Chicago Public Schools Calendar 2025-2026
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| First Day of School (K–12) | Monday, August 18, 2025 |
| First Day of Preschool | Tuesday, August 19, 2025 |
| Quarter 1 Ends | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Parent-Teacher Conference (ES & HS) | Monday, October 27, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Wednesday–Friday, November 26–28, 2025 |
| Quarter 2 Ends | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
| Classes Resume After Winter Break | Monday, January 5, 2026 |
| Quarter 3 Ends | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| Parent-Teacher Conference (ES & HS) | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Spring Break | March 23 – March 27, 2026 |
| Quarter 4 Ends / Last Day of School | Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
| Report Cards (Second Semester) | Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
| Anticipated Start of Summer Programs | Tuesday, June 16, 2026 |
| Approximate Summer Break | June 5, 2026 – Mid-August 2026 |
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a large school district in the US, with over 300,000 students and over 600 schools. CPS is known to be diverse with wide-reaching; it offers pre-kindergarten to 12th grade education with a high propensity to equity, achievement, and community involvement. The district has several programs, such as neighborhood schools, selective enrollment schools, magnet programs, career and technical education, and charter schools. CPS focuses on individualization, digital literacy, and increased participation in early childhood education and post-secondary preparedness.
Chicago Public Schools District Calendar: CPS follows a conventional academic schedule of significant breaks, including a 2-week winter break during the month of December, a week-long spring break during the month of March, and a long summer break between the month of June and the middle of the month of August. Professional development is a priority in the district, too, since teachers have special non-attendance days to receive training. CPS has in the past years made several reforms to ensure the graduation rate, literacy, as well as school safety are improved. Chicago Public Schools is committed to the achievement of high-quality, inclusive education, making all of their students ready to compete in college, careers, and civic life, through cooperation with families, educators, and community organizations.
Chicago Public Schools Holidays 2025-2026
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday, October 13, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26 – 28, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | March 23 – 27, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| Juneteenth (Observed) | Friday, June 19, 2026 |
FAQs
Q: When does the school year start and end for CPS?
A: The 2025 2026 school year begins on Monday, August 18, 2025, and ends on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Q: How can I enroll my child in a CPS school?
A: Admission also varies with the kind of school (neighborhood, magnet, or selective enrollment). The process of registration of the families involves both online and in-person registrations that require residence and age, and medical documents.
Q: What school options are available within CPS?
A: CPS provides neighborhood schools, magnet schools, selective enrollment programs, charter schools and specialty schools, dual-language, STEM, and IB.
Q: Are meals provided to students in CPS?
A: Indeed, CPS offers free breakfast and lunch to all students irrespective of the level of income via the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Q: How does CPS handle school closures or emergencies?
A: CPS informs about closures because of weather or emergencies through the network of websites, local news, robocalls, and social media. It is recommended that parents keep themselves abreast of the official CPS communications.