Miami-Dade schools set to reopen Aug. 13 as district urges families to prepare

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year on Thursday, Aug. 13, with the district urging families to complete registration, review transportation information and ensure emergency contact details are up to date before the first day.

The district is also highlighting new educational programs, changes to school meals and continued investments in student health, safety and technology as families prepare for the new school year.

M-DCPS is encouraging parents to confirm that students are registered, immunizations and required documents are current, transportation assignments have been reviewed and meal applications have been completed where necessary.

Families are also encouraged to download the Dadeschools Mobile App, which provides access to class schedules, grades, lunch menus, transportation information, real-time bus tracking, school updates and district news.

The district said keeping contact information current is particularly important because it allows schools to quickly send transportation alerts, emergency notifications and other updates.

Parents can update their information through their child’s school.

Changes to school meals

One of the major changes this school year involves the district’s transition to a hybrid Community Eligibility Provision model based on updated federal eligibility requirements.

Under the new system, 121 schools will continue providing free breakfast and lunch to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision.

Families whose children attend schools that are not part of the program may need to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application beginning Aug. 10.

Breakfast will continue to be free for all students attending non-CEP elementary schools and K-8 centers.

Families can apply through the district’s nutrition services website.

New programs and expanded choices

The district is also expanding its portfolio of educational options for the 2026-27 school year.

M-DCPS said its magnet programs now include 121 schools and more than 350 programs spanning pre-K through 12th grade.

Among the new offerings are SpaceHUB at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, which will provide pathways in aerospace, robotics, engineering and manufacturing.

Miami Killian Senior High School will launch SportsPLEX, offering pathways in sports business, sports medicine, sports technology and sports media.

The district is also expanding its PK-3 Sprouts early childhood programs at 10 additional schools across Miami-Dade.

New and expanded Reggio/Montessori programs are also being offered at several schools, including Biotech @ Zoo Miami, Frances S. Tucker K-8 Center, Joella C. Good Elementary School, Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School, Scott Lake Elementary School, Silver Bluff Elementary School and Venetian Parc Academy.

AI and student technology

Artificial intelligence will also have a larger role in the district’s educational programs this year.

M-DCPS said it is implementing Google Gemini for Education and teaching students to use artificial intelligence responsibly to support creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and productivity.

Teachers will also use AI tools to personalize instruction and support student learning, while the district said human relationships and teaching will remain at the center of the classroom.

The district is continuing its “Heads Up, Phones Down” policy aimed at limiting student cellphone use during the school day.

Elementary and middle school students may not use or display personal devices during the school day, while high school students may use them only outside instructional time. Devices may be used during class for educational purposes when directed by a teacher.

Focus on attendance and student well-being

M-DCPS is urging families to establish routines around sleep, homework and attendance and to make regular school attendance a priority from the first day.

The district said regular attendance remains a strong predictor of academic achievement and long-term student success.

Families facing challenges involving health, transportation, housing or other circumstances are encouraged to contact their schools for assistance.

The district also has more than 130 mental health coordinators serving schools across Miami-Dade.

The Parent Assistance Line, at 305-995-7100, is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other resources include HealthConnect school-based health services and Project UP-START, which assists students experiencing housing instability.

School safety

The Miami-Dade Schools Police Department will continue providing a dedicated police officer at every school, according to the district.

Students and families are encouraged to report suspicious activity through FortifyFL or by calling 305-995-COPS (2677).

M-DCPS is also reminding parents to save key district contact numbers, including 305-995-1000 for voice calls from the district and 305-939-0950 for district and school bus text alerts.

Families can access additional back-to-school information through the district’s back-to-school website and Parent Academy.

As students return Aug. 13, the district is encouraging parents to remain engaged with teachers and school staff, monitor grades and attendance through the Parent Portal and Dadeschools Mobile App and encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities and school programs.

M-DCPS said it remains focused on academic achievement, student safety, innovation and expanded educational opportunities as it begins the 2026-27 school year.