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Updated FAQJuly 23 Updates
When will school start?
The Marion County School Board approved a calendar that starts class options for students, as chosen by their parents, on Monday, August 24, for both traditional in-class learning and MCPSonline. This plan calls for a 170-day school year instead of the traditional 180-day school calendar.
As of now, the last day of school for all students will be May 26, 2021. Traditionally, seniors have been dismissed a week earlier, but to meet the state’s 900 instructional-hour requirement, all students will be in class through May 26, 2021.
All early release days are now full class days while most weather make-up days remain intact.
Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Breaks all remain unchanged.
When will school-based staff members start the new school year?
School-based staff members report on Monday, August 3, and will receive three weeks of professional development to prepare for the start of school and training on new safety standards.
What about extra-curricular activities like sports, band, cheerleading, and school clubs?
Quarter three for extra-curricular summer activities is extended until the School Board meets again on July 30. This decision was based on new information from the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletics Association) and uncertainty on when athletics and other activities will be allowed to resume.
July 20 UpdatesWill students wear masks in classrooms?
Masks or face shields will be required when social distancing is difficult or not possible (i.e. hallways, common areas, school bus, etc.).
Has the start date for the 2020-2021 school year changed?
The School Board has agreed to begin face to face, traditional instruction no earlier than August 24th. The start date for MCPSonline is still being considered.
July 14 Updates
This website is designed to inform families of the plans to responsibly reopen our campuses in August. We asked for your input this summer and received a clear message -- you want options.
To meet your requests, Marion County Public Schools is offering two options for returning to school full time in August. We're also sharing information on Marion Virtual and Marion eLearning Schools, two of our long-standing opportunities for families who want to explore the online world further. We believe the two options for returning to school full time and the virtual world provide opportunities to best meet your family's needs.
We encourage you to read these options thoroughly. After you have familiarized yourself with them, go to the blue “I Am Ready To Choose" button to indicate the option that best meets your family’s needs. The deadline to choose is July 22.
Your prompt response will help us finalize student schedules for the fall. Working together, we can ensure students start the new year ready for success.
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This option provides a traditional return to the school campus with enhanced health and safety precautions. Students will attend a full school day throughout the week, following standard bell times and schedules, including all core classes and other subject areas. Students will have the opportunity to interact directly with their teacher(s) and classmates, with school-based adjustments to benefit students and staff. The goal is to provide a traditional learning experience with added safeguards to protect the health and safety of all.
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This option is designed for families who want to maintain their connection to their enrolled school but don’t yet feel comfortable sending their student(s) back to school in August due to health or safety concerns. Students will attend school remotely following the standard school schedule and bell times.
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Continuing Opportunities
Marion eLearning and Marion Virtual School provide virtual learning to thousands of students each year. This full-time virtual experience is ideal for students who want more control over their learning path and pace and a flexible daily schedule. Students often work independently on assignments during non-traditional hours yet maintain regular contact with their teacher through web-based sessions, email, and telephone calls. Please note, this is not the same as distance learning; it is more independent and self-paced instead of being based on a same learning time each day.
For more information about courses or registration, please visit the Marion eLearning or Marion Virtual School webpage.
Learn More
We’ve compiled a list of questions and answers to help you consider your options. We’ve also added a list of actions we can all take to promote a healthy school environment.
