Every holiday, break and day off Fairfax County parents need to know for the 2026-27 school year, all in one place.
If your child attends Fairfax County Public Schools, planning for the 2026-27 school year starts now. From the first day of school to holiday closures and spring break, the FCPS calendar is packed with key dates every Fairfax County 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 Fairfax County parents — it’s your go-to reference for the 2026-27 school year.
Important 2026–27 FCPS Key Dates
- First day of school: Aug. 24, 2026
- Thanksgiving break: Nov. 25-27, 2026
- Winter break: Dec. 21, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027
- First day back from winter break: Jan. 4, 2027
- Spring break: March 22-26, 2027
- Last day of school: June 16, 2027
2026-27 FCPS calendar
August 2026
- Aug. 8: New teacher training begins
- Aug. 24: First day of school
September 2026
- Sep. 4–7: Labor Day Break — No school
- Sept. 21: Student holiday
October 2026
- Oct. 12: School planning day — Student holiday
- Oct. 30: End of 1st Quarter — 2-hour early release
November 2026
- Nov. 2: Teacher workday — Student holiday
- Nov. 3: Student planning day — Student holiday
- Nov. 25–27: Thanksgiving Break — No school
December 2026
- Dec. 21–Jan. 3, 2027: Winter Break — No school
January 2027
- Jan. 4: Classes resume after Winter Break
- Jan. 18: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday — No school
- Jan. 28: End of 2nd Quarter — 2-hour early release
- Jan. 29: Teacher Workday — No school for students
February 2027
- Feb. 1: Staff development day — No school for students
- Feb. 15: Washington’s Birthday and Presidents’ Day — No school
- Feb. 28: Staff Development Day — No school for students
March 2027
- March 10: Student holiday
- March 22-26: Spring Break — No school
April 2027
- April 16: End of 3rd Quarter — 2-hour early release
- April 19: Teacher Workday — No school for students
- April 20: Student holiday
May 2027
- May 17: Student holiday
- May 31: Memorial Day — No school
June 2027
- Jun. 16: Last day of school — Early release
- Jun. 17: Staff development day — Staff only
- Jun. 21: Teacher Workday — Staff only
Frequently Asked Questions
When does FCPS spring break start in 2027?
FCPS 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 FCPS in 2026-27?
The last day of school for FCPS students in the 2026-27 school year is Wednesday, June 16, 2027, which is an early release day. Staff have additional workdays on June 17 and June 21.
When is the first day of school for FCPS in 2026?
The first day of school for Fairfax County Public Schools students is Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. New teachers report earlier in August for training, and returning staff begin their workdays in mid-August.
Does FCPS follow the federal holiday schedule?
FCPS closes for most major federal holidays, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day and Memorial Day. One change to note for 2026-27: Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is now a regular instructional day rather than a day off. The division also schedules its own teacher workdays, staff development days and student holidays throughout the year, so not every day off lines up with the federal calendar.
More from Washington Parent
- Top Things to Do With Kids in the DMV This Weekend
- Find the Best Summer Camp for Your Child in the DMV
- Top Spring Break Activities for DMV Families


