DCPS Calendar 2026-27
Key dates for DC Public Schools — first day of school, holidays, spring break, winter break, and the last day of the academic year.
Quick answer (SY 2025-26)
- First day: August 25, 2025
- Spring break: April 13–17, 2026
- Last day: June 19, 2026 (½-day)
- Winter break: Dec 22, 2025 — Jan 4, 2026
The official DCPS calendar for SY 2026-27 is released in spring at dcps.dc.gov/page/dcps-calendars.
Key Dates — School Year 2025-26
The following dates apply to traditional DCPS schools. Public charter schools, private schools, and parochial schools each maintain their own calendars — check individual school websites for charter and private dates.
| Event | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First day of school (Pre-K through 12) | August 25, 2025 | Staggered start for some grades |
| Labor Day — schools closed | September 1, 2025 | Federal holiday |
| Indigenous Peoples' Day — schools closed | October 13, 2025 | |
| Veterans Day — schools closed | November 11, 2025 | |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26–28, 2025 | 3-day break |
| Winter Break begins | December 22, 2025 | Last day before break |
| Classes resume after Winter Break | January 5, 2026 | |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day — schools closed | January 19, 2026 | |
| Presidents' Day — schools closed | February 16, 2026 | |
| Spring Break | April 13–17, 2026 | 5-day break |
| DC Emancipation Day — schools closed | April 16, 2026 | Falls within spring break |
| Memorial Day — schools closed | May 25, 2026 | |
| Last day of school | June 19, 2026 | ½-day for students |
Source: DCPS official calendar. Dates may change — verify directly with DCPS before planning around them.
School closures and delayed openings
For weather emergencies, DCPS posts closure and delayed-opening status before 6:00 AM on affected days. Updates are posted at:
- dcps.dc.gov — main DCPS announcements
- DCPS Operating Status page — shows current open/delayed/closed state
- @dcpublicschools on X — real-time announcements
When DCPS announces a delayed opening, all schools open two hours later than usual. Before- and after-care programs may be affected — check with your specific school.
Advisory periods and report cards
DCPS divides the school year into four advisory periods (quarters). Report cards are distributed at the end of each advisory:
- Advisory 1 — late August through early November
- Advisory 2 — November through late January
- Advisory 3 — January through early April
- Advisory 4 — April through end of school year in June
Parents can view current grades anytime through the ASPEN Parent Portal without waiting for report card distribution.
Charter schools have their own calendars
Each of DC's 123 public charter schools sets its own academic calendar. Many charters align with DCPS for major holidays and breaks, but first day, last day, professional development days, and parent-teacher conference dates vary widely.
Tip: If your child attends a charter school, save their school's calendar to your phone — many charters publish PDFs but do not actively notify families about updates.
Frequently asked questions
When is the first day of school for DCPS 2026-27?
DCPS typically begins the new school year in late August. The exact first day for SY 2026-27 is published by DC Public Schools at dcps.dc.gov/page/dcps-calendars and varies by grade — pre-K and kindergarten students often have a staggered start.
When is DCPS spring break?
DCPS spring break for SY 2025-26 was scheduled for the week of April 13–17, 2026. Spring break dates for the 2026-27 academic year are published in the official DCPS calendar each spring.
When does DCPS spring break end?
DCPS spring break typically lasts one full week (Monday through Friday) in April, with classes resuming the following Monday. Check the official calendar at dcps.dc.gov for exact return dates.
How do I know if DCPS schools are closed today?
For weather closures and emergencies, DCPS posts updates at dcps.dc.gov and on the official @dcpublicschools social channels. The DCPS operating status page also shows whether offices and schools are open, on a delayed start, or closed.
Are charter schools on the same calendar as DCPS?
No. Each DC public charter school sets its own calendar. While many charters align with the DCPS calendar for major holidays and breaks, first/last days, professional development days, and parent-teacher conferences vary by school. Check each charter's individual website.
When is winter break for DCPS?
DCPS winter break runs from the week before Christmas through the first week of January, with classes typically resuming around January 4. Exact dates are published in the official calendar each year.
When are DCPS report cards distributed?
DCPS uses four advisory periods (quarters). Report cards are typically distributed in early November, late January, early April, and at the end of the school year in June.
How long is the DCPS school day?
Most DCPS elementary schools run 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM. Middle and high schools generally start earlier (around 8:30 AM) and end around 3:15-3:45 PM. Schedules vary by school.
Does DCPS have early release days?
Yes. DCPS schedules several professional development half-days each year, typically released around noon. The full list of early-release dates is in the official annual calendar.
Where can I download the DCPS calendar PDF?
The official DCPS calendar PDF is published at dcps.dc.gov/page/dcps-calendars. DCPS releases the upcoming year's calendar in spring, typically around April-May.