Building Hours to Support Student Safety

Garfield’s building opens for students at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. These hours align with when our front office and security staff are on duty to help ensure students are supervised and supported while on campus.

At 7:30 a.m., students may enter the building and sit in the Commons before classes begin. To help us maintain a secure environment, the building remains closed before 7:30 a.m..

After school, students must exit the building by 4 p.m. unless they are working with a staff member or participating in an approved after-school program with one of our community-based partners.

We know many students enjoy arriving early or staying late to connect with friends, and we value that sense of community. Still, limiting access to times when staff are present helps us keep the campus safe and welcoming for everyone.

Thank you for helping us take care of one another and support a safe environment for all students.

No Student Parking on Campus

To keep our campus safe and ensure parking is available for staff and visitors, Garfield students are not permitted to park on school grounds. This includes all three parking lots:

• Staff lot behind the Performing Arts Center (PEPAC)
• Administrative lot next to the football field
• Lower public lot in front of PEPAC and Medgar Evers Pool

Students are also not allowed to be in or around vehicles during the school day. Returning to a vehicle is only permitted with an approved early dismissal.

Transportation Options

While student parking is not allowed, there are several ways to get to Garfield:

• Metro Bus and Light Rail: Students 18 and under ride free on all public transit in the region.
• Youth ORCA Card: Students 13 and older can order a free ORCA card at myORCA If you already have one, register it online to ensure it stays active until age 19.
• Routes Serving Garfield: Metro routes 3, 4, 8, and 48 stop within a few blocks of campus.
• Bicycles: Bike racks are available—please bring a lock.
• Family Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Families may use designated drop-off and pick-up areas before and after school.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with 2 hour Late Start:

Period 1: 10:50–11:28 a.m. (38)

Period 2:  11:33 a.m.–12:11 p.m. (38)

Lunch: 12:16–12:46 p.m. (30)

Period 3: 12:51–1:29 p.m. (38)

Period 4: 1:34–2:12 p.m. (38)

Period 5: 2:17–2:55 p.m. (38)

Period 6: 3–3:40 p.m. (40)

Wednesday Early Release with 2 hour Late Start:

Period 1: 10:50-11:20 a.m. (30)

Period 2: 11:25-11:50 a.m. (25)

Period 3: 11:55-12:20 p.m. (25)

Lunch: 12:25-12:55 p.m. (30)

Period 4: 1-1:25 p.m. (25)

Period 5: 1:30-1:55 p.m. (25)

Period 6: 2-2:25 p.m. (25)