Why is my child’s school changing its start and end times?

Many students in the district rely on school buses to get them to and from school on time. In order to provide better service to students and families, City Schools has streamlined “bell schedules” (the start and end times at each school) to improve scheduling, efficiency and reliability of school buses and transportation services. Many schools have slight changes to their beginning and dismissal times because of this new, streamlined schedule across the district.

Will my child’s learning be affected?

No. Although your child may arrive and leave at a different time than last year, the length of the school day is the same as it was. That means the time students spend in school and learning is not affected in any way.

My child is picked up and dropped off by a school bus or other City Schools transportation. Do I need to call the district office to make sure they pick up my child on time for the new schedule?

No. A lot of the reason for the new schedule is to make bus transportation better for families—and that includes making this change as smooth and easy for you as possible. All students who receive transportation through City Schools should expect to receive a pick-up and drop-off schedule in the mail prior to the start of school. (If you have moved, please contact your child’s school’s Transportation Coordinator or call 410-396-7400 to make sure City Schools has your correct address for this mailing.) The pick-up and drop-off times will reflect the new start and end times for your child’s school.

My child receives transportation as part of his or her IEP. Do I need to do anything?

No. You should expect to receive information about your child’s transportation before the start of the school year.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school.

How does this affect my child’s after-school program?

In most cases, your child’s after-school program will need to accommodate the new dismissal time. Contact your school or after-school program provider for more information. If your child attends an after-school program not affiliated with Baltimore City Public Schools, make sure staff members there are aware of your child’s new school schedule.