Important Schedule, Grading, Cost And Other Changes In PWC Public Schools For 2026-27

MANASSAS, VA – As families enjoy the final week of summer school holidays, Patch is reminding Prince William County parents of what’s new for this school year.

There will be some changes at Prince William County Public Schools in the 2026-27 school year, including schedule adjustments, price increases, technology updates and grading policies.

Price increases

Breakfast and lunch prices have increased, with breakfasts starting at $1.80 and topping out at $2.95 for all students. Lunch prices differ for students at different grade levels, with the most expensive lunch costing $5.05. See all prices here.

Students enrolled in participating schools will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year as part of the Community Eligibility Program. Families with students who attend all other schools can apply to receive free and reduced-price school meals online.

Schedule changes

School start times have changed for 10 middle and high schools. All high schools start at 7:30 a.m. and all middle schools start at either 8:15 or 8:20 a.m. See all start times here.

Updated grading policies

Prince William County schools have made their assessment processes more uniform.

In elementary schools, grades will be calculated using formative assessments (classwork, homework and quizzes) and summative assessments (tests and major projects). In all elementary schools, 40% of the final grade will be based on formative assessments and 60% on summative assessments. In middle and high school, 30% of the final grade will be based on formative assessments and 70% on summative assessments. Previously, schools had used varied approaches.

For grades six-12, a minus has been added to the grading scale, so letter grades can come as B, B+ or B-.

PWCPS also says there are clearer guidelines for submitting and assessing late work.

See more about grading in PWCPS here.

Parent and student app updates

PWCS has announced that the older versions of its EZ A2B, ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps are no longer supported. Apps will have to be updated before they can be used.

• Download the new EZArrival bus tracking app
• Download the new ParentVUE app
• Download the new StudentVUE app

Student Devices

All students in kindergarten through grade 12 will be provided iPads. Information on device use and storage can be found here.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Snapshot

PWCPS are introducing a new social and emotional assessment tool for students in grades three through 12, the Social-Emotional Learning Snapshot. The snapshot is a short questionnaire that asks students how easy or challenging it feels for them to use key skills in their daily school experience.

According to PWCPS, the questions are research-based and developmentally appropriate to help identify areas of growth for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and decision-making.

Participation in the snapshot is not mandatory. Parents can read more here.

See all of Prince William County schools' changes here.