Proposed Bell Schedule Changes

In 2016, Durham Public Schools changed high school start times from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., following the science that says that older students perform better in school if they start the school day later. Reference: CDC Guidance and Recommendations on School Start Times and Adolescents

On February 24, DPS staff will propose to the school board additional bell schedule changes for the 2022-23 school year to bring alignment to all grade level schools:

• Elementary and K-8 schools start at 7:45 a.m.
• Middle and 6-12 schools start at 8:30 a.m.
• High schools start at 9 a.m. or 9:15 a.m.

DPS will be able to serve more students, more efficiently, with fewer late buses.

• Better service for all students: We will use buses to serve long runs for Durham School of the Arts, The School for Creative Studies, and satellite magnet stops.
• Consistency: All students served at the same time by grade level (If a student has to transfer to another school for any reason, they would be on the same schedule).
• Reduced ride times: We will consolidate routes and improve service to neighborhood schools close to each other such as Glenn and Merrick-Moore elementaries.
• Improve special transportation services: Consolidating routes and pairing schools will enable us to better focus on Pre-K and students with disabilities.