LORAIN, OHIO — With summer winding down, Lorain City Schools is preparing for the start of the 2025–2026 school year by rolling out significant changes to school schedules, transportation eligibility, and student support programs. The district’s Titan Talk newsletter and its online Back-to-School Hub outline everything families need to know to get ready for Day One.
This year’s launch includes staggered start dates, new bell schedules, and expanded access to resources like free school supplies and transportation assistance. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham called on families to make the first days count. “A strong start leads to a strong year,” he said, urging families to prioritize consistent attendance.
📅 Start Dates Vary by Grade Level
Students will return to class on different days depending on their grade:
- Preschool: August 26
- Kindergarten:
- August 20 – Screening begins (families will receive individual dates)
- August 27 – First full day
- Elementary (Grades 1–5): August 20
- Middle School (Grades 6–8):
- August 20 – Grade 6 only
- August 21 – All students attend
- High School (Grades 9–12):
- August 20 – Grade 9 only
- August 21 – All students attend
District leaders say the staggered rollout is designed to help younger and transitioning students adjust to new buildings and routines.
⏰ Updated Daily Bell Schedules
Start and dismissal times have been adjusted across the district in an effort to better align with student needs and staff schedules:
- Lorain High School
- Doors Open: 7:20 AM | Class Begins: 7:35 AM | Dismissal: 2:30 PM
- Middle Schools (General Johnnie Wilson, Longfellow, Southview)
- Doors Open: 8:30 AM | Class Begins: 8:45 AM | Dismissal: 3:30 PM
- Elementary Schools (PreK–5):
- Doors Open: 8:00 AM | Class Begins: 8:15 AM | Dismissal: 3:00 PM
- Preschool:
- Doors Open: 8:00 AM | Class Begins: 8:15 AM | Dismissal: 1:45 PM
The schedule change was developed collaboratively with input from staff, families, and the Board of Education.
🚌 Transportation Eligibility and Requirements
Students in grades K–12 are eligible for free transportation if they:
- Live more than 2 miles from their assigned school, or
- Have transportation services included in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Families living within 2 miles can request bus service if space is available on existing routes.
All students must submit a new transportation request form for 2025–26, even if they used the bus last year. Forms are available now at LorainSchools.org/backtoschool.
🎒 Free School Supplies & Donation Drives
Several community events are scheduled to help families prepare:
- Stuff the Bus Supply Drives:
- Walmart Supercenter (Leavitt Rd): August 2 & August 9 | 9 AM – 5 PM
- Mexican Mutual Society: August 10 | 11 AM – 2 PM
- GCI School Supply Giveaway:
- August 15 | 9 AM – 1 PM at Lorain High School
- Sponsored by Grafton Correctional Institution, open to elementary students while supplies last
These events aim to make sure every student starts the year with the tools they need.
🛍️ Ohio Sales Tax Holiday: August 1–14
From August 1 through August 14, families can purchase school supplies and clothing tax-free statewide on eligible items up to $500 each. The holiday applies to in-store and online purchases.
Full details are available at Tax.Ohio.Gov.
📌 Back-to-School Hub Offers One-Stop Access
Lorain City Schools encourages families to visit their Back-to-School Hub for:
- School supply lists
- FinalForms student update portal
- Transportation request forms
- Uniform policies
- Full calendar of start dates and events
Final Reminder: District staff return August 4 to begin preparations. Open house dates and welcome-back activities will be shared soon, with the district promising transparency and support as students return to the classroom.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure every child starts strong,” Dr. Graham said.