As the summer season continues, the Gulfport School District is pleased to share essential information for parents and guardians as we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year. This guide includes key dates, policy updates, and other helpful information.
First and foremost, be sure that your child is registered for school, whether they are a new or returning student. Register here. If you have any further questions about registration, please call the school for specific instructions and assistance. For the school supply list, click here.
Sixth and Ninth Grade Parents:
The first day of school for all sixth and ninth-grade students is Thursday, July 23, and it will be a 60% day.
Dismissal times for the day:
Middle Schools: 12:00 p.m.
The Learning Center: 11:30 a.m.
Gulfport High School: 12:30 p.m.
Ninth Grade Schedule Pickup and Parent Meeting:
Wednesday, July 22, 5:30-6:00 p.m. at Gulfport High School
Parent Meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the Admiral Theatre
2026-2027 Open House & Meet the Teacher Schedule
We invite all families to attend our upcoming campus events to drop off supplies and meet our dedicated educators.
School Name | Meet the Teacher / Supply Drop-Off | Open House Event |
|---|---|---|
28th Street Elementary | July 23 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | Sept 1 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
Anniston Elementary | July 23 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | Aug 25 (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM) |
Bayou View Elementary | July 23 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | Aug 25 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
Bayou View Middle | — | Aug 24 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
Central Elementary | July 23 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | Aug 27 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
Gulfport Central Middle | — | Aug 27 (6:00 PM) |
Gulfport High School | — | Aug 20 (6:00 PM) |
Pass Road Elementary | July 23 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) | Aug 27 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
West Elementary | July 23 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | Aug 18 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) |
To align with the Mississippi Department of Education guidelines, the Gulfport School District has updated its attendance policy to ensure student success and consistent classroom engagement. Parents and guardians should take note of the following key changes:
Excused Absence Limits: Excused absences are now limited to five per semester. This limit includes all excused absences, whether they are supported by a parent note or formal medical documentation.
Medical Documentation Requirements: Absences due to illness or injury beyond the third occurrence must be supported by a written excuse from a medical provider. This replaces the previous policy that allowed for unlimited medical absences with a doctor’s note.
Mandatory Notification: Parents or guardians will be formally notified after a student reaches their third absence, regardless of whether those absences are excused or unexcused.
Full-Day Count: To be counted present for a full day, students must attend at least 66% of the school day.
2026-2027 Academic Calendar Highlights
Stay ahead of the school year with these critical dates for student transitions and academic terms:
First Day of School: July 24, 2026. Please note that the 6th and 9th grade transition day is July 23.
Quarterly Terms: Q1 ends Sept 25; Q2 ends Dec 18; Q3 ends Mar 18; Q4 ends June 4.
Intersession Breaks: Sept 28-Oct 9, Jan 4-8, and Mar 22-25.
Our major holiday schedule for the upcoming year is as follows:
Labor Day: Sept 7
Thanksgiving: Nov 23-27
Winter Break: Dec 21-Jan 1
MLK Jr. Day: Jan 18
Mardi Gras: Feb 8-10
Spring Break: Mar 26-Apr 2
Memorial Day: May 31
To help plan, we have shared a graphic that includes all of these dates to help you plan vacations and appointments around the school schedule. You can find that here.
Click here for the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. Please note that a new application must be submitted every school year to maintain benefits.
For more information regarding registration, school supplies, or individual school requirements, please visit the district website or contact your child's school directly. To keep in touch, be sure to follow the Gulfport School District on Facebook and Instagram, as well as download the Gulfport School District app in the App Store or Google Play.