MIAMI.– The sound of school buses and the movement of students return this Monday to Broward and Palm Beach, the first two large school districts in South Florida to begin the 2026-2027 academic year. Miami-Dade, on the other hand, will open its classrooms on Thursday.
In Broward, more than 236,000 students were summoned for the first academic day. The district dedicated the previous week to staff planning, organizing routes and preparing campuses, according to official information.
The Palm Beach calendar also establishes this Monday as the first day for more than 160,000 students. Authorities recommended families check bus routes, because schedules and stops may change as registration is completed.
The return to classrooms coincides with a heat advisory for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Wind chills could be between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, so parents and students should take precautions during bus stop waits and outdoor activities.
Miami-Dade starts Thursday
Miami-Dade Public Schools (M-DCPS) students will have three additional days before starting the course. The calendar approved by the School Board set Thursday, August 13 as the opening date.
While students remain at home, teachers, administrators and other employees complete days of planning and preparation. Among them are some 200 newly hired teachers who participated in an induction process focused on lesson planning, discipline and teaching pace.
The difference between the dates responds to the calendars adopted independently by each district. It does not imply a reduction in teaching days, since each jurisdiction distributes planning days, breaks and days reserved for emergencies differently.
Miami-Dade has approximately 313,000 students, including those enrolled in traditional and charter schools, according to the most recent consolidated figure for the 2025-2026 school year.
Changes in school meals
The start of the course also brings modifications to the meal programs. In Broward, 141 campuses will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to all their students. Families with children in non-included schools must apply for free or reduced-price meals if they meet financial requirements.
In Palm Beach, both foods will continue to be available at no cost at most locations. In those where it is charged, the benefit will depend on income and family size, so it will be necessary to complete an application.
Miami-Dade will face broader change after several years of widespread free food. Only 121 schools will keep breakfast and lunch at no automatic cost for all students. At the other campuses, eligible families will be able to submit their application to receive assistance starting this Monday.
Calendars and food information can be found on the Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade portals.
