What is changing with school start times for 2023-2024?

The Howard County Board of Education voted to adjust the HCPSS school start times for the 2023-2024 year, shifting high schools to begin at 8:00 a.m., among other changes. 

The plan adopted by the Board results in start times occurring in three tiers. Some schools may start slightly before or after the stated time for each tier. The exact start time for each school will be determined later this spring and shared with the community as transportation routes are finalized. 

  • Schools in Tier 1 will begin at 8:00 a.m. and dismiss at 2:45 p.m. These include all 13 high schools, several middle schools, Cedar Lane School and Homewood Center. 
  • Schools in Tier 2 will begin at 8:40 a.m. These include a combination of middle and elementary schools with middle schools dismissing at 3:25 p.m. and elementary schools dismissing at 3:10 p.m. 
  • Schools in Tier 3 will begin at 9:15 a.m. and dismiss at 3:45 p.m. These include the remainder of elementary schools. 

More information is available online.