FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
M-DCPS Encourages Families to Prepare for First Day of School on August 13, 2026
The first day of school at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is Thursday, August 13, 2026, and families are urged to register students, update contact information and review available resources to ensure a successful start to the school year.
As a full-choice district, M-DCPS continues expanding high-quality academic pathways that align with students' interests, talents and future goals, ensuring families have access to quality educational options throughout Miami-Dade County.
Getting Ready for the First Day
Families are encouraged to complete the following steps before the first day of school:
• Register students and update emergency contact information.
• Ensure immunizations are current and all required documents have been submitted.
• Review transportation assignments and bus schedules.
• Confirm meal eligibility and complete applications, if necessary.
• Download the Dadeschools Mobile App.
• Connect with teachers and school staff.
• Establish routines that support attendance, homework, and learning.
Resources for Families and Staying Connected
Families can access back-to-school information and resources through:
• Back-to-School Website: backtoschool.dadeschools.net
• Parent Academy: parentacademymiami.com
• HealthConnect: thechildrenstrust.org/healthconnect
• Mental Health Services: 305-995-7100
• Adult and Career Education: 305-558-8000
• Project UP-START: 305-995-7558
• Transportation: Eligible families can access route information and real-time bus tracking through the Dadeschools Mobile App and the Student and Parent Portal.
M-DCPS encourages parents to ensure their child's school has current phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contact information. Accurate contact information allows the District to communicate important updates, transportation alerts, and emergency notifications quickly and efficiently. Parents may update their information directly through their child's school.
Parents are encouraged to save the following numbers:
• (305) 995-1000 – Voice calls from M-DCPS
• (305) 939-0950 – District and school bus text message alerts
• (305) 939-0945 – North Region school text messages
• (305) 939-0946 – Central Region school text messages
• (305) 939-0947 – South Region school text messages
• 54968 – Emergency text messages from schools and the District
Dadeschools Mobile App: The recently updated Dadeschools Mobile App serves as a one-stop resource for families, providing access to class schedules, grades, lunch menus, transportation information, bus tracking, District news, school updates and other important resources. Parents are encouraged to download the free app on their iPhone or Android device and use it throughout the school year to stay informed and connected.
How Parents Can Help Students Start Strong
M-DCPS encourages families to:
• Establish routines for sleep, attendance and homework.
• Read with children daily.
• Monitor grades and attendance through the Parent Portal and Dadeschools Mobile App.
• Stay connected with teachers and school staff.
• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities and school programs.
Attendance Matters
M-DCPS encourages families to make attendance a priority from the first day of school. Regular attendance remains one of the strongest predictors of academic achievement and long-term student success. Families experiencing barriers related to health, transportation, housing or other circumstances are encouraged to contact their school for assistance.
School Meals
Beginning this school year, M-DCPS is transitioning to a hybrid Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) model based on updated federal eligibility requirements.
• A total of 121 schools will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to all students through CEP.
• Families at non-CEP schools may need to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application beginning Aug. 10.
• Breakfast will remain free for all students attending non-CEP elementary schools and K-8 centers.
• Families can apply at mdcpsnutrition.net.
Student Health, Wellness and Safety
M-DCPS continues to prioritize the social, emotional and mental well-being of students. Resources available to families include:
• More than 130 mental health coordinators serving schools across M-DCPS.
• The Parent Assistance Line at 305-995-7100, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• HealthConnect school-based health services supported by The Children's Trust.
• Project UP-START services for students experiencing housing instability.
School Safety: Miami Dade Schools Police Department is the nation's largest school-based police department and maintains a dedicated police officer at every school. Students and families are encouraged to report suspicious activity through FortifyFL or by calling 305-995-COPS (2677).
Heads Up, Phones Down: M-DCPS continues to promote focused learning environments by limiting student cell phone use during the school day. Elementary and middle school students may not use or display personal devices, while high school students may use them outside instructional time only. Personal devices may be used during class solely for educational purposes when directed by a teacher.
New Educational Opportunities
New and expanded programs for the 2026-2027 school year include:
• Magnet programs help to expand the District's portfolio of choice offerings, reinforcing our commitment to being the best choice for education in Miami-Dade County. With 121 schools and more than 350 programs spanning Pre-K through 12th grade, M-DCPS Magnet programs offer a pathway to a brighter future for every child. For more information, please visit miamimagnets.org. Here are some new Magnet programs for this year:
o SpaceHUB at Booker T. Washington Senior High School, a Magnet program featuring aerospace, robotics, engineering and manufacturing pathways.
o SportsPLEX at Miami Killian Senior High School, a Magnet program offering pathways in sports business, sports medicine, sports technology and sports media.
• PK-3 Sprouts early childhood programs expand this year:
o Coral Park Elementary School (Central Region)
o E.W.F. Stirrup Elementary School (Central Region)
o Greynolds Park Elementary School (North Region)
o Howard Drive Elementary School (South Region)
o iPreparatory Academy (Central Region)
o Miami Beach South Pointe Elementary School (North Region)
o Palm Springs North K-8 Center (North Region)
o Silver Bluff Elementary School (Central Region)
o Southside Preparatory Academy (Central Region)
o William Lehman Elementary School (South Region)
Reggio/Montessori
o Biotech @ Zoo Miami
o Frances S. Tucker K-8 Center
o Joella C. Good Elementary School
o Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School
o Scott Lake Elementary School
o Silver Bluff Elementary School
o Venetian Parc Academy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to play an important role in preparing students for the future. Through innovative programs and the District's implementation of Google Gemini for Education, students are learning how to use AI responsibly to enhance creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and productivity. Teachers are also leveraging AI tools to personalize instruction and support student learning. M-DCPS views AI as a tool that enhances education while keeping human relationships, teaching and learning at the center of the classroom experience.
As a seven-time A-rated school district, M-DCPS remains committed to providing students with excellence, choice, innovation and safety while ensuring every child has access to the opportunities and support needed to succeed. The District's continued academic success reflects a culture of continuous improvement, with students outperforming state averages in most tested areas and achieving sustained growth over the last several years. Student success is built through strong partnerships between families and schools, and children thrive when parents stay engaged, attendance remains a priority, and schools provide meaningful support and opportunities. Through its commitment to academic excellence, future readiness and student well-being, M-DCPS continues to be the best choice for families in Miami-Dade County.
For the latest, up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device.?Follow us on X @MDCPS and @SuptDotres, Instagram
@miamischools and?@suptdotres, and on Facebook at?MiamiSchools.
# # #
26-JCD/014/AZ
Follow us
