Every holiday, break and day off DC parents need to know for the 2026-27 school year, all in one place.
If your child attends DC Public Schools, planning for the 2026-27 school year starts now. From the first day of school to holiday closures and spring break, the DC Public Schools calendar is packed with key dates every Washington, DC, 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 for the upcoming academic year.
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 2026-27 school year.
Important 2026-27 DC Public Schools key dates
- First day of school: Aug. 24, 2026 (Pre-K staggered start: Aug. 27)
- Thanksgiving break: Nov. 25-27, 2026
- Winter break: Dec. 21, 2026-Jan. 1, 2027
- First day back from winter break: Jan. 4, 2027
- Spring break: March 22-26, 2027
- Last day of school: Jun. 17, 2027
2026-27 DCPS calendar
August 2026
- Aug. 24: First day of school
- Aug. 27: First day for pre-K students (staggered)
September 2026
- Sep. 7: No school (Labor Day)
October 2026
- Oct. 12: No school (Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
- Oct. 13: No school (Parent-teacher conference)
- Oct. 30: No school (end of term)
November 2026
- Nov. 2-3: No school for Students
- Nov. 11: No school (Veterans Day)
- Nov. 25-27: No school (Thanksgiving break)
December 2026
- Dec. 21-Jan. 1, 2027: No school (winter break)
January 2027
- Jan. 4: Classes resume after winter break
- Jan. 18: No school (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- Jan. 26: No school (end of term)
February 2027
- Feb. 11: No school (Parent-teacher conference)
- Feb. 12: No school (Teacher planning day)
- Feb. 15: No school (Presidents’ Day)
March 2027
- March 12: No school (Parent-teacher conference)
- March 22-26: No school (spring break)
April 2027
- April 9: No school (end of term)
- April 17: No school (DC Emancipation Day)
May 2027
- May 14: No school (wellness day)
- May 31: No school (Memorial Day)
June 2027
- June 17: Last day of school
- June 22-23: Planned snow-day make-up days (if needed)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does DCPS spring break start in 2027?
DCPS spring break runs from Monday, March 22, through Friday, March 26, 2027. Students return to school on Monday, March 29, 2027.
What is the last day of school for DCPS in 2026-27?
The last day of school for DCPS students in the 2026-27 school year is Thursday, June 17, 2027. If snow days are used during the year, the last day can push back to the planned make-up days on June 22 and 23.
When is the first day of school for DCPS in 2026?
The first day of school for DC Public Schools students is Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. Pre-K students begin on a staggered start date of Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026.
Does DCPS follow the federal holiday schedule?
DCPS observes most federal holidays, including Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, 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.
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