Wake County Schools Calendar – Wake County’s 2025–26 traditional school year starts in late August 2025 (teacher pre‑planning at the beginning of that week) and ends mid‑June 2026, with the last student day taking place in June 2026. Students will have a Winter Break from December 22, 2025, through January 1, 2026, with the first workday for teachers back on January 2. There are also built-in make‑up/banked days effective February 16 and May 1, should the calendar be disrupted by extreme weather. After the last day in June, the year hauls into summer break, which continues to the conclusion of August in 2026, when the 2026-27 school year commences.
Wake County Schools Calendar 2025-2026
| 📅 Date(s) | Event |
|---|---|
| July–August 2025 | Teacher pre‑planning & staff development day |
| August 27, 2025 | First day for students |
| Sept 20, 2025 | Teacher workday (students off) |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Teacher workday (students off) |
| Oct 14, 2025 | Teacher workday (students off) |
| Nov 1 & Nov 5, 2025 | Teacher workdays |
| Nov 27–29, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break |
| Dec 23, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026 | Winter Break (schools closed) |
| Jan 2 & Jan 21, 2026 | Teacher workdays |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Teacher workday |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Snow/makeup teacher workday |
| Mar 31 – Apr 4, 2026 | Spring Break |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Snow/makeup teacher workday |
| May 2, 2026 | Snow/makeup teacher workday |
| May 26, 2026 | Memorial Day (schools closed) |
| June 13, 2026 | Last day for students |
| Post‑June 13, 2026 | Teacher post‑planning / make-up days as needed |
Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) or the Wake County School System is the largest school district in North Carolina and one of the largest school districts in the United States. With more than 160,000 students, WCPSS enrolls a great number of elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as special and magnet programs that address the varying needs of students. The district focuses on high academic achievement, innovation, and equality over access to rigorous courses, arts activities, gifted opportunities, and career and technical education opportunities. As their mission states that they strive to provide college, career, and citizenship preparedness to everyone pursuing education in the WCPSS, the organization keeps on prioritizing quality teaching and learning assistance.
Besides academic focus, Wake County Schools take part in various programs for student well-being, such as mental health, involvement in the community, and extracurricular activities. To accommodate parents, the district has various schedules, such as the traditional, the year-round schedules, as well as the modified schedules. With highly qualified teachers, good leadership, and dedication to constant improvement, WCPSS establishes a partnership with the parents, businesses, and community leadership to establish a favorable learning environment. Having balanced traditions and progressive strategies, Wake County Schools will develop lifetime learners and good citizens of the global world.
Wake County Schools Holidays 2025-2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mon, August 25, 2025 | First Day of School |
| Mon, September 1, 2025 | Labor Day (No School) |
| Mon, October 13 – Fri, October 17, 2025 | Fall Break (No School) |
| Tue, November 11, 2025 | Veterans Day (No School) |
| Wed, November 26 – Fri, November 28, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break (No School) |
| Mon, December 22, 2025 – Fri, January 2, 2026 | Winter Break (No School) |
| Fri, January 2, 2026 | End of First Semester |
| Mon, January 5, 2026 | Second Semester Begins |
| Mon, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School) |
| Mon, April 6 – Fri, April 10, 2026 | Spring Break (No School) |
| Fri, April 17, 2026 | Good Friday (No School) |
| Mon, April 20, 2026 | Easter Monday (No School) |
| Mon, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day (No School) |
| Thu, June 11, 2026 | Last Day of School |
FAQs
Q: How do I find my child’s assigned school?
A: The school assignment tool of the district will allow you to find out the base school of your child, depending on your address (home address). This involves placement in elementary, middle, and high school.
Q: How do I enroll my student in Wake County Schools?
A: The registration begins online. You will also be required to present yourself at the designated/allotted base school with the necessary documents such as an address, birth certificate, record of immunization, and other necessities after providing the basic information.
Q: What are magnet and early college schools, and how do I apply?
A: Magnet schools and early college schools are specialized schools. The application process is done online, and the district has an application window. Students have an opportunity to apply to both, but once offered an early college position, that offer is accepted.
Q: Can I request a school transfer or change calendar types?
A: The families can ask to be transferred under hardship, calendar preference, or sibling placement. The requests are considered at a particular time every year and are at the will of availability and acceptance.
Q: Is school bus transportation available for all students?
A: Students at their base school are given bus service. Transportation comes in the form of possibly having transport provided to magnet/transfer students based on route availability and location. To use the bus services, registration is obligatory.