2026 New York Public School Calendar: Key Dates, Holidays & Breaks for NYC Students and Families
Planning your family’s year starts with knowing the New York Public School Calendar. For the 2025–2026 school year (the one covering early 2026 dates), the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) has released a comprehensive calendar covering 3-K through grade 12. This schedule helps students, parents, and educators plan around school days, holidays, deadlines, and vacation breaks.
Below is the most current, reliable information available on the 2026 portion of the NYC public school calendar.
Read more: School Holidays and Breaks in the US 2026: Key Dates, Schedules - Month by Month
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| New York School Bus |
NYC Public School Calendar 2025–2026 (Key Dates)
| Event | Date (2026) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Schools Reopen After Winter Break | January 2, 2026 | First instructional day after New Year |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 | Schools closed |
| Midwinter Recess | February 16–20, 2026 | Week-long school break |
| Spring Break | April 2–10, 2026 | Includes surrounding weekends |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | Schools closed |
| Last Day of School | June 26, 2026 | End of academic year |
Read more: 2026 Texas Public School Calendar: Key Dates, Breaks, and What Families Should Know
School Holidays and Observances in 2026
NYC public schools observe a mix of federal, cultural, and religious holidays. In addition to scheduled recesses, students will have days off for the following reasons:
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Federal Holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Memorial Day
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Midwinter Recess, offering a full week off in February
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Spring Break, one of the longest breaks during the school year
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Cultural and Religious Observances, including Diwali and Eid-related closures, reflecting New York City’s diversity
Schools may also close or shift to remote instruction during severe weather or emergencies, ensuring students do not lose instructional time.
Read more: Spring Break 2026: When Do U.S. Schools Take a Break — and Why It’s Rarely the Same Week
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| NEW YORK PUBLIC SCHOOL CALENDAR 2026 |
What Families Should Know About the 2026 School Schedule
School Year Structure
The NYC public school year typically begins in early September and ends in late June. For the 2025–2026 year, students finish classes on June 26, 2026, making it one of the later end dates in recent years.
Exams and Academic Milestones
High school students should be aware of Regents examinations, which are held in January and June. Exact exam schedules vary by subject and grade level and are released separately.
Parent-Teacher Conferences and Early Dismissals
Conference days and shortened school days are scheduled throughout the year and may differ slightly by school. Families are encouraged to confirm dates directly with their school administration.
Tips for Parents and Students
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Mark Key Breaks Early – Midwinter Recess and Spring Break are ideal times for travel or childcare planning.
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Check School-Specific Calendars – Individual schools may add events such as early dismissal days or special programs.
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Stay Alert for Updates – While the calendar is finalized, rare adjustments may occur due to citywide emergencies.
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Use Digital Calendars – Syncing school dates with your phone or planner helps avoid missed deadlines.
The 2026 New York Public School Calendar offers families a reliable framework for the school year ahead. By understanding key dates, holidays, and breaks, parents and students can plan more effectively and reduce last-minute surprises. Keeping this calendar handy is one of the simplest ways to stay organized throughout the academic year.
Official Website Sources (For Reference & Credibility)
To verify details or download printable calendars, families can consult the following official and trusted sources:
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New York City Department of Education (Calendar):
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/calendar -
NYC DOE School Year Calendars (PDF downloads):
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/announcements/school-year-calendars -
New York State Education Department:
https://www.nysed.gov
