News Summary
Schools across metro Atlanta are gearing up for the return of students after summer break. With varying start dates from late July to early August, districts like Banks County and Barrow County Schools will be among the first to welcome students back. Several districts are also organizing back-to-school events to assist families with resources and supplies. As schedules are finalized, parents are encouraged to stay informed about health and safety protocols and school supplies for the new academic year.
Atlanta, Georgia – Schools across metro Atlanta are preparing to reopen for the 2025-2026 academic year, with start dates varying from late July to early August. This marks a return to the classroom for students after the summer break, and the schedules reflect the diverse needs of the area’s school districts.
The first school district to resume classes will be Banks County Schools, which is set to reopen on Friday, August 1, 2025. Alongside Banks County, Barrow County Schools, Bremen City Schools, Buford City Schools, and Cherokee County Schools will also return on the same day. Other districts, such as Butts County Schools and Douglas County Schools, will begin classes just a day earlier, on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
As August approaches, several districts will rejoin the academic calendar during the early part of the month. Notably, Atlanta Public Schools, Clayton County Schools, Cobb County Schools, DeKalb County Schools, Fayette County Schools, Fulton County Schools, and Gwinnett County Schools are all scheduled to start on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Students in Forsyth County Schools will return one day later, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, while Bartow County Schools, Clark County Schools, and Union County Schools open shortly thereafter, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. There are several late openings, including Carroll County Schools on Thursday, August 7, 2025, and Carrollton City Schools on Monday, August 11, 2025.
In addition to the opening dates, many districts are offering back-to-school events to assist families with school supplies and resources. Numerous back-to-school giveaways are scheduled throughout July and August 2025, aimed at easing the financial burden on families as they prepare for the new school year.
Summary of Opening Dates
- Banks County Schools: Friday, August 1
- Barrow County Schools: Friday, August 1
- Bremen City Schools: Friday, August 1
- Buford City Schools: Friday, August 1
- Cherokee County Schools: Friday, August 1
- Butts County Schools: Thursday, July 31
- Douglas County Schools: Thursday, July 31
- Atlanta Public Schools: Monday, August 4
- Clayton County Schools: Monday, August 4
- Cobb County Schools: Monday, August 4
- DeKalb County Schools: Monday, August 4
- Fayette County Schools: Monday, August 4
- Fulton County Schools: Monday, August 4
- Gwinnett County Schools: Monday, August 4
- Forsyth County Schools: Tuesday, August 5
- Clark County Schools: Wednesday, August 6
- Union County Schools: Wednesday, August 6
- Carroll County Schools: Thursday, August 7
- Carrollton City Schools: Monday, August 11
Background Context
As the summer break comes to an end, school districts across the nation are finalizing plans to ensure a smooth transition back to learning for their students. While the reopening of schools brings with it a host of logistical challenges, including transportation, staffing, and curriculum planning, metro Atlanta schools are focusing on providing students and families with the support they need.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check with their respective school districts for specific details regarding school supplies, schedules, and health and safety protocols that may be in place for the upcoming year. With the return to the classroom fast approaching, both students and educators are looking forward to the new possibilities and challenges that lie ahead as they embark on another academic year.
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Additional Resources
- WSB Radio: Back to School 2025
- Wikipedia: School Calendar in the United States
- Atlanta News First: Cursive Lessons Return to Georgia Schools
- Google Search: Georgia Schools
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Georgia Cold Watch January 2025
- Google Scholar: Georgia Education System
- 11Alive: School District Plans January 24 Closings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
