Forty-one schools have adopted an intersession calendar, which extends the school year to start at the beginning of August and end in late June.
These are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the intersession calendar.
Why are the schools extending the school year?
Data shows the pandemic has seriously impacted student learning. Creating more time to learn is part of a comprehensive strategy Dallas ISD is taking to ensure students don’t fall behind because of the pandemic.
What is the intersession calendar?
The intersession calendar extends the school year to start Aug. 9 and end June 23. Select students will be asked to start on Aug. 4 for the August Accelerator.
The intersession calendar creates time for five additional intersession weeks spread throughout the year.
During the intersession weeks, select students have opportunities for more personalized attention in smaller groups, while teachers will benefit from additional planning time at the start of every intersession week. Not all students will be asked to attend the extra intersession weeks.
When are the intersession weeks?
The additional intersession weeks are spread throughout the school year. Students will have off the first day of each intersession week. Click here to see the full intersession calendar.
The intersession weeks are:
- Sept. 21-24
- Nov. 2–5
- Jan. 25–28
- Feb. 23–25
- June 1–3
What students will attend the extra intersession weeks?
Each of the 41 schools will invite students who would benefit the most and meet certain criteria to attend the extra intersession weeks. Based on their need, some students will be invited to attend all five intersession weeks, while others will be invited to attend fewer weeks.
After the invitations go out to the identified students and they confirm their attendance, other families at the school can opt in to have their students attend some or all of the intersession weeks.
Will transportation and meals be provided?
Yes, students who ride the bus will still be able to ride the bus to school on the intersession weeks. Meals will also be provided to students during the extra intersession weeks.
Can students receiving special education services attend school in the extra intersession weeks?
Yes, students who are in a specialized unit can attend school every intersession day. These students will have a consistent experience throughout the year.
How did the schools decide to move forward with the intersession calendar?
The schools decided to move forward with the extended school year calendar after survey results showed strong support from parents, teachers, and school staff. These schools are leaders in innovating new approaches to improve outcomes and opportunities for students.
