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Opelika City Schools 2025 Back to School Guide

Posted Date: 7/18/25 (2:00 PM)
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The Opelika City Schools logo features a shield and text on a black background.

Back to School 2025

Educating Every Child, Every Day.

Everything You Need to Know!

The countdown is on! We’re excited to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, for the first day of school. Below you’ll find key dates, events, and resources to help your family prepare.

Want more details? All of this information is featured in the upcoming edition of The Invitation, Opelika City Schools’ biannual newsletter. Check your mailbox soon!
 
A school staff member greets students as they leave the building.

Key Back to School Dates

Pre-K Orientation: August 4
  • 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM (Families must attend one session)
Meet Your Teacher (K-5): August 4
  • Scheduled by teachers
Fox Run 6th Grade Schedule Pick-Up: August 4
(By Team)
  • 8 AM-9 AM: Avengers, Blazers, and Guardians
  • 9:15 AM-10:15 AM: Knights and Warriors
OMS 7th-8th Grade Schedules: August 4
  • 9 AM-10 AM: 7th Grade (Boys Gym)
  • 10:30 AM-11:30 AM: 8th Grade (Boys Gym)
OHS Schedules:
  • July 18 (10th-12th Grades)
  • July 24 for 9th Grade at Freshmen Orientation
Children's hands hold colorful markers on a table, ready for art.

School Supply Lists

Get the supply lists for each grade level:
 

2025-26 School Calendar

Stay on top of important dates! Access the full school year calendar here.
A school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, with important dates highlighted.
 
Abstract graphic with four colored circles connected by a square outline.

New Communication Platform: ParentSquare

We’re excited to introduce ParentSquare, our new unified communications platform! Stay connected with teachers, schools, and the district—all in one place.
  • School/class info via text, email, or app
  • View calendars, sign up to volunteer, RSVP for events
  • Private messaging with teachers and staff


Download the ParentSquare App for free on iOS and Android.
 

New State Law Bans Student Cellphone Use in Schools

Governor Kay Ivey recently signed the FOCUS Act into law, banning student cellphone use during the school day in all Alabama public schools.

This law is designed to reduce distractions in the classroom, improve student engagement, and promote online safety. Exceptions are allowed for emergencies, health conditions, or educational purposes.

Each school will provide families with campus-specific information about how the law will be implemented before the start of the school.

For more information about the FOCUS Act, see this article.
A red circle with a diagonal line through a smartphone icon.
 

Open House Schedule

OCS Pre-K: August 4
  • 8:00 AM or 6:00 PM
Carver Primary: September 2
  • Kindergarten - 5:30 PM
  • 1st Grade - 6:00 PM
  • 2nd Grade - 6:30 PM
Jeter & Southview Primary: August 21
  • Kindergarten - 5:30 PM
  • 1st Grade - 6:00 PM
  • 2nd Grade - 6:30 PM
Morris Avenue Intermediate: August 19
  • 4th/5th Grades - 5:15 PM
  • Title I Presentation - 5:45 PM
  • 3rd Grade - 6:00 PM
Northside Intermediate: September 2
  • Title I Presentation- 5:45 PM
  • Open House - 6:00 PM
West Forest Intermediate: August 21
  • 3rd-5th Grades - 6:00 PM
Fox Run School: August 25
  • Title I Presentation & Open House - 5:45 PM
Opelika Middle School: August 26
  • 6:00 PM
Opelika High School: August 18
  • 6:00 PM
Opelika Learning Center: August 20
  • 12:30 PM–4:30 PM
 
Students eat lunch at tables in the Fox Run School cafeteria.

Free Breakfast & Lunch for All Students + Menus

This year, every OCS student eats breakfast and lunch free under the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.

  • No applications or paperwork needed
  • Every student eats at no cost to families

Students may still purchase extra items or a la carte options (like extra milk or snacks) using funds from their MySchoolBucks account.

Staff & Visitors Breakfast: $3.25
Staff & Visitors Lunch: $5.00
Ice Cream: $1.00



 

School Hours

OCS Pre-K
  • 7:45 AM – 2:15 PM
Carver Primary School
  • 7:40 AM – 2:45 PM
Jeter Primary School
  • 7:40 AM – 2:45 PM
Southview Primary School
  • 7:40 AM – 2:45 PM
Morris Avenue Intermediate School
  • 7:45 AM – 2:50 PM
Northside Intermediate School
  • 7:45 AM – 2:50 PM
West Forest Intermediate School
  • 7:45 AM – 2:50 PM
Fox Run School
  • 7:55 AM – 3:15 PM
Opelika Middle School
  • 7:50 AM – 3:24 PM
Opelika High School
  • 7:55 AM – 3:25 PM
Opelika Learning Center
  • 7:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Board of Education (Central Office)
  • 7:30 AM – 4:15 PM
 

Buses & Transportation

Bus schedules will be available at each school and can be picked up on the first day of classes. If your student is a bus rider, download the Stopfinder app for access to the most accurate bus route information.

The Stopfinder logo features a smiling stop sign on a map background.
 

New Traffic Pattern at OHS

OHS worked with the Opelika Police Department to address traffic challenges during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. We've created a new traffic flow that begins on the first day of school, August 6th, to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and create a smoother drop-off and pick-up experience.

What to Expect & How to Prepare:
  • Review the updated routes shown in the attached map.
  • Allow extra time as we all adjust to the new traffic flow.
  • This specific pattern is for arrival and dismissal times. You will still be able to use the entrance at the traffic light when you come to campus outside of arrival and dismissal times.
  • Police officers will be helping direct traffic and control the Lake Condy traffic light.
  • Expect an adjustment period, and please be patient with fellow drivers.

Thank you for helping us create a safer and more efficient experience for everyone!
An aerial view of Opelika High School shows traffic flow patterns for 2025-2026.
 

Immunizations

Required by Alabama Law: Submit updated immunization records before August 6, 2025. Tdap booster required before 6th grade.
A healthcare professional examines a young patient's hand in an exam room.