NOTE: Fisher Middle-High start/end time is 7:15 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.

The past two years have been challenging for students, especially those in high school. Jefferson Parish Schools’ new back-to-school approach is designed to help students get back into the high school experience. Smart Start uses the first four days of school to give grades 9-12 their own dedicated first day of school.

Prior to all high school grades attending school on August 12, educators will use the grade-specific days to help high school students make the most of the academic, extracurricular, and wellbeing opportunities offered by the state’s largest school system.

JP Schools students in grades 9-12 will operate on the Smart Start schedule for the first week of school. Students in grades pre-K to 8 are not impacted and will operate on their normal schedule. In schools that serve high school as well as middle or elementary grades, only students in grades 9-12 will participate in the Smart Start schedule.

This small investment of time during the first week of school will go a long way in helping our students build a foundation for a successful year. High school is a critical time in a child’s life and we want to make sure they understand the many opportunities, activities, and support offered in Jefferson Parish Schools.

JP Schools based this change on feedback from conversations with groups of students, families, teachers, counselors, and administrators. School leaders will determine the details of their Smart Start schedules based on the unique needs of their school community. Smart Start gives educators an opportunity for more individualized discussions about a number of school policies, benefits, and supports such as:

• Academic orientation and expectations
• General school policies, processes, and programs
• Career and college readiness
• School culture and climate
• Athletics and extracurricular opportunities
• Student wellbeing support
• Participating in high school experience

Students in grades 9-12 will only attend school on their designated days August 8-11. All high school students will attend starting August 12. Teachers will attend school each day. High school students will still exceed the number of instructional minutes required by the state due to additional minutes being built into the academic calendar. While Smart Start will only take place the first week of school, school leaders are committed to adjusting schedules throughout the year to assist students.

The Jefferson Parish School Board unanimously approved the staggered start for high school students during the July 6 meeting. The first day of school for students in grades 1-8 is August 8. Pre-K and kindergarten students start on August 11-12.