GA Schools Change Activity Schedules Due To Winter Storm

Updated 11:39 p.m. Friday

ATLANTA, GA — Several Atlanta-area school districts have either canceled or rescheduled weekend school activities, including athletic events, due to the threat of a sizable winter storm.

The National Weather Service on Thursday issued an expanded winter storm watch for metro Atlanta, including DeKalb and Fulton counties, after Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for the dangerous winter storm. The system could bring ice, snow, freezing and sleet through Sunday to Georgia.

The NWS told Patch below-freezing temperatures could stifle ice from melting quickly, leaving conditions to rest until at least Tuesday morning and preventing crews from tending to utility lines. This could create days-long power outages, the NWS said.

DeKalb County Schools

The DeKalb County School District told Patch while school will operate normally on Friday, weekend events for Saturday and Sunday are being rescheduled. A new time and day were unknown.

Officials said they are expecting to make a decision regarding possible school closures for Monday no later than 5 p.m. Sunday.

Atlanta Public Schools

Atlanta Public Schools is following suit, canceling all school-based events, athletics and extracurricular activities through Sunday.

City schools will operate normally Friday, but the local district has not yet decided upon Monday's school operations.

"As many of our employees live in North Georgia counties, where winter weather conditions may arrive earlier or be more severe, we will take this into careful consideration as we monitor conditions and make decisions about district operations for Monday, January 26, 2026. We will always prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and staff in our decision-making," APS officials said in a statement to Patch.

The school district offers food assistance via APS Food Assistance. Nearby pantries can be found by texting "FINDFOOD" in English or "COMIDA" in Spanish to (888) 976‑2232.

Marietta City Schools

Marietta City Schools have opted to allow events, games and practices until noon Saturday. All field trips must return by noon, as well.

Any events originally scheduled for after noon on Saturday and all Sunday events are canceled, school officials said. This includes any facility rentals.

"Currently, this update applies only to weekend activities. We will continue to closely monitor the forecast and road conditions and remain in regular communication with the National Weather Service, the Marietta Police Department and our regional partners," MCS said in a statement.

Douglas County Schools

The Douglas County School System said it is also canceling school-related events for Saturday and Sunday.

"Legacy Arena will communicate any event changes through its communications channels. The process of making a decision about school closings or delays involves extensive monitoring of forecasts and road conditions. Decisions are made based on information we receive from several weather forecasting sources, law enforcement and our transportation department's assessments of road conditions across the county," Douglas County school officials said.

They plan to announce any changes to the following school day or after-school activities by 5 p.m. the day prior, 9 p.m. at the latest. This means, families may not know about possible school closures on Monday until Sunday evening.

Notifications will be sent to families via SchoolMessenger, the Douglas County Schools Facebook page and on its official website, officials said.

"We will continue working to ensure the safety of our students and employees by closely tracking weather conditions. We appreciate your understanding as we continue prioritizing the safety of our school community," school officials said in a statement.

Cobb County Schools

The Cobb County School System have rescheduled all extracurricular activities for Saturday and Sunday.

"Over the weekend, staff will continue preparing our schools for severe weather and will be in constant communication with the state, county offices, neighboring school districts, and weather experts. We may not yet know exactly what impact this storm will have on Monday, but you will receive an update no later than mid-to-late afternoon on Sunday," school officials said.

Families can stay updated through CTLS Parent, the school district's website and its social media pages.

"As we do every winter season, we will make weather decisions that prioritize your child and our staff’s safety," officials said.

Bartow County Schools

Bartow County Schools has canceled extracurricular activities for Saturday and Sunday.

"We will continue to closely monitor weather forecasts, work in collaboration with local and state officials, and prepare for any potential impacts to school operations. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority," school officials said.

The district said it planned to announce a decision on Monday's school operations by early Sunday afternoon.

Cherokee County Schools

All Cherokee County Schools facilities will close Saturday and Sunday, and all school activities are canceled.

"We will continue closely monitoring weather forecasts and potential impacts to next week’s school operations. We will notify you of our plans for Monday by noon on Sunday," school officials said.

City Schools of Decatur

The City Schools of Decatur have canceled athletic events and activities for Saturday. The district has not reported any cancelations or closings for Sunday or Monday.

"City Schools of Decatur is closely monitoring the weather forecast due to an anticipated winter storm this weekend, which may bring hazardous conditions through early Monday. The safety of our staff and students is always our top priority," school officials said.

Fulton County Schools

School-related activities in Fulton County that are set to begin at noon or later Saturday are canceled. Fulton County Schools said they may be rescheduled.

On Sunday, no matter the start time, FCS said all activities are canceled with the chance for rescheduling.

"Fulton County Schools is closely monitoring the winter weather system expected to move through Georgia over the coming days. The district’s Emergency Response Team remains in regular communication with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service and is closely monitoring the latest forecasts and potential impacts," school officials said.

"At this time, no decisions have been made about Monday’s school schedule. District leaders will assess conditions throughout the weekend, including road safety and building operations, before making any determinations."

Paulding County Schools

All school-related events and activities scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Paulding County are canceled, school officials said.

The district said a decision has not yet been made about school operations or activities on Monday.

"The safety of our students, staff and families is our highest priority," school officials said.

Forsyth County Schools

Forsyth County Schools has canceled all athletic and school-related activities for Saturday and Sunday. The district is also closing its facilities, officials said.

FCS said it will notify families no later than 5 p.m. Sunday of a potential school closure Monday.

Gwinnett County Schools

School events and facility usage are canceled on Saturday and Sunday in the Gwinnett County Public School District, officials said. Decisions have not yet been regarding school closures on Monday, officials said.

"Gwinnett County Public Schools is closely monitoring weather conditions forecasted for this weekend. The safety of students and staff is our highest priority," school officials said.

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