Parent Guides
Everything we have built to make JCPS easier to navigate, organised by topic. Start with the free field guide, then jump to the guide you need.
Browse guides by topic
Every topic below is a permanent page. Bookmark the ones that matter to your family — we keep adding to them as we report.
Bullying
How to report bullying in JCPS, what the district must do, and how to follow up.
Coverage coming soonSpecial Education
IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and your rights when services fall short.
1 guide »Transportation
Bus routes, stop changes, late buses, and who to call when a ride does not show.
2 guides »Teacher & School Concerns
Raising a concern about a teacher, a classroom, or a school — the right way, in order.
Coverage coming soonDiscipline
Suspensions, the student code of conduct, hearings, and how to respond.
Coverage coming soonAttendance
Absences, tardies, truancy letters, and what actually counts as excused.
Coverage coming soonSchool Fees
Instructional fees, waivers, activity costs, and what families can decline.
Coverage coming soonHomework & AI
Homework expectations, AI tools in classrooms, and the rules students must follow.
1 guide »Student Safety
Threats, lockdowns, parent notification, and phone policy in JCPS buildings.
Coverage coming soonBathrooms
Bathroom access, restrictions, and what to do when a school limits it.
Coverage coming soonAfter-School Care
Childcare Enrichment Program, YMCA sites, waitlists, and cost help.
Coverage coming soonAthletics
Eligibility, physicals, tryouts, fees, and transfers for JCPS sports.
Coverage coming soonHow to Contact & Escalate
The chain of command from teacher to principal to central office to the school board — and what to send at each step.
Coverage coming soon
Start here: the free field guide
Stop guessing your way through JCPS. The guide gives you the clear, practical roadmap every family needs to make smarter school decisions and avoid missed deadlines.
- New to JCPS: Start with Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
- Entering kindergarten: Read Chapters 1 through 5 before school starts.
- Comparing elementary schools: Use Chapters 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Free Parent Field Guide
The ebook that walks you through school choice, magnets, and transitions step by step.
Get the guide »Calendar & Deadlines
The application windows and calendar dates JCPS families cannot afford to miss.
See the dates »Ask or Submit a Tip
Stuck on something, or know something we should be reporting? Send it over.
Contact us »