News Summary
As the Nashville area gears up for the upcoming school year, various school districts have announced their start dates. Cheatham, Montgomery, Dickson, Franklin, and other counties have planned staggered openings, with specific schedules for different grade levels. Additionally, the Metro Nashville Police Department emphasizes the importance of safety in school zones as students return to classes. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of children as they travel to and from school.
Nashville – As summer break comes to a close, students and families in the Nashville area are preparing for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Critical dates for various school districts in Middle Tennessee mark the transition from summer vacation to the classroom, with a series of first days established for different grade levels across the region.
Cheatham County Schools will begin the academic year on Wednesday, August 6, with a half day for all students, followed by no school on August 7 and 8. The first full day for all students is scheduled for Monday, August 11.
In Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools (CMCSS), the first day of school for grades 1-9 will be Thursday, August 7, featuring an early dismissal. The first full day for students in grades 1-12 will take place on Friday, August 8.
Dickson County Schools will kick off the school year for grades 1-12 on Friday, August 1, each district marking their initial days differently.
Meanwhile, the Franklin Special School District (FSSD) will launch the school year on Thursday, August 7, with grades 1-8 returning for an early dismissal. Their first full day for grades 1-8 will occur on August 8, followed by a full day for kindergarten on August 15 and pre-K on August 22.
Lake County Schools will also greet students back on Friday, August 1, as they return for the new academic year.
Maury County Schools is holding its first day of school on Monday, August 4, while Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has scheduled its first day for grades 1-12 on Tuesday, August 5. Pre-K and kindergarten will have their half day on the same date, with full-day classes commencing for grades 1-12 on Wednesday, August 6, and all grades on Thursday, August 7.
Rutherford County Schools will begin on Tuesday, August 5, with a half day for all students, transitioning to a full day on Wednesday, August 6. Sumner County Schools has set its first day for all students on Monday, August 4, while Williamson County Schools will have a half day for grades 1-12 on the same day, followed by a full day on August 5. Early childhood, pre-K, and kindergarten students will start on August 11.
In light of the upcoming school year, the Metro Nashville Police Department has announced that the crossing guard division is fully staffed to ensure student safety in school zones. Drivers are urged to pay extra attention when driving, particularly in areas near schools and especially at bus stops. It is important for drivers to slow down and come to a complete stop for school buses that are not located on divided highways.
Statistics highlight the significance of driving safety in these zones. Reports indicate that an alarming 75% of child pedestrian deaths occur at mid-block intersections, often at school zone crosswalks. The safety of crossing guards, who play a vital role in protecting young pedestrians, is also a priority. Instances have been recorded where crossing guards narrowly escaped being hit due to negligent driving. The importance of mindfulness when it comes to stop signs and crossing guard signals is strongly stressed as the school year begins.
As the 2025-26 school year approaches, families, students, and staff are encouraged to stay informed about these important dates and remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of all children traveling to and from school.
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Additional Resources
- WKRN: MNPS Settlement
- Tennessean: Nashville First Day of School
- WSMV: Nashville Police Reminder for School Zones
- Tennessean: Cell Phone Ban in Nashville Schools
- WKRN: Back to School Giveaways
Author: HERE Nashville
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