Start and Dismissal Times

Below are three resources for families to use in locating childcare in any area of the city.  

• Dane County 211 through United Way of Dane County -  United Way 2-1-1 helps connect families with local programs and services. They are available 24/7 and offer free, confidential assistance. They can also direct families to resources to help support child care. Text or call 2-1-1, or visit the website.  

• MOST (Madison area Out of School Time)  The Madison-area Out-of-School Time (MOST) Program Finder is a one-stop-shop for families and youth to find quality programs offered before and after school or during summer and holiday breaks for Madison-area youth. Locate programs near your home or at your child/youth's school. Search the website for programs that match your needs based on location, age, time of day and more.  

• 4C - Madison  Community Coordinated Child Care, Inc. (4-C) is part of a network of accredited, non-profit Wisconsin Child Care Resource & Referral agencies The agency strives to ensure every child has access to high quality early care and education through integrated support and expertise. Visit the website or call 608-271-9181.

All middle school students will be transported on yellow buses, ensuring a more consistent experience across the district.

High schools will be unaffected by this change.

More information about bus stops and bus routes will be shared mid-August.

More information about bus routes and bus stops will be shared mid- August.

Bus passes will not be provided to middle school students.  Students could still choose to ride a Metro Transit’s mainline bus, however, MMSD will not purchase the bus pass. 

MMSD went to early and late start elementary schools back in 2001 to save significant funds by having our buses transport both an early start and late start school. It would be extremely expensive and cost prohibitive to go back to having buses complete single bus runs. Doing multiple runs is a common, efficient, practice. Some districts have their buses complete triple runs.

Yes. We have learned that some believe that it is safer for middle school students to get themselves off in the morning rather than elementary students. Also, the change allows a shorter time after school for middle school students, which is the most risky time for that age group to have idle time. While the start time will be 8:40 a.m., many of our students will be boarding the buses around 8 a.m., which will work with many parents having to get to work by 8 a.m. Finally, some parents report that having their middle school student get themselves off is a way to encourage and support their need for increasing responsibility and independence.

We have not found research that shows earlier times for elementary school children have had negative impacts.  We have had parents talk to us who have had students in both middle school and elementary school report that elementary students wake up easier earlier than adolescents.

In 2018, it was determined to have the 2018-2019 school year be a planning year, with a phased-in approach over three years.

Research shows that school start times can significantly impact students' well-being and academic performance. By aligning school start times with adolescents' natural sleep patterns, students are more likely to be well-rested, attentive, and engaged in their learning.

It does make sense to think that might happen. We have found some districts that have studied the amount of sleep teens get before and after changing start times and they have found that the bed time does not change significantly. The result is that a significant increase in the percentage of students who are getting eight hours of sleep, which can lead to better outcomes in several areas.

The science behind school start times is rooted in the sleep-wake cycle of adolescents. During puberty, biological changes shift sleep patterns, making it difficult for them to fall asleep early. Delaying school start times allows teenagers to obtain the recommended amount of sleep, which positively influences their mental health, cognitive abilities, academic performance, and overall well-being.

MMSD considers multiple factors when determining start and dismissal times for each school, including transportation logistics, bus routes, staffing, and community feedback. The district strives to balance these factors to ensure the best possible outcomes for students and families.

We appreciate hearing feedback and collaborative input from families. At this time, start and dismissal times have been set for the 2024-2025 school year.

MMSD aims to minimize challenges faced by families with children attending different schools within the district. However, due to logistical constraints and the need to optimize resources, it may not always be possible to align start and dismissal times perfectly. It is advisable for families to plan accordingly and explore available resources, such as before and after-school care options (see first FAQ above), to address any scheduling conflicts.

Yes, MMSD encourages families and community members to provide feedback and suggestions regarding start and dismissal times. The district values input from stakeholders and considers it in their decision-making processes. families can reach out to their child's school administration or participate in district-wide surveys or Let’s Talk (https://mmsd.org/lets-talk) to express their opinions and ideas.

The timeline for determining start and dismissal times for the upcoming school year may vary. Typically, MMSD aims to communicate start and dismissal times well in advance, allowing families to plan accordingly. However, the exact timeline and announcement date may depend on various factors, including finalizing transportation logistics, considering community feedback, and aligning with the overall academic calendar. It is advisable to regularly check the MMSD website or contact your child's school for the most up-to-date information on start and dismissal times for the upcoming school year.