atlanta Schools Start Back? A Local Guide for the New School Year

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, are moving here, or are planning a long visit, knowing when schools start back is important for planning work schedules, childcare, and travel. In metro Atlanta, school start dates can vary by district, but there are clear patterns and easy ways to confirm the exact day.

Below is a practical guide focused on Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and the major surrounding districts most Atlanta families interact with.

The Short Answer: When Do Atlanta Schools Start Back?

In the Atlanta area, most public schools start back in early August.

For the 2024–2025 school year, many metro districts, including Atlanta Public Schools, have a first day of school scheduled in the first half of August.

Because calendars can change from year to year, the exact first day depends on:

• Which school district you’re in
• Whether your child attends a traditional public school, charter school, or private school

The most reliable way to know when school starts back is to check your district’s official school calendar for the coming year.

Key School Districts in and Around Atlanta

Atlanta is served by multiple school systems. Your start date depends on which one your address falls under.

1. Atlanta Public Schools (APS)

If you live within the city limits of Atlanta, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West End, Buckhead, or East Atlanta, you may be zoned for Atlanta Public Schools.

• Typical pattern: APS generally starts classes in early August.
• Covers: Elementary, middle, and high schools within the City of Atlanta.

Where to confirm APS start dates

You can find the official calendar by contacting:

• Atlanta Public Schools – District Office
  130 Trinity Avenue SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 802-3500

You can also call your child’s individual school for specific orientation dates, open house times, and staggered start details for pre-K and kindergarten.

2. Surrounding Metro Atlanta School Districts

Many people say they “live in Atlanta” but are technically in nearby cities and counties. These districts are separate from APS and may have slightly different start dates.

Common nearby districts include:

• Fulton County Schools (serves areas like Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, parts of South Fulton outside APS)
• DeKalb County School District (serves Decatur area outside City Schools of Decatur, Stone Mountain, Tucker, and parts of Brookhaven)
• Cobb County School District (Marietta area and surrounding suburbs)
• Gwinnett County Public Schools (northeast metro, such as Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville)
• Clayton County Public Schools (south of Atlanta, near Hartsfield-Jackson airport, Jonesboro, Riverdale)
• City Schools of Decatur (separate from DeKalb County; serves City of Decatur)

Most of these districts also start school in early August, often within a week of each other, but not always on the same day.

If you’re unsure which district your address belongs to:

• Look at your property tax bill or lease for district references, or
• Call the county board of education and ask them to verify your assigned district and school based on your address.

Typical School Year Timing in Atlanta

While exact dates change, the overall rhythm of the school year in Atlanta is fairly consistent.

General Timing Pattern

Most Atlanta-area public school calendars follow a pattern similar to:

• Early August – First day of school
• September – Labor Day break
• October – Fall break or long weekend in some districts
• November – Thanksgiving break
• Late December – Early January – Winter/holiday break
• March or April – Spring break (varies by district)
• Mid– to late May – Last day of school

Because the year starts earlier than in some other parts of the country, Atlanta students usually finish earlier in May as well.

Quick-Glance: How Start Dates Vary Around Atlanta

Below is a simple comparison of how things usually look in the metro area. Dates are approximate patterns, not official for any year.

Always verify the exact calendar for your specific school.

How to Find Your Exact First Day of School in Atlanta

If you’re new to Atlanta or switching schools, use this step-by-step approach:

1. Confirm Your School District

Your address determines your district. To check:

• Use any school district’s “Find My School” or “School Zone Locator” tool, or
• Call the main district office and provide your street address.

Examples of helpful contacts:

• Atlanta Public Schools – (404) 802-3500
• Fulton County Schools – (470) 254-3600
• DeKalb County School District – (678) 676-1200
• Cobb County School District – (770) 426-3300
• Gwinnett County Public Schools – (678) 301-6000
• Clayton County Public Schools – (770) 473-2700
• City Schools of Decatur – (404) 371-3601

Once you know your district, you’re halfway there.

2. Check the District Academic Calendar

Every district in the Atlanta area publishes an official academic calendar that includes:

• First and last days of school
• Teacher workdays
• Holidays and breaks
• Early-release days
• Testing windows (in some cases)

You can request the calendar:

• By phone from the district office
• From your child’s school front office
• Through printed materials often sent to families before school starts

3. Ask Your Specific School About Grade-Level Details

Even within a district, start dates can differ slightly by program or grade, especially for:

• Pre-K programs
• Kindergarten
• New student orientation
• High school freshmen transition days

It’s common, for example, for kindergarteners or pre-K students to start a day or two later, or to have a staggered start where only part of the class attends on the first day.

Calling the school directly is the best way to confirm:

• Elementary, middle, and high schools in APS and neighboring districts are usually reachable through the main office phone number listed in district directories.

If You’re Moving to Atlanta: Timing Tips

Families relocating to Atlanta often want to know when to arrive so their children can start smoothly.

Plan Around Early August

Because most Atlanta schools start in early August:

• If possible, try to move by late July so you have time to:
  • Enroll your child
  • Provide required documents (proof of residency, immunization forms, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Attend any open house or orientation events

Be Prepared for Enrollment Requirements

Public schools in Atlanta-area districts typically ask for:

• Proof of residency (lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill)
• Parent/guardian photo ID
• Student birth certificate or equivalent documentation
• Immunization form on the Georgia-approved certificate
• Previous school records, if transferring from another district or state

School offices can explain exact requirements and where to get Georgia-specific forms if you’re moving from out of state.

What Visitors and Caregivers Need to Know

If you’re visiting Atlanta or caring for children who live here, knowing when schools start back can help you plan:

• Travel: If your visit is centered around family with school-age kids, early August may be busy with back-to-school prep.
• Attractions: After schools go back in early August, popular spots like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and local parks often become less crowded on weekdays.
• Babysitting and care: If you’re arranging childcare or after-school pickup, remember that many Atlanta schools dismiss in the early to mid-afternoon, especially elementary schools.

Common Questions About Atlanta School Start Dates

Do all “Atlanta” schools start on the same day?

No. The City of Atlanta is mainly served by Atlanta Public Schools, but many people in the metro area attend different districts (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, City Schools of Decatur, and others). Each has its own calendar, though most begin in early August.

Do charter and magnet schools follow the same start date?

Not always.
Some charter schools and magnet programs in the Atlanta area follow their host district’s calendar; others set their own dates. Families should always confirm start dates directly with the school.

Do private schools in Atlanta start later?

Many private schools in and around Atlanta still begin in August, but some start a week or two later than public districts. Private school calendars can differ significantly, so it’s essential to check each school’s schedule.

Simple Checklist: How to Make Sure You Know When School Starts Back

• ✅ Identify your school district based on your home address
• ✅ Obtain the official academic calendar from that district
• ✅ Confirm your child’s specific school and check for any grade-level variations
• ✅ Note orientation, open house, and staggered start dates, especially for younger grades
• ✅ Plan your move, vacation, or childcare around an early August start

By focusing on your exact district and school, you can quickly find the precise date that Atlanta schools start back for your family and avoid last-minute surprises.