Closings, Delays & Early Dismissals

Inclement Weather Decisions

Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) approaches inclement weather decisions with the safety of our students, staff, and other members of our community as our primary concern. We consider information from several sources to help us reach each decision, including:

  • Road conditions for bus travel and student and staff drivers;
  • Weather forecasts; and
  • Assessments by law enforcement, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and other localities.

With a geographical area of nearly 750 square miles, Albemarle County’s large size and mixture of rural and urban settings creates a unique challenge for the school division in determining school closings, delays, and early dismissals. Our buses travel roads ranging from multi-lane highways to narrow dirt roads crossing mountains and one-lane bridges. Often roads in the urban ring around Charlottesville may be clear while those in more rural areas may be inaccessible for a longer period of time following a storm.

For answers to common questions, please see our Inclement Weather FAQs.

Schedule Options

ACPS considers four options when bad weather becomes a factor in the school schedule:

  • Delay the opening of school by one hour;
  • Delay the opening of school by two hours;
  • Dismiss school early; or
  • Cancel school for the day.

Please note: ACPS will consider individual school closures in response to loss of power.

Decision & Communication Timelines

Each inclement weather event is unique. When ACPS is facing adverse weather conditions, we strive to make and communicate decisions that impact the school schedule as early as possible to allow families and staff to prepare for the disruption to their schedules.

Half-Day Dismissal & Early Closings

Last Day of School: June 7, 2024

The last day of the 2023-24 school year for students will be Friday, June 7. This is a half-day for students, followed by a half-workday for teachers.

The last day of work for teachers is Monday, June 10.

Information for Staff

Fastest Ways to Find Out About School Schedule Changes
Essential Personnel

Essential personnel, such as school-based Building Services employees and custodians, are expected to work during building delays and closures, regardless of weather. Supervisors will ensure that employees are aware of the appropriate reporting schedules for different situations.

Find Out About School Schedule Changes

Families and other community members can learn the division’s school schedule status during inclement weather in several ways:

School Schedule Hotline

Community members may call 434-296-5886 to listen to a prerecorded message about school operations for the day. This recording is updated by 5:30 a.m.

Para español, llame al 434-975-9332.

Electronic Alert: Phone, Email and/or Text

Parents and guardians are provided an opportunity at the start of each school year to enroll in the Electronic School Notification System to receive notifications from the school division by phone (landline or cellular), email and/or text. Parents and guardians may also enroll at any time or change their preferences by contacting their child’s school.

ACPS Website

The division will activate our web alert system to help communicate school schedule changes. The system uses pop-up messages to alert website visitors to important information.

Social Media

“Like” us on Facebook or “Follow” us on X (formerly Twitter).

Local Media Outlets

School schedule changes are broadcast on several local radio and television stations, as well as local media websites.

Building Rentals

To find out if our facilities will be available for scheduled building rentals during inclement weather, call the Community Building Usage Hotline at 434-975-9331.

Policy Reference

School Board Policy GCQCCoverage of Schools Due to Weather and/or Emergency

Are You Registered for Community Emergency Alerts?

CUAECC logo 2022

The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center (CUAECC) invites community members to sign up for their emergency alert service: CUA 911 Alerts. This free service will provide timely notifications, including severe weather alerts, evacuation notices, public safety alerts, and other emergency notifications.