It’s that time of year again! The 2025–2026 school year is just around the corner, and families across St. Clair, Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega, Etowah, Blount, and Calhoun Counties are getting ready to head back to class.

Whether you’re preparing your kindergartener for their first day or sending your senior off for their last, here’s your one-stop guide for back-to-school success.

Complete School Start Dates for Central Alabama
(Please verify these dates in your school district)

School SystemStart Date
St. Clair County School DistrictAugust 7–8, 2025
Leeds City SchoolsSeptember 2, 2025
Pell City School SystemAugust 6, 2025
Trussville City SchoolsAugust 7–8, 2025
Oneonta City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Blount County School SystemAugust 5, 2025
Anniston City SchoolsAugust 6, 2025
Jacksonville City SchoolsAugust 7–8, 2025
Calhoun County School DistrictAugust 12, 2025
Etowah County School SystemAugust 7, 2025
Attalla City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Gadsden City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Jefferson County SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Birmingham City SchoolsAugust 5, 2025
Midfield City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Fairfield City SchoolsAugust 12, 2025
Bessemer City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Hoover City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Homewood City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Mountain Brook City SchoolsAugust 12, 2025
Vestavia Hills City SchoolsGrades 6–12: August 7, 2025; Grades K–5: August 8, 2025
Tarrant City SchoolsAugust 12, 2025
Shelby County School SystemAugust 7, 2025
Alabaster City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Pelham City SchoolsAugust 12, 2025
Talladega County SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Talladega City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Sylacauga City SchoolsAugust 7, 2025
Childersburg City SchoolsAugust 1, 2025

7 Smart Tips for a Smooth Back-to-School Start

No matter where your student is headed, these tips will help make the first week easier:

1️⃣ Ease into the Routine

Start now! Gradually shift bedtimes and wake-up times to get kids back on track before the first day.

2️⃣ Supplies & Backpacks

Get your supply list early! Stock up on essentials like notebooks, pencils, and backpacks. Don’t forget headphones or device chargers if your school uses tech.

3️⃣ Paperwork

Complete medical forms, update emergency contacts, register for bus transportation, and make sure online parent portals are updated.

4️⃣ Drop-Off & Pickup Practice

Avoid first-day traffic drama by practicing your school’s drop-off route in advance. For bus riders make sure you meet the bus driver.

5️⃣ Haircuts & First Day Pics

Book those back-to-school trims early. And get the camera ready for those first-day pictures.

6️⃣ After-School Game Plan

Prep for the post-school chaos. Plan for snacks, homework time, and an organized spot for backpacks and lunchboxes.

7️⃣ Stay in the Loop

Follow your district on social media and bookmark their websites. That’s the fastest way to stay updated on events, weather delays, or last-minute changes.

Let’s Make It a Great Year!

Back-to-school season is about new beginnings. Let’s make this the best year yet for our students, parents, and teachers across Central Alabama.

Join the Conversation!

We can’t wait to see those Day 1 pictures and we want to wish all the students, teachers, administrators and parents a safe and wonderful school year!