What’s new across DC-area school districts this year?

WTOP's 2024 Back to School Series: What you need to know for the upcoming school year

From vaping, the cost of school supplies to cellphone policies, the WTOP team is studying up on hot-button topics in education across the D.C. region. Follow on air and online in our series “WTOP Goes Back to School” this August and September.

The end of the summer is quickly approaching and it’s almost time to pack the backpacks and lunch bags again.

Here’s what to know about what’s new in D.C.-area school systems this year.

DC

DC Public Schools 

Number of schools: 117

Total enrollment: 51,294

First Day: Aug. 26

What to know: 

Maryland

Frederick County Public Schools

Number of schools: 69 last year

Total enrollment: 48,905 projected

First Day: Aug. 21

What to know:

Montgomery County Public Schools

Number of schools: 210

Total enrollment: 160,770 last year

First Day: Aug. 26

What to know:

Prince George’s County Public Schools

Number of schools: 202 last year

Total enrollment: 131,325 last year

First Day: Aug. 26

What to know

Howard County Public Schools 

Number of schools: 78

Total enrollment: 57,633 last year

First Day: Aug. 26

  • This fall, the school system is assessing students use of cell phones. Under current policy, personal devices are supposed to be off and put away during the school day.

Anne Arundel County Public Schools 

Number of schools: 129, according to AACPS Transportation

Total enrollment: 84,346 last year

First Day: Aug. 26 or 27, depending on grade level

Virginia 

Arlington Public Schools

Number of schools: 42

Total enrollment: 27,536

First Day: Aug. 26

City of Alexandria Public Schools

Number of schools: 18

Total enrollment: 16,439 last year 

First Day: Aug. 19

What to know

  • The school system plans to fully adopt the academies model at Alexandria City High School. It will allow thousands of students to participate in small learning communities based on their interests.
  • Public schools in Alexandria are focused on creating a policy and plan for collective bargaining.
  • Alexandria is working toward establishing the school system’s next strategic plan.

Fairfax County Public Schools

Number of schools: 199

Total enrollment: 180,970 last year

First Day: Aug. 19

What to know

Loudoun County Public Schools

Number of schools: Opening 99th and 100th schools this year

Total enrollment: 82,028

First Day: Aug. 22 

What to know

  • Ten elementary schools are starting later beginning this school year in Loudoun County.
  • Schools will be closed for four extra days so teachers can finish trainings.
  • Updated cellphone use plan are scheduled to go into effect in Loudoun County Public Schools.
  • The district’s first primary school, Henrietta Lacks Elementary School, will open this fall, offering kindergarten through second grade.
  • An alternative school, North Star School, will also open.
  • New Health and Medical Sciences program, HAMSci, will open at Tuscarora High School.

Prince William County Public Schools

Number of schools: 99

Total enrollment: As of May, 91,739 for pre-K through 12th grade

First Day: Aug. 19

What to know

Stafford County Public Schools 

Number of schools: 33

Total enrollment: 32,000

First Day: Aug. 13 

What to know

Fredericksburg City Public Schools

Number of schools: 5

Total enrollment: 3,532 students

First Day: Aug. 6

What to know:

  • Fredericksburg City Public Schools’ students are the first in the region to head back to school. Classes start on Aug. 6.
  • Under a new policy, cell phones must be turned off and stored in pouches that lock during the school day. At the end of the day, students can unlock those pouches using a magnet.

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Scott Gelman

Scott Gelman is a digital editor and writer for WTOP. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the school’s student newspaper.

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