Morning Routines Just Got A Plot Twist

Clark County School District has announced new school start times for the 2026–2027 school year. CCSD indicated the change is aimed at better supporting student success and well-being, and that later start times for high school students increases attendance and grades, improves mental health, and even reduces behavior incidents and car crashes among teenagers.

With some exceptions for early/late release and magnet schools, these are the new school start times:

Middle schools: 7:30 a.m.

High schools: 8:30 a.m.

Elementary schools: 9:15 a.m.

CCSD also noted that staggered start times are necessary to keep transportation efficient and costs focused on classrooms. With the nation’s largest district-operated bus fleet, starting all schools at the same time would require a massive and costly expansion. Families can expect revised start times to be posted on individual school websites in April 2026, along with additional details as the transition approaches.

Any major change inevitably comes with a wide range of  opinions. I’m the mom of a current 5th and 7th grader. Both of my sons’ schools start at 8:00 am, so they’ll only have to get going half an hour earlier next school year, but I can see how the changes could dramatically affect other families. What are your thoughts on the new school start times?

—Donna

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