Nassau County: Your complete guide as kids head back to school

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The Nassau County School District worked to make sure the first day of school kicked off without a hitch.

Nassau County is one of Northeast Florida's fastest-growing communities. This year, enrollment numbers are up as more houses are being built and more families are moving in.

READ MORE: Nassau County schools see uptick in enrollment

One of the district’s newest schools is Wildlight Elementary. It opened last year with more than 600 students. That number continues to increase as a new school year begins. 

Here are the latest numbers from the school district:

  • For the 2018 school year, 12,138 students are enrolled.
  • That number stood at 11,735 at the end of last school year.
  • The district is beginning this school year with 789 teachers.

WATCH: First day of school in Nassau County

Changes in the new school year

When students arrive to school on Friday, they will notice a safety officer on every campus, up-to-date locks, surveillance systems and mental health support teams.

A statement from Superintendent Dr. Kathy Burns reads, in part:

"We are mindful of the importance of student safety and the critical role we all play to ensure our schools are safe places for students and staff."

Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said until the school board fully trains its school safety officers, a deputy will be present at all elementary schools. 

"You can't prevent everything from happening, but you can reduce the chances of something occurring at a school. And if something does happen, we'll be there," Leeper said.

WATCH: Interview with Sheriff Bill Leeper on The Morning Show

School bus guide

Bus schedules and route information are posted on the school and district websites. 

  • If your child is in middle or high school and they live more than 2 miles from school, they're eligible to ride the bus.
  • Elementary students are eligible for the bus if they live more than 1 mile away from the school.
  • Parents need to fill out and return a bus registration form within five school days of students' initial ride.
  • Route changes or notes to ride a different bus won't be accepted until mid-September.
  • Children who attend a school they're not zoned for are not eligible to ride the bus. 

If you have questions, call the Transportation Department at (904) 225-0127 or (904) 879-5031.


About the Authors:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.