When Does School Start? Knox County Schools 2025-26 Calendar Revealed

Key Dates for the 2025-26 School Year in Knox County

As the new school year approaches, students and families in Knox County are preparing for the start of classes. The first day of school for students is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, although teachers will return to their classrooms a week earlier. On August 7, all schools in the county will have a half-day schedule. This date marks the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, and there are several other important dates that families should be aware of.

Here’s a breakdown of key dates for the upcoming school year:

• July 31: Teachers return to school.
• August 7: First day of school for students (half-day).
• September 1: Labor Day, no classes.
• September 17: Constitution Day, half-day for students.
• October 6–10: Fall break, no classes.
• November 4: In-service day for teachers, no classes.
• November 19: Half-day for students.
• November 26–28: Thanksgiving break, no classes.
• December 19: Half-day for students.
• December 22 – January 2: Winter break, no classes.
• January 5: Students return to class after winter break.
• January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no classes.
• January 28: Half-day for students.
• February 16: In-service day for teachers, no classes.
• March 9–13: Spring break, no classes.
• March 25: Half-day for students.
• April 3: Holiday, no classes.
• May 5: In-service day, no classes (school-based).
• May 21: Last day of school for students (half-day).

These dates provide a clear overview of the school calendar, helping families plan accordingly.

School Supply Lists

For parents looking for school supply lists, each school in Knox County posts its requirements on its official website. Families can check their child’s specific school homepage for detailed information about what items are needed for the upcoming year.

Daily School Schedules

The start times for each school vary depending on the grade level and specific school. Here are some examples:

Elementary Schools (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade): - Most schools operate from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. - Lonsdale Elementary has a slightly different schedule, running from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Middle Schools: - Typically run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

High Schools: - Austin-East: 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. - Bearden: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Career Magnet Academy: 9:25 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Carter: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Central: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Farragut: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Fulton: 8:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (2 p.m. early release on Wednesdays) - Gibbs: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Halls: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Hardin Valley Academy: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (7 a.m. early instruction) - Karns: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (7 a.m. early instruction) - Dr. Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - L&N STEM Academy: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (3:30 p.m. early release on Mondays) - Powell: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (9 a.m. late arrival on Wednesdays) - South-Doyle: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (7 a.m. early instruction) - West: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional details about schedules for other programs and schools can be found online at https://www.knoxschools.org/about-us/schedules.

Finding Your Child’s Bus Stop

Parents can use the bus stop locator tool available on the Knox County Schools website at knoxschools.org. This tool helps locate the nearest bus stop, provides the distance from your address, and shows the expected pickup time. It also informs families if they live too close to the school to qualify for bus transportation, in which case parents are responsible for their child’s commute.