Unlike states with a single statewide calendar, California public schools operate on district-based schedules. While the state sets instructional requirements, local school districts determine their own academic calendars, including start dates, breaks, and the last day of school.

For parents planning ahead, understanding the typical structure of the California public school calendarin 2026 can help with childcare, family travel, and academic preparation. This information follows guidelines established by the California Department of Education and reflects common practices across most districts.

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California Public School Calendar 2025–2026: Typical 2026 Dates

Important: Dates below reflect common statewide patterns, not exact dates for every district. Always confirm with your local school district.

School Event Typical Date Range (2026) Notes
School Year Begins Aug 11–Late Aug 2025 Many districts start mid to late August
Winter Break Ends Jan 5–12, 2026 Varies by district
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 19, 2026 Observed statewide
Presidents’ Day Feb 16, 2026 Common student holiday
Spring Break Late Mar–Mid Apr 2026 District-selected week
Last Day of School Late May–Mid Jun 2026 Depends on start date & local calendar
2026 California Public School Calendar: Key Dates, Breaks, and What Parents Need to Know
California Public School Calendar

Common California School Holidays in 2026

While calendars differ by district, most California public schools observe a similar set of holidays:

  • Labor Day (September)

  • Veterans Day (November 11)

  • Thanksgiving Break (late November)

  • Winter Break (late December to early January)

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2026)

  • Presidents’ Day (February 16, 2026)

  • Spring Break (March or April)

  • Memorial Day (May, in most districts)

Some districts also include local holidays, professional development days, or student-free instructional planning days.

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Instructional Requirements in California

California law requires school districts to meet minimum instructional time standards, which vary by grade level. Rather than mandating a fixed number of school days statewide, the state focuses on total instructional minutes per year.

This approach allows districts to design calendars with flexibility, including:

  • Early-release days

  • Modified schedules

  • Year-round or traditional academic calendars

What California Parents Should Know for 2026

District Calendars Can Differ Widely

Two districts in the same county may follow different start dates or spring break weeks. Large districts often publish calendars one to two years in advance.

Weather and Emergency Days

While California does not typically face snow days statewide, districts may close schools due to wildfires, extreme heat, power outages, or earthquakes. Makeup days or remote learning may be used if closures occur.

Testing Windows

State assessments such as CAASPP and Smarter Balanced tests are generally administered in spring, usually between March and May, depending on grade level.

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Planning Tips for California Families

  1. Check Your District Calendar Early – Start dates and breaks can vary significantly.

  2. Plan Travel Around Spring Break Carefully – Neighboring districts may not align.

  3. Watch for Early-Release Days – These are common and may affect childcare needs.

  4. Monitor District Announcements – Emergency schedule changes are communicated locally.

The 2026 California Public School Calendar reflects the state’s emphasis on local control and flexibility. While there is no single statewide schedule, understanding common patterns and state requirements allows families to plan confidently. For exact dates, the most reliable source will always be your local school district’s official calendar.

Official & Trusted Sources

For the most accurate and current information, families should consult: