Pender County Schools adds before-school care ahead of new three-tier bell schedule

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — As part of a district-wide schedule change beginning with this upcoming school year, Pender County Schools will offer before-school care at the Topsail and Surf City campuses, the district announced this week.

The change comes as PCS prepares to implement a new three-tier bell schedule in August aimed at improving transportation efficiency, reducing bus delays, and balancing instructional time across grade levels.

New Bell Schedule Starting August 2025:

• High School

  • Start Time: 7:10 a.m.

  • Dismissal: 2:05 p.m.

• Elementary School

  • Start Time: 7:55 a.m.

  • Dismissal: 2:50 p.m.

• Middle School

  • Start Time: 8:40 a.m.

  • Dismissal: 3:35 p.m.

The new before-school care programs are intended to support working families, especially those with students in multiple grade levels who now have staggered start times. The cost is $22 per week per student.

Topsail Campus Before-School Care:

• Hours: 7:10 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.

• Drop-Off Notes:

  • Families with both elementary and middle school students should use the elementary drop-off route. Middle school students will be escorted by staff.

  • Middle school students must be dropped off by 7:55 a.m.

Surf City Campus Before-School Care:

• Hours: 7:25 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.

• Drop-Off Notes:

  • Use the elementary drop-off line for both elementary and middle students. Middle schoolers will enter through the library.

  • Drop-off ends at 7:55 a.m.

According to PCS, an online registration system will be used to manage enrollment and payments. Registration opens July 28, and the district says it will make every effort to accommodate families impacted by the schedule change.

More details and registration instructions will be soon shared on the Pender County Schools website.