INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The School District of Indian River County will adjust start and dismissal times for the 2026-2027 school year after the School Board gave unanimous approval to the changes Monday.
Under the new bell schedule, which will go into effect next August, high school start times move 15 minutes later and middle, K-8 and elementary schools move 10 minutes later. The adjustments are designed to improve learning for students, enhance efficiency in the transportation system and accommodate families and staff better, officials said.
Under the approved schedule:
- High schools: 7:20 a.m. — 2:07 p.m.
- Middle and K-8 schools: 8:10 a.m. to 2:51 p.m.
- Elementary schools: 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Wabasso School and Indian River PREP will maintain their current, independent schedules.
The decision came after a lengthy review process that included an analysis of transportation models, an operational analysis and two rounds of community input. The proposals received broad support in responding to district surveys from families and staff across grades.
Family responses ranged from 261 very supportive and 171 supportive. Of staff, 121 were very supportive and 72 supportive.
Comments noted advantages, including more uniform schedules across grades, dismissal times that align better with after-school activities and jobs, and improved bus routing.
The process grew out of years of planning, including consideration of state requirements on school start times, although the approved shifts are earlier than some mandates for high schools.
District officials thanked families, employees and community members for their involvement, saying that ongoing engagement will continue to inform decisions that are in students’ best interest.
The changes amount to a small shift from the current times — high schools now begin at 7:05 a.m. and get out at 1:52 p.m. — but were called by leaders a balanced step to provide students with more morning rest while also maintaining early school dismissals for after-school activities and family needs.