CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A decades-old state law controls when the school year starts.
Let's connect the dots.
Right now, schools in North Carolina are forced to start the year no earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end around June 11. Those dates face criticism from local districts each year who want to start the academic year earlier.
North Carolina is one of a dozen or so states mandating when schools can start. That law was first passed in 2004 and has been amended several times.
For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.
Current dates fall in line with the preference of travel and tourism industries, which wants the school year to start as late in August as possible so families can vacation longer.
But local districts want schools to more closely match when most colleges and charter schools start so kids can take end-of-semester exams before winter break.
North Carolina's general assembly is now looking to give schools flexibility, so districts can start school as early as Aug. 10. If passed, that change would go into effect for the next school year.
FREE PODCASTS
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.