When classes begin across metro Atlanta and north Georgia
ATLANTA — As summer winds down, families across the region are preparing for the return of school. Districts in metro Atlanta and north Georgia begin classes on a range of dates this summer and fall. Below is the schedule published by Atlanta News First listing the official first days for school systems in the area.
How to use this schedule
Check the list below for your district’s start date, then consult your local school system’s website for calendars, bus routes and registration deadlines. Staggered starts may apply in some places; this list reflects the published first-day dates for the 2026-27 school year.
- July starts: Some smaller and more rural districts begin as early as Friday, July 24 (Chattooga County).
- Late July and early August: Multiple districts open between July 30 and Aug. 7, including several metro systems.
- Early to mid-August: Many large systems, including Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools, begin on Monday, Aug. 3.
Full district list by start date (selected entries)
The following is the list as published; search your district to confirm exact schedules and any variations.
| Date | Districts (examples) |
|---|---|
| Friday, July 24 | Chattooga County Schools |
| Thursday, July 30 | Jackson County; Jefferson City; Lamar County |
| Friday, July 31 | Banks County; Barrow County; Bremen City; Butts County; Commerce City; Meriwether County; Rome City |
| Monday, Aug. 3 | Atlanta Public Schools; Cherokee County; City Schools of Decatur; Clayton County; Cobb County; DeKalb County; Fayette County; Fulton County; Gilmer County; Griffin-Spalding; Heard County; Henry County; Lumpkin County; Morgan County Charter; Newton County; Oconee County; Rabun County; Rockdale County; Thomaston-Upson; Walton County |
| Tuesday, Aug. 4 | Calhoun City; Dawson County; Fannin County; Floyd County; Gainesville City; Greene County; Haralson County; Marietta City; Paulding County; Putnam County Charter |
| Wednesday, Aug. 5 | Bartow County; Buford City; Clarke County; Douglas County; Gwinnett County; Jasper County; Pickens County (staggered; all students Aug. 5); Polk County; Union County |
| Thursday, Aug. 6 | Carroll County; Coweta County; Forsyth County |
| Friday, Aug. 7 | Madison County; Gordon County; Habersham County; Hall County; Oglethorpe County; Towns County; Troup County; White County |
| Monday, Aug. 10 | Carrollton City Schools |
| Thursday, Aug. 13 | Pike County Schools |
What Atlanta families should check next
Families should verify start times, bus schedules, and any orientation or staggered-entry plans with their local district office. District calendars can include teacher workdays, holidays and early-release days that affect childcare and work schedules. If your child’s school isn’t listed above, search the district directory to confirm the first day.
Need more help? Visit your district’s website or the Atlanta News First school calendar page for updates and official releases.
