Back to School 2026/27

BCPS continues its tradition of academic excellence, earning an “A” grade from the state for the third consecutive year, learn more.

• Advanced Academic Options: Unique experiences that prepare students for college and careers.
• Personalized Learning: Certified teachers and staff providing instruction tailored to students’ needs.
• Themed Magnet Schools and Innovative Programs:
  • Computer Coding
  • Speech and Debate
  • Dual Languages
  • Marine Science
  • STEM
  • Medical Sciences
  • Music and Arts
  • Pre-Law
  • Montessori
  • Pre-K - 8 Schools
  • College Dual-Enrollment Options
• Nationally Recognized High Schools: BCPS high schools are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Please be sure to check your student’s school for specific bell times for the new school year as these may have changed. Review school opening and closing times.

BCPS has partnered with BusPatrol to launch a school bus stop-arm camera program to help enforce Florida's school bus stop law. A 30-day warning period runs August 10–September 8, with live enforcement — including a $225 civil penalty for violations — beginning September 9, 2026. Learn more about the BusPatrol school bus stop-arm camera program.

In accordance with Florida law (Section 1006.07, Florida Statutes), student use of cell phones and other personal wireless communication devices is restricted during the school day to support learning, engagement, and school safety.

• Grades K-8: Cell phones and other personal wireless communication devices may not be used during the school day.
   
• High school: Cell phones may only be used when directed by a staff member for an educational purpose, or during designated lunch periods, in accordance with District and school procedures.
   
• Exceptions: Individual exceptions may apply for students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, for approved medical, educational, or accommodation-related needs.

We ask all families to review these expectations with their children before the start of the school year. Your partnership helps minimize distractions, maximize instructional time, and create a safe, focused learning environment for all students.

For more information, visit the Wireless Devices webpage.

Florida's Annual Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is available July 20-Aug. 20, 2026. During this time, qualifying school supplies, clothing, backpacks, learning aids and computers may be purchased tax-free, subject to state eligibility requirements and price limits. View Eligible Tax-Free Items

Broward County Public Schools continues to use Focus as the Student Information System for the 2026/27 school year. Beginning Monday, July 27, 2026, families can complete required Back-to-School forms through Focus. On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, student schedules will be available for viewing in Focus. The platform makes it easy to access your child's schedule, attendance, grades, forms, and more throughout the school year.

Download the BCPS Connect app for even more convenient access to all your child's school information on the go. Stay connected and informed with Focus —  Learn more and register now.

Here Comes the Bus is a free app that allows families to track their child's school bus location in real time.

• View bus location updates.
• Receive estimated arrival notifications.
• Access the service from your phone, tablet, or computer.
• App can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play
• Register Using School District Code: 87599

Available: Second week of the 2026/27 school year.

Download Here Comes the Bus App

New Magnet Programs

• Silver Shores STEAM Academy K-8 School - STEAM (A is for Aviation): Students engage in hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, aviation, and mathematics, inspiring innovation, critical thinking, problem-solving, and career exploration from an early age.
   
• Deerfield Park Elementary School - Artificial Intelligence in Media (AIM) & the Performing and Visual Arts: Students blend creativity and emerging technology through visual arts, performing arts, media production, and age-appropriate artificial intelligence experiences.
   
• Deerfield Beach Middle School - AIM Academy: Students explore artificial intelligence, digital media, content creation, and technology through hands-on, project-based learning.
   
• Deerfield Beach High School - AIM: This program combines creativity with cutting-edge technology to prepare students for high-demand careers in artificial intelligence, digital media, emerging technologies, and digital innovation.
   
• Hallandale High School - Academy of Entrepreneurship and Technology: Students combine entrepreneurship, technology, and digital media to develop business, marketing, content creation, and innovation skills while preparing for high-demand careers.
   
• Northeast High School - Marine Mechanic Program (available through the ACES Magnet Program): Students receive hands-on training in marine engine diagnostics, repair, and maintenance while exploring careers in the marine industry.
   
• Stranahan High School - Maritime Technology Pathway (available through the iCan Magnet Program): Students explore maritime technologies, vessel systems, and career opportunities in South Florida's growing marine and maritime industries.

New Innovative Programs

• Atlantic West Elementary School - Innovative STEM: Students engage in hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while strengthening critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
   
• Coral Springs High School - Aerospace/Aircraft Assembler Innovative Program: Students gain foundational knowledge and technical skills related to aircraft assembly, aerospace systems, and aviation careers.
   
• Liberty Elementary School - Science & Technology: Students explore science and technology through inquiry-based learning, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.
   
• Bennett Elementary School - Sports Academy: Students build athletic skills, teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles while connecting academics with sports and fitness.
   
