When does the bell ring? Where’s the bus? Answers to Miami back-to-school questions
The first day of class for Miami-Dade County Public Schools is Aug. 14. Here’s what parents and students need to know to get through the first day.
What time does school start and what time is dismissal?
Make sure you check with your child’s school, as some have different bell times, but the bell schedule for the majority of Miami-Dade County Public School is as follows:
PRE-K, K, GRADE 1: 8:20 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (Grades 2–5 ): 8:35 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.
K - 8 CENTERS: PRE-K, K, GRADE 1, 8:20 a.m. – 1:50 p.m; Grades 2–8, 8:35 a.m. – 3:05 p.m.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS (Grades 6 – 8): 9:10 a.m. – 3:50 p.m.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS (Grades 9 – 12): 7:20 a.m. – 2:20 p.m.
On Wednesdays, all students in elementary schools and K-8 centers dismiss at 1:50 p.m.
When are school speed zone effective for drivers?
School speed zones are effective 30 minutes before the first school bell and 30 minutes after dismissal. Cars are expected to drive 15 mph or slower during that time. Drivers that violate the school speed zone can be ticketed. Several schools in Miami-Dade County are equipped with speed zone cameras and will issue $100 tickets for drivers who violate the school speed zone.
Where’s the school bus?
If you live 2 miles or more away from your assigned school, your child may be eligible to ride a school bus. You should contact your school for more information, or check the parent portal for your assigned bus route. An app to track your child’s bus can be downloaded here.
What’s for lunch?
All students are entitled to breakfast and lunch at no charge in Miami-Dade public schools. To view menus, you can go to this site.
Where’s the school calendar?
Miami-Dade’s 2025-2026 school calendar is available here. Winter recess is Dec. 22-Jan 2, 2026, if your kids are counting the days already.
Does my child need a uniform?
Miami-Dade: It depends on the school, so contact your school directly for more information. You can also view the dress code here.
More questions about back-to-school?
The Miami-Dade website has more information regarding documentation and forms, immunization requirements and school choice at this link.
This story was originally published August 14, 2025 at 4:30 AM.
