Students at Dunwoody High School and Chamblee Charter High School will have to stow their phones all day when classes begin Wednesday, August 5. The DeKalb County School District declared all schools phone-free zones for 2026-2027 under its "Disconnect to Reconnect" initiative, the district announced on July 13.

The policy implements Georgia's Distraction-Free Education Act, House Bill 1009, which Gov. Brian Kemp signed on May 5. That law extends an existing device ban in elementary and middle schools to high schools statewide by 2027-28. DCSD is moving a year ahead of the deadline.

Personal electronic devices must be put away during the entire school day, according to the district.

Open house is Wednesday, July 29

Before the first bell, families have a chance to walk the halls. The district set open house for all high schools on Wednesday, July 29, and for elementary and middle schools on Thursday, July 30, per a Tuesday, July 21 announcement on the district's official account.

Specific times have not been posted. The district is directing families to contact Dunwoody High or Chamblee Charter directly for hours and any potential date changes.

Back-to-school rally Saturday, July 25

The district's annual Back-to-School Rally is Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. in Stone Mountain. The event offers school supplies, health screenings, and connections to community partners.

New this year: attendees must register in advance and attend during their assigned time slot. Families can sign up at bit.ly/DCSDRally2026.

Key dates for families

  • Saturday, July 25 — Back-to-School Rally, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain (registration required)
  • Wednesday, July 29 — Open house, high schools (including Dunwoody High and Chamblee Charter)
  • Thursday, July 30 — Open house, elementary and middle schools
  • Wednesday, August 5 — First day of school; phone-free policy takes effect

Families who are new to the district or have moved can use DCSD Registration Hubs, which offer staff assistance, computers, and multilingual support by appointment. Contact Dunwoody High or Chamblee Charter for open house times.