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For many families, the countdown to the first day of school means more than buying backpacks and pencils. It also means making sure enrollment is complete, transportation is set up and all of the last-minute details are in place before students head back to class.
Students in Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) return to school Tuesday, Aug. 11. To help parents prepare, the Branch Herald has compiled the district's most important back-to-school information into one easy guide.
The first day of classes is Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Elementary schools
7:30 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.
Middle schools
8:10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
High schools
8:40 a.m. to 4:05 p.m.
Early College High School
8 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
Families can still enroll students online or at the CFBISD Enrollment Center, 1820 Pearl St. in Carrollton.
Regular hours are:
Extended enrollment hours are available before school begins:
Families who ride the bus should review transportation information before school starts.
CFBISD expects bus routes to change during the first few weeks of school as enrollment and ridership stabilize. Stops without riders for three consecutive days may be temporarily removed until service is needed again.
This year also marks the full implementation of the district's bus badge program after last year's pilot program.
Students are expected to bring their bus badge every day. The district says campuses will no longer issue day passes. Students who arrive without a badge must either pay a $5 replacement fee or be picked up by a parent or guardian that day.
Parents can also download the new Zonar Bus Suite app, which allows families to:
Questions about transportation can be directed to the Transportation Department at 972-968-6320 or cfbbusroutes@cfbisd.edu.
ParentSquare is now the district's primary communication platform.
The app provides school announcements, teacher messages, emergency notifications and other important district updates in one location.
Before school starts, parents should verify their contact information in Parent Self-Serve.
The portal also provides access to grades, attendance, schedules and other student information.
Families are encouraged to create a SchoolCafé account before school begins.
SchoolCafé allows parents to:
Generic school supply lists for the 2026-27 school year are available online. Some campuses may have additional classroom-specific supply lists, so families should also check with their child's school.
If you're shopping this weekend, don't forget that Texas' Tax-Free Weekend is Aug. 7-9, allowing shoppers to purchase many school supplies, clothing, shoes and backpacks without paying state or local sales tax on qualifying items.
Students must meet Texas immunization requirements before attending class.
CFBISD will host back-to-school immunization clinics:
Both clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ESDC Building, 1820 Pearl St., Carrollton.
Families should bring a current copy of their student's immunization record.
Parents can also review emergency procedures, inclement weather information and other campus safety resources before the school year begins.
CFBISD's Back-to-School Hotline opens at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Families needing assistance during the first week of school can call 972-968-6500.
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