Polk County School Calendar – Students will start school on Monday, August 11, 2025, and it will continue through Thursday, May 28, 2026. The families have a long Thanksgiving Break, from Saturday, November 22, through Sunday, November 30, 2025, noted lakelandmom.com. com. Winter Break runs from Sunday, Dec. 20, 2025, to Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, with classes restarting on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2026. There is a Spring Break from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, 2026, with students returning to class on Monday, March 23, 2026. The school year ends on Thursday, May 28, 2026, followed by summer break until the new academic year starts in August 2026.
Polk County School Calendar 2025-2026
| 📅 Date(s) | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 1–8, 2025 | Teacher staff development & planning |
| Aug 5, 2025 | Orientation (Middle, K‑8, High Schools) |
| Aug 7, 2025 | Orientation (Elementary Schools & Paraeducators) |
| Aug 11, 2025 | First Day of School (Students) |
| Aug 29, 2025 | Early Dismissal Day 1 |
| Sept 1, 2025 | Labor Day (No school) |
| Sept 26, 2025 | Early Dismissal Day 2 |
| Oct 10, 2025 | End of 1st Grading Period |
| Oct 13, 2025 | Staff PD/Morning, planning PM (No students) |
| Oct 31, 2025 | Early Dismissal Day 3 |
| Nov 11, 2025 | Veterans Day (Holiday) |
| Nov 21, 2025 | Early Dismissal Day 4 |
| Nov 24–28, 2025 | Fall Break (includes storm make‑up days Nov 24–25) |
| Dec 19, 2025 | Early Dismissal Day 5 / End 1st Semester |
| Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 | Winter Break (school resumes Jan 7) |
| January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day (Holiday) |
| Jan 5–6, 2026 | Staff workdays (No students) |
| Jan 7, 2026 | Students return / 3rd Quarter begins |
| Jan 16, 2026 | Early Dismissal Day 6 |
| Jan 19, 2026 | MLK Day (Holiday) |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Early Dismissal Day 7 |
| Feb 16, 2026 | President’s Day (Holiday) |
| Mar 12, 2026 | End of 3rd Grading Period |
| Mar 13, 2026 | Early Dismissal Day 8 |
| Mar 16–20, 2026 | Spring Break |
| Apr 3, 2026 | No School (Teacher/Student Holiday) |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Early Dismissal Day 9 |
| May 1–28, 2026 | Graduation Ceremonies |
| May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day (Holiday) |
| May 28, 2026 | Last Day for Students (Early dismissal) |
| May 29, 2026 | Last Teacher Work Day / Secondary grades due |
The Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) is based in central Florida and enrolls over 111,000 students in more than 160 schools, one of the biggest and most diverse school systems in the state of Florida. These are elementary, middle, and high schools, charter schools, alternative education centers, and adult learning centers. The district can boast of an average student-teacher ratio of around 19:1 with an expanded teaching staff of close to 6,000 teaching professionals.
The school has a reputation for good academic programs (Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate (IB), and magnet and choice are ample). The district also provides high-quality career and technical education (CTE) opportunities to students so that they can obtain industry credentials and get ready to succeed after graduating.
In addition to academics, Polk County Public Schools attributes extra importance to safety and inclusivity as well as student well-being. On any school campus, there is a safety guardian or a law enforcement officer, both of whom aim to provide students with a secure learning environment. Schools within the district have programs and services to accommodate thousands of students with special needs, including those with disabilities and English language learners. PCPS also encourages the growth of the students in activities like arts, sports, and extracurricular activities. PCPS has more than 13,000 staff (teachers, counselors, school administrators, and support personnel) with the mission of producing equitable, high-quality education for its students.
Polk County School Holidays 2025-2026
| Holiday / Break | Dates (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | Monday, August 11, 2025 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Monday, November 24 – Friday, November 28, 2025 |
| Winter/Christmas Break | Monday, December 22, 2025 – Tuesday, January 6, 2026 |
| MLK Jr. Day | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | Monday, March 16 – Friday, March 20, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| Last Day of School | Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
FAQs
Q: When does the 2025–2026 school year start and end?
A: The school year begins Monday, August 11, 2025, and culminates Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Q: How do I enroll my child in Polk County Public Schools?
A: Parents may complete the registration process online using the district registration portal or by bringing the required documents, exemplified by residency, birth certificate, immunization records, and past school records (in case the previous schooling is to be presented) of their children to the zoned school.
Q: Does Polk County offer school choice or magnet programs?
A: Right, PCPS has plenty of magnet programs, charter schools, and career academies in STEM, the arts, health sciences, etc. These programs tend to have an application period each winter (the ensuing school year).
Q: Are meals provided for students?
A: Yes, there is breakfast and lunch in all schools every day. A lot of students receive free or reduced-priced meals, and parents must apply to the nutrition services of the district.
Q: How can I stay updated on school events and closures?
A: Families will be able to keep up with the PCPS site, school newsletters, social media pages of the school district, and automated phone or text messages when needed to keep up with emergency messages and schedule changes.