Greenville County Schools will start its 2017-18 school year on Tues., Aug. 22, the day after the total solar eclipse, Mon., Aug. 21.

South Carolina is one of the 12 states in the country that will experience a total eclipse of the sun. Recently, lawmakers voted to allow schools to start Thurs., Aug. 17, earlier than normal. Some districts have chosen to do that and cancel classes on the day of the eclipse. Greenville County Schools elected not to start early.

The district’s calendar committee, comprised of parents, teachers, principals ,and staff, were concerned over the timing of the eclipse, which will coincide with elementary school dismissal, and the challenges of ensuring safe viewing during pickup and bus rides.

“Opting not to have school on the day of the total solar eclipse provides an opportunity for families to experience this incredible phenomenon together and for parents to ensure the protection of their children’s eye health,” Superintendent Burke Royster said.

The district will provide eclipse education at the end of this school year and will post additional information and resources on its website and social media in August.

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 6, 2018.

The calendar includes three snow days and two half-days.

Important dates are:

First day of school – Aug. 22

Labor Day – Sept. 4

Teacher workdays – Oct. 19-20

Thanksgiving break – Nov. 22-24

Half day – Dec. 20

Winter break – Dec. 21- Jan. 2

MLK Day – Jan. 15

Teacher workday – Feb. 16

President’s Day – Feb. 19

Snow day #1 – March 19

Snow day #2 – March 30

Spring break – April 2-6

Snow day #3 – April 27

Memorial Day – May 22

Half day and last day of school – June 6