School Bell Times Project Community Survey

As part of the school bell times study, we are seeking input from students, parents, and staff regarding start and end times for elementary, middle, and high schools. Your input is valued and will be taken into consideration as the Technical Advisory Team (TAT) that is comprised of APS employees and parents recommends a scenario that will be presented to the School Board on April 28. The TAT will be reviewing five scenarios (please review below) to determine the best option to recommend to the School Board for consideration. The new bell times will go into effect for the 2022-2023 school year. Each of the scenarios noted below adds up to an additional ten minutes of instruction to the school day for all grade levels.

The survey ended on Monday, March 28, 2022. For additional information or questions, email engage@apsva.us.

Bell Time Scenarios –  PDF

Current Schedule  

Scenario 1

Scenario 1 maintains the current bell time structure with the movement of some elementary schools to different times; however, more runs are in the first two tiers to reduce the demand for buses in the third tier. Doing so, will allow more drivers to be available to support extra-curricular activities during contractual hours.

Scenario 2

Scenario 2 creates more time between tiers allowing the fleet to operate more efficiently and increase on-time arrivals. Elementary schools are divided into two starting times instead of the current three starting times. All middle schools are slated to start later in the morning.

Scenario 3

Scenario 3 creates more time between runs and will potentially reduce the number of buses needed to transport students to and from schools. This scenario also operates fewer buses in the third tier allowing the flexibility of drivers being utilized for extra-curricular activities during contractual hours.

Scenario 4

Scenario 4 operates fewer runs in the third tier allowing the flexibility of drivers being utilized for extra-curricular activities during contractual hours. Most of the elementary schools will be starting earlier versus the current schedule of starting later in the morning. All middle schools are slated to start later in the morning.

Scenario 5

Scenario 5 operates fewer runs in the third tier allowing the flexibility of drivers being utilized for extra-curricular activities during contractual hours. Elementary schools will be divided into two groups – one group with an earlier start time and one group with a later start time.