DeKalb County Schools will extend its school day by one hour on Monday, Aug. 21 to provide "safe viewing and instructional opportunities related to the expected solar eclipse," the district announced.

Parents are encouraged to contact their child's school to determine the exact dismissal time, the district said.

The solar eclipse is expected to occur across North America when the moon obscures 97.4 percent of the sun. It will be visible around 1:02 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.

"DCSD reminds its community that it is not safe to stare directly into the sun without special glasses," the news release said, "and it is providing lessons that will allow students to safely take advantage of the moment."
Those lessons may involve the distribution of special viewing glasses, and opportunities to view the eclipse using monitors and safe viewing options. Many teachers will also include the eclipse in their lessons that day.

Like DeKalb County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter and Instagram

In other eclipse news: 

Meteorologist Kirstie Zontini talks about the timing of the eclipse

About the Author

Keep Reading

A member of a metro Atlanta Fire Department and his children place their hands on the casket of fallen DeKalb firefighter Preston Fant during a memorial service for Fant at Truist Park on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin / Hyosub.Shin@ajc.com

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com