Welcome to the Sarasota County Schools Back-to-School webpage!

As we prepare to welcome students back on Monday, August 10, 2026, we've gathered everything families need for a successful start to the new school year in one convenient place.

Explore the 2026-2027 Back-to-School Guide below for important information about registration, transportation, school start times, health requirements, meals, safety, mobile apps, and more. You'll also find additional resources and helpful links throughout this page to support your family before the first day of school.

To better serve our diverse community, this webpage can be translated into more than 130 languages. We look forward to welcoming our students back for another outstanding school year!

View the PDF here

Step 1
Student registration is completed through the Focus Parent Portal. Be sure to create your account and download the Focus Sarasota app to manage registration, view schedules, monitor attendance, check grades, and stay connected throughout the school year.

Step 2

First-Time Students:
Student entering Kindergarten. How to Register for Kindergarten
Student who has never attended a Sarasota County Student Applying to SCS

Returning Student Registration:
Attended a Sarasota County School and is returning after leaving the district
Attended a Sarasota County and is returning after Home Education

Current Student Re-Registration:
Currently attending a Sarasota County School and will attend a Sarasota County School the next school year.

Step 3
Determine which school zone you live in:

• If you do not know, click here.

• Next, enter your address in the School Zone by the Address bar.

• Your districted schools for Elementary, Middle, and High School will automatically populate

During the school registration or re-registration process in the Focus Parent Portal, families will be asked whether they are requesting school bus transportation. If transportation is requested and the student is eligible, the Transportation Department will process the request and assign a bus stop and route.

Beginning July 2, 2026, families can view transportation assignments in the My Ride K-12 app. If your student does not have a route assigned, submit an additional request for registration here.

If your student has been assigned district transportation, their bus information will be displayed on this page.

Find an FAQ and additional resources on the transportation website here.

School Meal Payment Procedure
When paying for meals, students will need to do the following:

1. Scan Student ID/printed bar-code or type in Student N#

2. Tell the cashier their first and last name

School Menus
You can find school menus on our mobile app under Dining. Add money to your student’s account on our website or by visiting My School Bucks. You can also visit MealViewer to see individual school menus with nutritional information for each item.

Download the SCS Mobile App!
Free on the Apple Store and Google Play!

Download the MealViewer App!
Free on the Apple Store and Google Play!

• View what is being served each day

• View the nutritional information for each meal

• See if any specific allergens are being served

• Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served

Food Allergies
Sarasota County Schools Allergy Resources

Click for Menu Modification and Medical Statement Request Form

Free & Reduced Benefits

If families need assistance paying for school meals, please complete a Meal Benefits Application to receive breakfast and lunch for free or at a reduced price. Important: A new application must be filled out at the beginning of each school year in order for the meal benefits to continue. Meal benefits begin on the day the application is processed by Food & Nutrition Services and continue throughout the school year in which the application is approved, the summer, and approximately the first thirty days of the next school year. To learn more, visit the Free & Reduced Benefits page on our website.

Families who need assistance paying for school meals are encouraged to complete a Meal Benefits Application to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch.

Important: A new application must be submitted at the beginning of each school year to continue receiving meal benefits. Once approved, benefits begin on the date the application is processed by Food & Nutrition Services and remain active for the approved school year, throughout the summer, and for approximately the first 30 days of the following school year.

Health Requirements for Admission to School

Physical Examination—Each student entering school must present documentation of a physical examination performed within one year of registration.

Immunizations—Each student entering school must present a Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH 680).

Dental Sealant Program
The Florida DOH is offering a FREE dental sealant program for elementary students in select district schools. Dental sealants are a safe and easy preventative measure that helps stop tooth decay or cavities.

Health Screenings
Screenings are mandated by Florida Administrative Code 64F-6.003. By electronically signing the Health Emergency Information Form, parents/guardians give permission for these non-invasive screenings completed by the Sarasota County Department of Public Health.

Language Line
Language Line, a leading language interpretation and translation service provider, is now available at all traditional public schools and select district departments. This service provides seamless over-the-phone translations in more than 240 languages, enhancing school-to-guardian and district-to-guardian communication. Available 24/7, Language Line can help ensure that all families stay informed and engaged in their child’s education. Ask your school for more information.

Website Translation
The Sarasota County Schools website can be translated into more than 130 languages, making important information and resources accessible to families in their preferred language. Simply select your language using the translation tool located at the top of the website.

At Sarasota County Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and visitors remain our highest priorities. We are committed to providing safe, secure, and supportive learning environments through comprehensive safety programs, emergency preparedness, mental health resources, and strong partnerships with local public safety agencies. This section highlights the district's safety initiatives, emergency procedures, reporting tools, and resources available to support students and families.

Volunteer

Volunteers at Sarasota County Schools are parents, adult community members, or students who assist at school sites or programs on a regular/semi-regular basis before, during, or after school hours. There are two types of volunteers: level 1 and level 2.

School Advisory Council (SAC)

A School Advisory Council is comprised of representatives/people from the school, community, and those closest to the students who share responsibility for supporting continuous improvement in our schools. These school-based groups include the principal, teachers, parents, students, and more that reflect the racial, ethnic, and economic composition of the school. To be a part of a School Advisory Council, you must be elected by a representative peer group. For example, only teachers can elect teachers, parents by parents, students by students, and so on. However, a majority of council members must not be employed by the district.