Monday, Aug. 25, marks the first day of the 2025-2026 school year for thousands of traditional calendar students across Wake, Durham, Johnston, Cumberland and many other counties.

Gov. Josh Stein greeted students at Washington Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh. He was joined by North Carolina superintendent Mo Green.

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"It really is the most important institution we have in the state, because I firmly believe what you achieve in life should not be determined where you come from," Stein said. "When you open up these doors in public schools, you are opening up a bright and better future."

Both Wake County Public School System schools and Durham Public Schools will switch to using the "Infinite Campus" online portal for parents and students. The software replaces Power School,  which was recently hit with hacks and threats.

Infinite Campus gives families access to attendance, grades and assignments. Parents should have received information from their child's district about creating an account. Those who haven't can get more information about Infinite Campus online for Wake and Durham families. 

Wake County schools: By the numbers

Around 161,000 students will be served at 203 Wake County public schools this year, according to the district. Those include four new schools: Rex Road Elementary in Holly Springs, Pleasant Plains Elementary in Apex, Bowling Road Elementary in Fuquay-Varina and Felton Grove High in Apex.

The district is employing 10,300 teachers for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Wake County's 564 school bus routes are fully staffed with assigned bus drivers, according to the district, which is promising news amid a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers.

It's also the first day of school for students in Durham, Orange, Johnston, Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Cumberland schools. Find school calendars and holidays here.

Lunch prices increase again

There are some changes in place for Wake County families this year, as the price of school meals has increased for a fourth-straight year due to rising food and delivery costs. New this year, free breakfast will be offered to all students at Carroll Magnet Middle, Garner Magnet High and South Garner High School. Families can apply for free or reduced lunch online.

New Wake County cellphone policy

New cellphone restrictions will be in place Monday as Wake County students return to class.

Some schools already had individual rules in place, the Wake County Board of Education approved a district-wide policy over the summer. At a base level, the policy keeps most elementary and middle school students off of their phones all day, while allowing some exceptions at the high school level. 

The high school policy requires phones and other wireless communication devices to be stored in a locker, backpack or some other place that is out of sight. It also requires smartwatches to be disconnected from smartphones. Phones are allowed when teachers authorize their use for learning or during non-instructional times, such as lunch or transition times.

Exceptions at all schools include allowing cellphones for students with approved health, safety or communication needs.

Felton Grove High School Principal Robert Morrison told WRAL News that high school students are expected to keep their cellphones on silent mode and in their backpacks during class. The district now allows staff to confiscate phones if students do not comply. 

"Our policy is they keep them in the bags and on silent from bell to bell, unless instructed to by the teacher," Morrison said. "And we're very fortunate. This is only 9th and 10th. I think that is an easier transition for us, as opposed to a normal 9-12 high school."

Teachers, bus drivers needed in Durham

As the new school year begins, Durham Public Schools (DPS) still needs to hire more teachers and bus drivers. On Monday, the district's superintendent said the district still needs about 113 teachers.

The DPS vacancy rate for instructional assistants is at 5.48%, and 10 bus driver positions are open.

Anthony White, executive director of auxiliary services, oversees transportation for the district. He said they’re offering new benefits to attract more applicants.

"We want to have an investment in our drivers and not just a paycheck," White said. "But we want to also pour into them as individuals. We want to make sure they are building their capacity. We want to make sure we’re growing the whole child but also making sure that we are lifting up our adults who are supporting our children each day."

5 On Your Side shops for school supplies

5 On Your Side went shopping to find where school supplies cost less, comparing the costs of six items across stores like Walmart, Target and Dollar Tree. Here are the findings.

You can also read up on the best back-to-school laptop deals from Consumer Reports.  

Back to school jitters? Tips for families

WRAL.com has numerous other stories for children and parents as they get ready for the return of the school day routine and balancing assignments with work and family responsibilities.

Share your photos

It's time to kick off a new school year, and what better way to celebrate than sharing your first day of school photos! Whether a traditional or year-round student, part of a home school — or you may be a teacher, bus driver or other school personnel —share your back-to-school photos through Aug. 31 for a chance to be featured on WRAL, WRAZ or WNGT!