Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is the public school district serving Jacksonville, Florida — the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States. DCPS is the 6th-largest school district in Florida and the 22nd-largest in the United States, serving approximately 129,000 students across more than 190 schools.

The district is led by Superintendent Christopher Bernier, who was sworn in on 1 July 2024. DCPS offers a wide range of academic pathways, including Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone, Cambridge AICE, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, dual enrollment, and career and technical education (CTE) academies. The district also operates as a school-choice system, giving families access to both neighbourhood schools and specialty magnet programmes.

Notable Schools and Recognition

DCPS operates several nationally recognised specialised schools, including the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and Stanton College Preparatory School, both consistently ranked among the top high schools in Florida and nationally. The district reports a 95.3% graduation rate and a 97.6% pass rate in college-credit courses, alongside a strong inclusive-education record, with 80% of students with disabilities learning in general education settings.

District Update for 2026-2027: Full Thanksgiving Week Off

A notable change for the 2026-2027 school year is that the Duval County School Board approved a full week off for students during Thanksgiving, following feedback from a calendar committee made up of parents, employees, and community members. This is a shift from previous years’ shorter Thanksgiving breaks. Other key dates — including the first and last day of school, Winter Break, and Spring Break — remain consistent with prior calendar planning.

District Contact Information

Duval County Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates

Weather Makeup Days (Built into Calendar)

Given Jacksonville’s exposure to tropical storms and hurricanes, DCPS designates built-in weather makeup days: 29 March, 26 April, 1 June, and 2 June 2027. If these days are not needed due to weather closures, they may become additional days off, depending on district decisions closer to the date.

Note: Florida state law requires approximately 180 instructional days per academic year. Always check the official DCPS calendar closer to the date, as weather-related adjustments can shift the exact last day of school.

Last verified: 30 June 2026. Official source: Duval County Public Schools — 2026-2027 Academic Calendar

Students and Families Support

DCPS supports students and families through comprehensive resources accessible via the OneView portal, including enrollment, transportation, and academic records management. Programmes such as the Parent Academy and Title initiatives provide workshops and tools to support student achievement and parent engagement. The district also operates Full Service Schools offering counselling, health services, and after-school programmes, alongside an Extended Day Program for before- and after-school care.

Safety and Security

DCPS prioritises safety through a comprehensive approach including armed officers at every school, advanced staff training, and emergency alert systems. Security measures include locked entrances, surveillance cameras, and weapons detection systems in high schools. Regular drills and behavioural threat assessments are conducted in collaboration with local law enforcement.

Transportation

Families register for bus transportation through the district’s parent portal. Only students living beyond the required distance from their assigned school are eligible for transportation. Bus stop information and times become available online before the school year begins, and families are encouraged to submit requests early, as processing may take several days.

School Meals

DCPS meals are prepared with minimally processed, locally sourced ingredients, emphasising whole grains, fresh produce, and low-sugar options, meeting USDA nutrition standards under the district’s Wellness Policy. Standard meals are free for all students, with Smart Snack-approved à la carte items available for purchase via cash or MySchoolBucks.

Technology

DCPS integrates technology to enhance both education and operational efficiency. Initiatives include the Emergency Connectivity Fund, providing take-home laptops and access to Microsoft Office for home use, alongside a BYOD network for filtered internet access. Educators also utilise AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot and PowerBuddy, to streamline tasks and enhance learning experiences.

Employment

DCPS offers diverse employment opportunities across teaching, administrative, support, and safety roles across its 190+ schools. The hiring process includes submitting an online application, connecting with recruitment staff, and completing onboarding steps such as background checks, with ongoing mentoring programmes supporting career advancement within the district.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2026-2027 school year start for Duval County Public Schools?

The first day of school is Monday, 10 August 2026.

Is there a full week off for Thanksgiving in 2026-2027?

Yes. The Duval County School Board approved a full Thanksgiving week off for students, a change from previous shorter breaks.

When is Spring Break for DCPS in 2027?

Spring Break runs Monday 15 – Friday 19 March 2027.

Who is the current Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools?

Christopher Bernier was sworn in on 1 July 2024.

How large is Duval County Public Schools?

DCPS serves approximately 129,000 students across more than 190 schools, making it the 6th-largest district in Florida.

Who do I contact for school-specific queries?

Contact the DCPS main office at (904) 390-2000, or visit duvalschools.org for individual school directories.

Related Florida / USA School Calendars

• Collier County Schools Calendar
• Brevard County Schools Calendar
• Leon County Schools Calendar
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