If your child attends D.C. Public Schools, planning for the 2025–2026 school year starts now. From the first day of school to holiday closures and spring break, the DCPS calendar is packed with key dates every Washington, D.C. parent needs to know. Whether you’re arranging vacation time, childcare, or simply trying to avoid surprises, this guide outlines all the essential school holidays, breaks and professional development days.
We’ve included start and end dates, federal and religious holiday closures, and other non-instructional days so you can stay on top of your family’s schedule. Bookmark this page or share it with fellow DC parents—it’s your go-to reference for the academic year ahead.
DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS KEY DATES
- First Day of School: Aug. 25, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 26-28, 2025
- Winter Break: Dec. 22, 2024-Jan. 2, 2026
- Spring Break: Apr. 13-17, 2026
- Last Day of School: Jun. 17, 2026
See the full calendar below or visit dcps.dc.gov.
| Month | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | First Day of School | Aug. 25, 2025 |
| September 2025 | No School (Labor Day) | Sep. 1, 2025 |
| October 2025 | No School (Parent Teacher Conference Day) | Oct. 9, 2025 |
| October 2025 | No School (Professional Development) | Oct. 10, 2025 |
| October 2025 | No School (Columbus Day) | Oct. 13, 2025 |
| November 2025 | No School (Records Day/Professional Development) | Nov. 3, 2025 |
| November 2025 | No School (Veterans Day) | Nov. 11, 2025 |
| November 2025 | No School (Thanksgiving Break) | Nov. 26-28, 2025 |
| December 2025 | No School (Winter Break) | Dec. 22, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026 |
| January 2026 | No School (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day) | Jan. 19, 2026 |
| January 2026 | No School (Records Day/Professional Development) | Jan. 26, 2026 |
| February 2026 | No School (Professional Development) | Feb. 13, 2026 |
| February 2026 | No School (President’s Day) | Feb. 16, 2026 |
| March 2026 | No School (Parent Teacher Conference) | Mar. 12, 2026 |
| March 2026 | No School (Holiday) | Mar. 13, 2026 |
| April 2026 | No School (Records Day/Professional Development) | Apr. 6, 2026 |
| April 2026 | No School (Spring Break) | Apr. 13-17, 2026 |
| May 2026 | No School (Memorial Day) | May 25, 2026 |
| June 2026 | No School (Holiday) | Jun. 16, 2026 |
Dates can shift, so be sure to check the DCPS website for the most current information. Whether booking a trip, scheduling childcare or planning a long weekend, having the school calendar handy can help you avoid last-minute surprises. Share this guide with other D.C. parents who may find it useful.
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Wardah Karman is an editorial intern with Washington Parent
