Weather Guidelines
Wintry forecasts, severe weather, or poor road conditions can prompt Fayette County Public Schools to change routines or daily schedules in the district. It's a good idea to prepare in advance, especially if you need to arrange child care. We make the announcements as soon as possible through the local news, social media, the district's website, and via phone calls, texts, and emails to our families.
Please take a moment to check or update your family's contact information and communication preferences in Infinite Campus to ensure you receive our notifications. Log in to the IC Parent Portal or ask your school’s registrar for assistance.
During the 2023-24 school year, Fayette County Public Schools will use non-traditional instruction (NTI) in place of school closings for severe weather. NTI allows students to continue learning when weather conditions make it unsafe to attend school and enables the district to potentially avoid extending the school year to make up for cancellations.
Check your school's website and expect to receive NTI specifics from your principal and/or child's teachers.
Choices in Play
Students' safety is our top priority. Depending on the conditions, FCPS has these choices:
- Use NTI (non-traditional instruction)
- Cancel school
- Delay the start of school
- Dismiss school early
List of schools' start & end times
Our goal is to let you know of changes as soon as possible, preferably the evening before the affected school day. However, weather is unpredictable and sometimes we must make an early morning decision.
Did you know? During winter, a team of district employees monitors the weather conditions along with meteorologists and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Streets and Roads Division. They consider the roads, precipitation, outdoor temperatures, wind chills, current conditions, and the forecast.
Options & effects
Reminder
Weather and road conditions vary throughout Lexington. One end of the county might be clear while other areas of town are dangerous. With student safety as the guiding priority, FCPS makes decisions based on what's best for the whole community. The district also respects the right of each family to make different choices based on what they feel is best for their children's safety.