Sarasota County Schools has finalized school start times for the 2026–2027 school year and has submitted required documentation to the Florida Department of Education to ensure compliance with recently revised requirements. is now sharing updated schedules with families as part of a districtwide effort to align school day operations and improve efficiency across all campuses.
Beginning August 10, 2026, schools will operate within three consistent start time windows, each spaced one hour apart. This is a part of a districtwide effort designed to support transportation efficiency, provide more consistent student pick-up and drop-off, and support the responses received from staff and the community.
The approved start time windows, with limited exceptions, are:
High Schools: 7:30 a.m.
Elementary Schools and K–8 Schools: 8:30 a.m.
Middle Schools: 9:30 a.m.
While most schools currently align within these windows, several campuses will experience slight adjustments to their schedules. These changes are generally minimal, ranging from 9 to 30 minutes.
The following schools will have adjusted start times beginning in the 2026–2027 school year:
Ashton Elementary – 30 minutes later, new time 8:30
Atwater Elementary – 15 minutes later, new time 8:30
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus – 15 minutes later, new time 9:30
Cranberry Elementary – 15 minutes later, new time 8:30
Glenallen Elementary – 15 minutes later, new time 8:30
Lakeview Elementary – 15 minutes later, new time 8:30
Tuttle Elementary – 15 minutes later, new time 8:30
Wilkinson School – 15 minutes later, new time 8:30
Oak Park School – 15 minutes later, new time 9:30
Pine View School (Grades 9–12) – 9 minutes later, new time 7:30
Pine View School (Grades 2–8) – 15 minutes later, new time 9:30
These updates follow School Board approval in February 2026 and align with statewide requirements related to school start times. While Florida law establishes recommended start times for middle and high schools, districts are able to request flexibility by submitting documentation to the Florida Department of Education. Sarasota County Schools has completed this process and submitted its compliance report in accordance with state guidelines in April 2026.
Throughout the planning process, the district engaged families, staff, and community members through surveys, public workshops, and community meetings. This feedback played a critical role in shaping a plan that balances operational needs with the daily routines of students and families.
What Families Can Expect
District and school leaders recognize that even small changes to start times can impact transportation, childcare, and after-school activities. Schools are communicating directly with families regarding their specific schedules and will continue to share updates related to transportation, before- and after-school programs, and school-based activities.
Families are encouraged to review their school’s updated start and dismissal times and begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year. Sarasota County Schools remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition while continuing to support the needs of students, staff, and the community.