Back-to-school guide for classes in Orange County

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's still summer outside, but for students on a traditional calendar, it's time to head back to the classroom.

Orange County Schools

The first day of school for traditional calendar students is Monday, Aug. 25.

If you still need to enroll a student, you can do so here.

You can view or print OCS' 2025-26 traditional academic calendar here.

Transportation

If you need to request bus transportation for your student, you can complete this form or call the Transportation Department at (919) 732-2531.

Certain students will be automatically assigned a seat for the coming school year:

• Students who rode a bus during the last two weeks of the 2024-2025 school year;

• and did not move to a new address;

• and will not change schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

Questions about a bus assignment? You can call OCS Transportation (919) 732-2531 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Parents can also get the Here Comes the Bus app for real-time bus tracking, push alerts, and more.

Code of Conduct

Click here to view or print the Code of Student Conduct.

School Lunch

Applications for free and reduced meals can be completed online by clicking here.

School Supplies

Still need to stock up on those back-to-school supplies? You can see your student's specific needs by the elementary or middle school they attend here.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools

The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 25.

Need to register a student? Use this form.

You can view or print a CHCSS 2025-26 academic calendar here. It is also available in Spanish here.

The School Day

• For elementary schools, the day is from 7:50 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

• For middle schools, the day is from 8:25 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.

• For high schools, the day is from 8:55 a.m. to 4 p.m.

School Lunch

Some families may be eligible for free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches. If so, you must complete a new application. Access an application or see meal prices for breakfast and lunch here.

Transportation

If your student is new to CHCCS or has recently changed addresses, you may need to request school bus transportation. You should contact your school's data manager to make the bus transportation request.

If your student used CHCCS transportation last year and did not have a change of address, no action is necessary

Cell Phone Policy

The district's policy on student cell phone usage (and other personal communication devices) has been updated to comply with a new North Carolina law. Click here for details.