The Avoyelles Parish public schools and the Diocese of Alexandria Catholic schools of the parish will begin the 2011-2012 school year on Monday morning. There are two exceptions to this starting date. Bunkie Elementary started the school year in July and the Avoyelles Public Charter School will open on Monday, August 22.

Avoyelles Parish Superintendent of Schools Dwayne Lemoine said everything is ready for the start of school.

Lemoine re expecting an increase in enrollment this year. “It is hard to give an estimate but It will be over 6,000 students,” Lemoine said on how many students will be in the public school system.

Start and dismissal times for the 2011-12 school year as listed below. Avoyelles High 7:55 a.m to 3:20 p.m.

Avoyelles Parish Alternative School (APAS, Mansura)

Bunkie Elementary- 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.;

Bunkie High School- 7:57 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cottonport Elementary- 7:55 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.;

Lafargue Elementary- 8:05 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.;

LA School for the Agricultural Sciences (LaSAS)- 7:55 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Marksville Elementary- 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Marksville High School- 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Plaucheville Elementary- 7:55 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.;

Riverside Elementary- 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.;

Catholic School

Sacred Heart- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Anthony- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

St. Mary’s- 7:50 a.m. to 2:55 p.m.

St. Joseph- 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.