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 System | Start Date |
| St. Clair County School District | August 7–8, 2025 |
| Leeds City Schools | September 2, 2025 |
| Pell City School System | August 6, 2025 |
| Trussville City Schools | August 7–8, 2025 |
| Oneonta City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Blount County School System | August 5, 2025 |
| Anniston City Schools | August 6, 2025 |
| Jacksonville City Schools | August 7–8, 2025 |
| Calhoun County School District | August 12, 2025 |
| Etowah County School System | August 7, 2025 |
| Attalla City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Gadsden City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Jefferson County Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Birmingham City Schools | August 5, 2025 |
| Midfield City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Fairfield City Schools | August 12, 2025 |
| Bessemer City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Hoover City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Homewood City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Mountain Brook City Schools | August 12, 2025 |
| Vestavia Hills City Schools | Grades 6–12: August 7, 2025; Grades K–5: August 8, 2025 |
| Tarrant City Schools | August 12, 2025 |
| Shelby County School System | August 7, 2025 |
| Alabaster City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Pelham City Schools | August 12, 2025 |
| Talladega County Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Talladega City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Sylacauga City Schools | August 7, 2025 |
| Childersburg City Schools | August 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!