• Sunrise Middle School - Sports Academy: Students develop leadership, sports performance, teamwork, and wellness through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
   
• Fort Lauderdale High School - Sports Academy: Students explore careers in sports, health, fitness, and athletics while building leadership, teamwork, and career-ready skills.

For more information, visit the Magnet Programs webpage.

This November, Broward County voters will consider a renewal of the Next Generation Referendum, a one-mill property tax that funds teacher and staff compensation supplements, school safety personnel and mental health professionals across all Broward County public schools, including charter schools.

This is not a new tax or a tax increase – it is a renewal of the one-mill tax voters approved in 2022. One mill equals $100 for every $100,000 of School Board taxable property value.

If approved by voters, the referendum would generate approximately $358 million annually – approximately $283 million for District schools and $75 million for charter schools. Under the allocation approved by the School Board, 90 percent or more supports compensation supplements for teachers and eligible staff, and up to 10 percent supports school safety and essential programs, including mental health services.

Learn more at the School Board Referendum page.

The One-to-One Laptop Program provides students in grades K-12 with a district-issued laptop for use at home

Students can use their device to access digital learning resources, complete assignments and support classroom learning outside of school hours.

Parents will have the opportunity to opt-in starting July 27, 2026. Learn more about the One-to-One Laptop Program.

Eligible students must register for bus transportation for the 2026/27 school year. Registration helps ensure students are assigned to a bus route and supports safe, efficient transportation planning.

Register for Bus Transportation

Important: Registrations submitted after July 10, 2026, will be processed in the order received.

New to BCPS?

Newly enrolled students must have a student ID before registering for bus transportation.

1. Contact your school to obtain a student ID.

2. Allow three to four days for your information to appear in the transportation system.

3. Complete your transportation registration.

Special Transportation Services

Transportation requests for students participating in the following programs are processed through the student's school:

• Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

• Section 504

• Foster care

• Homeless Education Assistance

• Teen Parent Program

Please contact your school for assistance with transportation arrangements.

Bus route and assignment information will be available in the Focus Parent Portal during the second week of August.

• Expect Delays: Please be patient as school bus schedules adjust to traffic and new routines during the first few weeks of school.
• Road Safety: With the new school year, there will be more traffic around school zones. Always prioritize safety by stopping for pedestrians and obeying crossing guards.
• Bus Safety Rules: Remember, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights or an extended stop arm. Students should arrive at their bus stop 10 minutes early to ensure they are ready for pickup.
• Requesting Changes: Major bus stop adjustments will be considered after September 2, once routes have stabilized.
• Contact Information: For any transportation inquiries, visit Transportation Services or call the helpline for your assigned terminal:
  • North Area: 754-321-4000 (Routes 1000+)
  • Central Area: 754-321-4480 (Routes 2000+)
  • South Area: 754-321-4100 (Routes 3000+)
  • Central West: 754-321-4150 (Routes 4000+)
  • South West: 754-321-8025 (Routes 5000+)

Breakfast is free for every BCPS student, at every school — no application needed.

Whether lunch is free depends on which school your student attends:

At the 141 CEP schools, lunch is also free automatically — no application required. Families are still asked to complete an Income Survey to help qualify for other District programs.

At the 80 Non-CEP schools, families must complete an online meal application to determine whether lunch is free, reduced-price, or full price.

At Non-CEP schools, full-price lunch is $4 for elementary students, $4.35 for middle school students and $4.50 for high school students. Reduced-price lunch remains 40 cents.

• Meal Benefits Applications
• Non-CEP Schools list
• Income Survey Form
• CEP Schools list

Applications and Income Surveys opened Monday, July 13, 2026, and remain open for the 2026/27 school year.

Broward County Public Schools offers a comprehensive network of student and family services, including school counseling, mental health, social work, special education, and mentorship programs.

Our team is here to support your child’s academic, social, and emotional well-being — and to help remove barriers to learning.
Learn more at browardschools.com/mental-health-services

Broward County Public Schools welcomes our dedicated volunteers to the 2026/27 school year! Below is important information to facilitate a successful school year.

• • • All volunteers must complete the online application for Level 1 screening. Approved volunteers will receive an email informing them to visit the preferred school listed on their application.

NOTE: A valid social security number is required to screen all individuals who would like to volunteer with our schools. For more information on the District’s screening policy, please contact the Security Clearance office at 754-321-2374.  

• • • Level 2 screening must be completed for volunteers serving as coaches or overnight chaperones. Your school administrator must send an email to the Security Clearance office.
    • BCPS employees are not required to complete the online application. Any employee who would like to volunteer must sign in as a visitor and document their hours using a Volunteer Attendance log, which is also available on the Volunteer Services webpage.