Leon County Schools (LCS) is the public school district serving Tallahassee and the surrounding areas in Florida, with an enrollment of approximately 34,000 students across more than 40 schools, making it one of the largest school districts in the state. The district is led by Superintendent Rocky Hanna, who has held the role since 2016 and was re-elected in November 2024 by a significant margin.
LCS offers a broad range of academic programs, including traditional coursework alongside magnet programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). The district maintains a strong tradition of extracurricular success, with students participating in everything from robotics clubs and drama productions to varsity sports teams that regularly compete for state championships.
District News For 2026-2027
Heading into the 2026-2027 school year, Leon County Schools is navigating some notable budget and enrollment challenges. At the Board’s January 2026 annual retreat, Superintendent Hanna proposed spending cuts projected to save at least $6.7 million, citing reduced post-pandemic federal funding.
At the same time, the district announced a significant expansion of its Head Start program into three additional elementary schools for 2026-2027, nearly doubling the number of Pre-K students served to close to 1,200 — an initiative aimed at addressing declining enrollment between eighth and ninth grade by engaging families earlier.
Several Leon County schools will also have new principals for the 2026-27 school year, including a new principal at James S. Rickards High School following the retirement of longtime principal Doug Cook.
District Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2757 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee, FL 32303 |
| Phone | (850) 487-7100 |
| Superintendent | Rocky Hanna |
| Website | leonschools.net |
Leon County Schools Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates
The following dates reflect the official LCS 2026-2027 academic calendar.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | Wednesday, 12 August 2026 |
| Labor Day (Holiday) | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| Veterans Day (Holiday) | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Late November 2026 (approx. 5 days, including Thanksgiving Day) |
| Winter Break | Mid-December 2026 – early January 2027 (approx. 2 weeks) |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, 18 January 2027 |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, 15 February 2027 |
| Spring Break | Monday, 15 March – Friday, 19 March 2027 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Last Day of School (Students) | Thursday, 27 May 2027 |
| Teacher Planning Day | Friday, 28 May 2027 |
Note: Sources vary slightly on exact day counts for Thanksgiving and Winter Break — confirm exact start/end dates via the official LCS calendar PDF before finalising travel plans.
Last verified: 29 June 2026 Official source: Leon County Schools — LCS Calendars (2026-2027 Regular Calendar)
Programs and Extracurricular Activities
Leon County Schools offers students access to:
- Magnet programs in STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics)
- Robotics clubs, drama productions, and varsity athletics, with several teams regularly competing for state championships
- Counseling services and mindfulness programs supporting student mental health and wellbeing
- Teacher workdays and professional development days throughout the year, during which students do not attend school
How Families Can Use This Calendar
Knowing the LCS calendar in advance helps families:
- Plan travel around the major breaks — Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break — rather than during instructional weeks
- Stay informed about teacher planning days, which fall on days students do not attend school
- Watch for district-wide updates, such as the 2026-2027 Head Start expansion, which may affect enrollment options for younger children
- Confirm exact dates with individual schools, as some details (like early release days near exams) can vary by campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Superintendent of Leon County Schools?
Rocky Hanna has served as Superintendent since 2016 and was re-elected in November 2024.
When does the 2026-2027 school year start for Leon County Schools?
The first day of school is Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
Are Leon County Schools expanding any programs for 2026-2027?
Yes. The district is expanding its Head Start program into three additional elementary schools, nearly doubling Pre-K enrollment to close to 1,200 students.
How large is Leon County Schools?
LCS serves approximately 34,000 students across more than 40 schools in Tallahassee and the surrounding area.
Who do I contact for school-specific queries?
Contact the Leon County Schools district office at (850) 487-7100 or visit leonschools.net for individual school directories.
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