OCALA, FL (352Today.com) — With the first day of school in Marion County Public Schools set for Monday, August 11, 2025, parents are preparing for a smooth start to the academic year. Here’s a few things you need to know—from orientation schedules and bell times to transportation and top concerns families face.
Orientation helps ease first-day jitters
MCPS orientations begin in early August to help both new and returning families get familiar with schools. These meet-and-greet sessions introduce students to teachers, bell schedules, and extracurricular options. Parents are encouraged to register early to avoid long lines on opening day and ensure their Family Access accounts are activated for real-time updates on grades and attendance.
Check out this previous 352 Today article for orientation times: Marion County school orientations set: What parents need to know before the first day – 352today
Bell times: Know when school starts and ends
Marion County follows a three-tiered bus schedule to manage efficient transportation. Expect the following:
- Elementary schools generally begin at 7:35 a.m. and dismiss around 2:10 p.m.
- Middle schools typically start at 9:20 a.m., with a couple of exceptions, and release by 3:55–4:11 p.m.
- High schools begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m., with Lake Weir High starting at 8:40 a.m., ending at 3:45 p.m.
Click here to confirm your school’s bell times.
Bus routes & transportation info
This year, parents are being asked to download the My Ride K-12 app to get bus route information for their child. The app provides up-to-date details on bus numbers, pick-up and drop-off times, and stop locations. The 2025–2026 bus schedule will be available in the app as soon as it’s released.
You can find instructions and the download link on the Marion County Public Schools website here: School Bus Schedule Information
Afterschool programs–details parents should know
Marion County Public Schools offer the Marion Afterschool Programs (MAP) for kindergarten through 8th grade at 40 school sites across the district, serving nearly 3,000 students daily. With operating hours from morning (6:30 a.m.) through the school day until 6 p.m., including early release days, the program provides safe, structured care well beyond the last bell. Programming includes supervised homework zones, literacy activities, wellness lessons on nutrition and exercise, and enrichment aligned with Florida standards—giving students a blend of academic support and social engagement.
Click here to learn more about Marion Afterschool programs.
Pro tips for a stress-free first day
- Attend your scheduled school orientation for practical details like teacher assignments and transport logistics.
- Arrive early to handle parking, pick-up/drop-off zones, and bus stop navigation.
- Label everything: books, backpacks, water bottles—to help prevent mix-ups.
- Sync calendars with the district’s 2025–2026 instructional calendar, including holidays like Labor Day on September 1, 2025 and Spring Break during March 16–20, 2026
Download MCPS 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar here.
Starting school is nerve-wracking, but preparation puts families ahead of the curve. With orientation completed, bus routes confirmed, and bell times memorized, Monday, August 11 can be a successful and stress-free first step into the new school year.