School Closures and Late Starts

When there is inclement weather, you can learn about school closures or late start by 5:30 a.m.:

  • Go to www.lwsd.org. If school is closed or starting late, you will see a pop-up alert box.
  • Go to www.flashalert.net, which lists schools all over the Puget Sound area. You can also sign up to receive text alerts or emails from this service.
  • Call 425-936-1206 to listen to a recorded message. 
  • Tune in to local radio and television stations.

LWSD also uses the ParentSquare automated calling system to let parents know if school will be delayed or canceled. Calls will begin at 5:00 a.m. You will not receive a call if school will open normally. If you want to double-check the status or learn it early, use one of the options listed above.

When emergency conditions such as snow and ice, windstorms or earthquakes result in school schedule changes, the district will use one of the plans outlined below.

School will dismiss at regular times unless otherwise announced.

If school is closed, the following programs will also be cancelled:

  • All before or after school activities
  • All activities including athletic events and parent meetings
  • Extended Day Program

If school starts late:

  • All schools start two hours late.
  • Buses will arrive at bus stop two hours later than usual pick up time.
  • The following programs are canceled:
    • Quest pull-out classes
    • Before school programs (including morning Extended Day)
    • All preschool sessions
    • Out-of-district transportation
    • Elementary band and orchestra

Transportation during emergencies

Parents always have the option to keep their student home if they believe it is unsafe.

Each winter, Lake Washington School District’s Transportation Department creates "Snow Routes" or routes that are designed to get our students to and from school in the safest manner due to inclement weather. These routes may require your student(s) to change bus stops due to road conditions in your neighborhood.

Families will be contacted via ParentSquare when these routes are placed into effect.  Please make sure to use the snow route bus stop when "Snow Routes" are activated. 

To find your snow route bus stop location:

  • Login to Skyward Family Access.
  • Select “Busing” on the left-side menu. Snow routes will be labeled with “Snow” under the “Days” column.

Please note: It is possible that your “Snow Route” bus stops are the same as your regular stops.

Earthquake
In case of a major earthquake while students are on a school bus, drivers will receive specific instructions via radio. If they are going to school, drivers will continue to pick up students on their routes and deliver them to school. If roads limit travel, students will be transported to the nearest school. If an earthquake hits when buses are transporting children home from school, drivers will return to the school they came from or to the closest school. Children will stay at school until parents or designees arrive. Call your school for more information about its earthquake plan.

Safety is the priority

In one part of the district, the roads may be perfectly clear while other areas are struggling with several inches of snow.

In emergency situations, such as snow and icy weather conditions, the top priority is the safety of students and staff. The district also recognizes that snow days disrupt family schedules and extend the school year. The decision to close schools is not an easy one.

It’s also complicated by the fact that the district covers 76 square miles, including low-lying areas next to Lake Washington as well as higher altitudes at Finn Hill, Education Hill and the Sammamish Plateau.

Decision making process