Denton ISD students return to class Thursday, Aug. 13, the first day of the 2026-27 school year.
The district enrolls more than 33,000 students and employs about 4,600 staff.
Bell times
All Denton ISD schools of the same level run on the same schedule:
- Elementary (K-5): 7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Middle school (6-8): 8:15 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
- High school (9-12): 8:50 a.m. to 4:10 p.m.
Early childhood runs on its own times: the Ann Windle School for Young Children 7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., pre-K and early childhood special education 7:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., and deaf education and Head Start 7:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
When the buses actually arrive
Denton ISD publishes its target bus times at each campus, which is useful for judging how much slack the morning has:
- Elementary: buses arrive by 7:10 a.m.; in the afternoon they are there at 3:00 and depart at 3:07.
- Middle school: buses arrive by 7:45 a.m.; afternoon arrival 3:35, departure 3:42.
- High school: buses arrive by 8:40 a.m.; afternoon arrival 4:10, departure 4:20.
Registering to ride
Registration for transportation runs through the Edulog Parent Portal app.
Eligibility requires living at least two miles from the campus. The district measures that along the shortest route from the residential property line to the school property line, which is a stricter measure than a straight-line distance and can surprise families near the boundary.
The transportation page also carries attendance zones, forms and waivers, and a 2026-27 school locator.
Other dates on the calendar
Elementary Back to School Night is Aug. 11, ahead of the first day. Middle school open houses are Aug. 17, and high school open houses come later, on Sept. 14. Times vary by campus, so the district directs families to their own school's website.
One rule for older students: Denton ISD requires all secondary students in grades 6-12 to carry their official school ID while on district property, and at all times when attending events at the C.H. Collins and Bill Carrico athletic complexes. Students must present it when asked by stadium personnel, school officials or law enforcement.
Sources
https://www.dentonisd.org/families/family-resources/back-to-school-information
https://www.dentonisd.org/our-district/departments-services/operations/transportation
