School Holidays USA 2025–2026: Complete Guide by Region and State
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| USA School Holidays in 2025 and 2026 |
Common U.S. School Holidays (2025–2026)
Here is a summary of the most common school holidays for the academic year 2025–2026. These dates reflect general trends across U.S. public schools.
| Holiday | Typical Dates (2025–2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Day of School | Early August – Early September 2025 | Varies by state and district |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 | Nationwide public holiday |
| Fall Break | Mid to Late October (varies) | Common in Southern and Midwestern states |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26–28, 2025 | Often includes Wednesday through Friday |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 5, 2026 | Typically two full weeks for most public schools |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19, 2026 | One-day closure |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Sometimes part of a mid-winter break |
| Spring Break | March 16 – April 10, 2026 (varies) | One week, timing depends on region or district |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 | School closure in most districts |
| Last Day of School | Late May – Mid-June 2026 | Southern states often end earlier than Northeast |
Regional Holiday Calendar Trends
To help you plan more precisely, here are the general school calendar trends by U.S. region. Note that individual districts may still differ.
Western U.S. (California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona)
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School starts in early to mid-August.
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Winter Break usually runs from December 22 to January 5.
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Spring Break falls between late March and early April.
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Fall Break is not common.
Example: Los Angeles Unified School District (California)
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First Day: August 11, 2025
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Winter Break: December 22 – January 5
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Spring Break: March 30 – April 3
Southern U.S. (Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee)
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Many schools start early, around August 1–12.
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Fall Break is typical in mid or late October.
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Spring Break usually happens in March.
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Thanksgiving Break often includes the full week.
Example: Houston ISD (Texas)
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First Day: August 12, 2025
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Thanksgiving: November 24–28, 2025
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Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026
Midwestern U.S. (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota)
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Start dates are generally mid-to-late August.
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Winter Break: December 22 – January 6
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Spring Break: Typically late March or early April
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Snow days can extend the school year into June.
Example: Chicago Public Schools (Illinois)
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Winter Break: December 22 – January 6
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Spring Break: March 23–27, 2026
Northeastern U.S. (New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey)
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School often begins after Labor Day.
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Winter Recess typically starts on or after December 24.
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Spring Recess often aligns with Easter/Passover in April.
Example: New York City Public Schools
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First Day: September 4, 2025
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Winter Break: December 24 – January 2
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Spring Break: April 6–10, 2026
| Feature | Public Schools | Private/Independent Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar authority | Set by district or state board | Set internally by each school |
| Start/end dates | Standardized across district | Often differ from nearby public schools |
| Winter/Spring breaks | Usually fixed for 2 weeks / 1 week | May be longer or adjusted for religious events |
| Extra days off | Fewer | More professional development & cultural days |
| Calendar flexibility | Limited | Higher flexibility for change and adjustment |
Download the 2025–2026 U.S. School Calendar
To make things easy, we’ve created downloadable and editable calendar files for your convenience.
Included Files:
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Printable PDF (color-coded by region)
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Google Calendar subscription link
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Outlook/iCal import file
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Excel template (customizable by district)
Download Links:
Planning Travel Around Breaks
Use this calendar to plan smarter. Here are some ideal travel windows based on national school break trends:
| Travel Window | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Late October | Quiet fall vacations during Fall Break |
| December 26 – January 3 | Winter getaways over Christmas/New Year |
| Mid-March | Spring Break beach or ski trips |
| Early June | Pre-summer vacation deals |
Avoid peak days right before or after school breaks for lower prices and less crowding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all schools follow the same break schedule?
No. Each school district—and private school—sets its own calendar. This guide reflects national patterns and representative examples.
Can school breaks change during the year?
Yes. Unexpected closures (due to weather or emergencies) can shift end dates. Always double-check with your local district.
What about year-round schools?
Some charter and public schools use “year-round” calendars, which rotate short breaks throughout the year. These schools do not follow traditional seasonal breaks.
Is this calendar valid for homeschoolers or online schools?
Most online programs follow flexible schedules. Check with your specific provider if you’re enrolled in a virtual or homeschool-based curriculum.
Do private schools close for religious holidays?
Many private and parochial schools include closures for religious observances, which vary widely. Always confirm with the school directly.
Final Thoughts
School holiday planning doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the 2025–2026 academic calendar ahead of time, families can:
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Schedule vacations without missing class
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Reserve camps and childcare early
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Plan for extra academic help during breaks
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Coordinate with school events and testing periods
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