Noticing a dwindling lack of youngsters frolicking around the neighborhood lately? Not as many lawns looking landscaped as before? Backyard pools a little too calm?

That's right, Atlanta. School's in.

But some kids have a little more time to get in those last days of sleeping in, staying up late, playing until sundown, splashing in the pool and, in some cases, traipsing behind the family lawnmower. Others have already headed back to class.

If there's a school-age child in your house, you likely know when Zero Hour is, but just in case, here's a friendly reminder of the metro area's back-to-school dates. As far as the lawnmower maintenance goes, well... that's on you, folks.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

AUG. 4: Atlanta, Cherokee, Cobb, Decatur, Henry

AUG. 5: Gwinnett

AUG. 6: Douglas, Marietta

AUG. 7: Clayton, Forsyth

AUG. 11: DeKalb, Fulton

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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