DCPS 2025–2026 School Calendar: Key Dates, Holidays and Breaks for DC Families

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.

What is DCPS and does it cover your school?

DC Public Schools (DCPS) is the traditional public school system serving Washington, D.C. It operates more than 100 schools across all eight wards and is governed by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. If your child attends a traditional neighborhood or magnet school in DC, this calendar applies to them.

However, DCPS does not cover DC public charter schools, which set their own academic calendars independently. If your child attends a charter school, check directly with your school or visit the DC Public Charter School Board for calendar information. Many charter school calendars differ significantly from the DCPS schedule, particularly around breaks and professional development days.

DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS KEY DATES

• First Day of School: Aug. 25, 2025
• Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 26-28, 2025
• Winter Break: Dec. 22, 2025-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.

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.

What do different days off mean for DC families?

Not all days off are created equal, and understanding the difference can help with childcare planning. Federal holidays such as Labor Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day are firm closures aligned with the national calendar. Professional development days are staff training days with no student attendance — these are scheduled in advance but can sometimes shift. Records days are administrative days when teachers complete grading and documentation. Parent-teacher conference days typically require families to schedule appointments directly with their child’s school.

For families who need backup childcare on non-holiday closure days, many DC-area YMCAs, recreation centers and private programs offer drop-in or scheduled care. Planning ahead for professional development and records days — which tend to fall on Fridays or Mondays — is especially helpful for working parents.

Making the most of school breaks in DC

School breaks are a great opportunity to explore everything the DC metro area has to offer with your kids. During spring break, families can take advantage of cherry blossom season, free Smithsonian museums and outdoor activities across Virginia and Maryland. Winter break is ideal for indoor adventures, holiday events and day trips. And when the last day of school arrives in June, summer camp season in the DMV is in full swing.

• Top spring break activities for DC families
• Find the best summer camp for your child in the DMV
• Things to do with kids in the DC area this weekend

Frequently asked questions

When does DCPS spring break start in 2026?

DCPS spring break 2026 runs from Monday, Apr. 13 through Friday, Apr. 17. Students return to school on Monday, Apr. 20, 2026.

What is the last day of school for DCPS in 2025–2026?

The last day of school for DCPS students in the 2025–2026 school year is Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026.

When is the first day of school for DCPS in 2025?

The first day of school for DC Public Schools students is Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.

Does DCPS follow the federal holiday schedule?

DCPS observes most federal holidays, including Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day and Memorial Day. In addition to federal holidays, DCPS schedules its own professional development days, record days and parent-teacher conference closures throughout the year.

Does this calendar apply to DC charter schools?

No. This calendar covers DC Public Schools (DCPS) traditional public schools only. DC public charter schools set their own academic calendars independently. Families with children in charter schools should check directly with their school for specific dates.

Related:

Top 10 Public Middle Schools in the DC Area

Wardah Karman

Wardah Karman is an editorial intern with Washington Parent

Wardah Karman

Wardah Karman is an editorial intern with Washington Parent

• DCPS 2025–2026 School Calendar: Key Dates, Holidays and Breaks for DC Families