Illinois’ second-largest school district has announced changes to its start times and bus schedules for the next school year.
According to a letter to families and staff, District U-46 announced that start times for elementary and middle schoolers will be different for the 2026-27 school year, in addition to changes to transportation routes and the overall school calendar.
The district said the changes will mean all elementary schools will now start at the same time, while middle schools will see a five-minute change.
The altered schedules aim to “improve on-time bus arrivals and reduce delays,” the district said.
The new times include:
- Elementary Schools: 7:55 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
- Middle Schools: 9:05 a.m.-3:41 p.m.
- High Schools: 7:40 a.m.-2:55 p.m. (No change)
Families will be able to access “detailed route information” for busses beginning on Aug. 24.
“The Transportation Department is currently analyzing routes based on updated attendance boundaries and enrollment data, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and reasonable ride times,” the district’s letter stated.
The first day of school will be Aug. 27 for K-12, while the preschool will be on Sept. 3.
District U-46 covers several northwest Chicago suburbs, including parts of Bartlett, Elgin, Hanover Park, South Elgin, Streamwood, Wayne, Carol Stream, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Schaumburg and West Chicago.
The district has more than 33,000 students across 56 schools, according to the district’s website.
Similarly, Chicago Public Schools students will also see a scheduling change this year.
Students in kindergarten through grade 12 can look forward to 81 days of summer before the 2026-2027 school year, a whole two weeks longer than last summer.
