First Days of School for Districts Around Charlotte and the Carolinas

Charlotte, N.C. – The excitement is building as students across the Carolinas get ready to head back to school. The school year is officially kicking off soon, with various districts setting their unique start dates. Here’s a comprehensive guide on when students will return to classrooms this year.

Back to School Timeline

For many districts in South Carolina, students will be back in session starting as early as the end of July. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s schools will follow suit a bit later in August. Below are the specific dates for each district:

South Carolina Districts

• July 30: Chesterfield County School District
• August 1: Chester County School District, York District 1, Clover School District
• August 8: Rock Hill Schools, Fort Mill School District
• August 12: Lancaster County School District

North Carolina Districts

• August 7: Mooresville Grade School District
• August 8: Rowan-Salisbury Schools
• August 9: Stanly County Schools
• August 12: Iredell-Statesville Schools
• August 13: Cabarrus County Schools
• August 14: Gaston County Schools, Lincoln County Schools, Avery County Schools, Cleveland County Schools
• August 19: Ashe County Schools, Watauga County Schools
• August 26: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Richmond County Schools, Hickory City Schools, Caldwell County Schools, Catawba County Schools, Alexander County Schools, Anson County Schools, Burke County Public Schools, Union County Public Schools

Highlights for the 2024 School Year

This year, superintendents across the districts are emphasizing the importance of student safety, academic growth, sports, and the arts. Superintendent Chandar Anderson urged a focus on putting students on the “Road to Success” as they prepare to welcome children back into the fold.

The shift in start dates, particularly in South Carolina where many districts are adopting modified year-round calendars, allows for flexibility while still adhering to state laws on school attendance. North Carolina, known for its stricter start date laws, is seeing some districts push the envelope by starting earlier.

Community Engagement

As the first days of school approach, communities are encouraged to share their back-to-school stories and photos. Schools and districts are likely to host welcoming events for students to reconnect with friends and teachers after the long summer break.

No matter where students are heading back to school in the Carolinas, it’s clear that everyone is eager to get back to the books and activities that fill the school year with learning and fun.