California Schools Calendar 2025-26: School districts across the state of California typically differ in terms of the academic calendar, but often share common dates. In the 2025-26 school year, the first day of school is usually in mid-August, and some districts start as early as August 1. Fall break may be mid- to late October, including October 6-8-10, 2025. Thanksgiving break is mostly the timeframe in the week of November 24-28, 2025.
Winter breaks normally begin around December 22, 2025, and continue into the beginning of January 2026. Spring break is usually planned around then in March of around the last week or the first week of April, like April 6-10, 2026. The final school day usually occurs at the beginning of June, e.g., June 3, 2026. These dates are subject to change depending on the district, and since dates are subject to change, it is best to check with the district calendar when it is specific.
California Schools Calendar 2025-2026[CA]
| Event | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | August 13, 2025 |
| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 |
| Fall Break | October 13, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 24–28, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents' Day | February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | April 6–10, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 |
| Juneteenth | June 19, 2026 |
| Last Day of School | June 16, 2026 |
The California schools make up one of the most diverse, large, and public school education systems in the United States, with millions of students in elementary, middle, and high schools. The system comprises the classic schools, charter schools, and special magnet schools whose theme is arts, science, or technology. California schools are firmly focused on the notion of a well-rounded education, which stresses a combination of standard education, which includes math, science, and language arts, with a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and community service. Their curriculum is based on the standards adopted by the California Department of Education, offering students challenging academic goals to meet and to be ready to enter college and career opportunities in the future. There are also English language learner programs, special education, and services to gifted learners, leading to inclusive and equitable education in schools.
The majority of schools in California follow the international school year, where the school year starts in the middle of August and ends in early June, and have fall, winter, spring, and major holiday breaks. Important holidays and breaks are Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, ay and Memorial Day. The spring and winter breaks allow the students and staff to rest and spend time with their families. Most districts determine their own calendar, but most follow similar calendars to allow students to have more similar schedules across the state. Parents and students are welcome to verify local school calendars to get specific dates and special events.
California Schools Holidays 2025-2026[CA]
| Holiday | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 24–28, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents' Day | February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | April 6–10, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 |
| Juneteenth | June 19, 2026 |
FAQs
Q: When does school start in California schools?
A: In 2025, the academic year usually begins in mid-August, with most districts beginning around August 13, 2025. Different districts will begin as early as August 1.
Q: When is the first day of California schools?
A: The actual initial day of school is usually August 13, 2025, but again, this depends on the district.
Q: When is the last day of California schools?
A: The final day of instruction normally coincides with early June 2026, around June 3-16, with the end of the district.
Q: When is the Winter Break in California schools?
A: Winter break is usually from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
Q: When is the Summer Break in California schools?
A: Summer vacation begins at the end of school in June 2026 and ends mid to late August 2026, until the start of the new school year.