Stafford County’s elementary schools will operate on a new tiered schedule in the next school year.
For the 2025-2026 school year, Tier 2-A’s school day will start at 8:15 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. Schools included in this tier are Falmouth, Grafton Village, Hampton Oaks, Kate Wallter Barrett, Margaret Brent, Rockhill, Rocky Run, Stafford, and Winding Creek.
Tier 2-B’s school day will start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m. Schools included in this tier are Anthony Burns, Conway, Ferry Farm, Garrisonville, Hartwood, Anne E. Moncure, Park Ridge, and Widewater.
“We believe the change to our elementary schedule will help improve the reliability of our transportation and reduce the busing delays that have impacted many of our students and families,” Superintendent Daniel Smith said in an announcement about the change. “While this is the best decision for our school community, we know that this marks a significant shift for many of our families. Our focus is on ensuring this transition is as smooth as possible for our students, staff and parents.”
No changes are being made to the schedules of the division’s middle or high schools.
A tiered start and end time will allow the school system to reduce delays, ensure timely afternoon dismissals, support families in planning for after-school care and provide more balanced routes for drivers, administrators said.
