The Seattle School District is considering changing school-start times district-wide that would be made effective this September.

A presentation was made to the School Board on March 4 regarding the potential changes.

Pending board approval, K-8 schools, middle schools and high schools would all start at 8 a.m.; and elementary schools would start at 9:15 a.m. Other changes are also recommended that would shorten ride times for many students. 


A School Board vote on transportation standards is planned for March 18. Further study of start times and customer satisfaction with transportation services will be undertaken by a Transportation Services Task Force.


Last year, Seattle Public Schools requested an external review of transportation services in order to receive feedback on what is working well and what needs to be improved. Among other findings, the reviewers noted that school districts across the nation coordinate start times to maximize effectiveness of transportation services and to provide consistent service to students and families.

They recommended that Seattle Public Schools consider this change, according to the district.