In Washington, the 2025-2026 school year will start in late August or early September 2025; however, with some school districts starting around the time of Labor Day. In October, a short fall break or in-service days can take place based on the district. The Thanksgiving break will be held November 27-28, 2025, with the winter break lasting between December 22, 2025, and January 2, 2026, between the Christmas and New Year holidays. In most districts, there are also no-school days on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19, 2026, and Presidents’ Day, February 16, 2026. The spring break will take place on April 6-10, 2026, and this will give students a chance to have a mid-semester break. School years end in mid-June 2026, and the specific dates differ by district due to weather-related as well as makeup days. Other noteworthy celebrations, like Veterans Day or teacher professional development days, can also be added in the course of the year.
Washington Schools Calendar 2025-2026 [WA]
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | Late August / Early September 2025* |
| Fall Break / Teacher In-Service | October 2025* |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 27–28, 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 |
| Last Day of School | Mid-June 2026 |
The Washington schools accommodate students in kindergarten up to 12th grade within urban, suburban, and rural schools. They offer a full curriculum that focuses on core academics and special courses in STEM areas, arts, music, and career and technical education. High-level courses and honors programs are provided in districts, which equip students with greater education and competitive careers. High-quality instruction is assisted by teacher professional learning and in-service days, but individualized programs meet the needs of various types of learning. To build inclusive learning settings, schools also pay attention to cultural awareness, equity, and the well-being of students.
The Washington school system includes extracurricular activities where students are offered a chance to participate in sports, clubs, arts, and community engagements. At schools, leadership, teamwork, and civic responsibility are stressed in addition to academic development. Good ties with the parents and the local communities assist in strengthening development and participation among the students. In general, Washington schools are to produce highly-rounded students who have the knowledge, skills, and social capabilities to succeed in college, careers, and a lifetime.
Washington Schools Holidays 2025-2026 [WA]
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 |
| Fall Break / Teacher In-Service | October 2025* |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 27–28, 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 |
FAQs
Q: When does School Start in Washington Schools?
A: The school year usually begins at the end of August or at the beginning of September 2025, according to the district.
Q: When is the first day of Washington Schools?
A: The opening day of classes is usually late in August or early in September 2025, but it depends on the districts.
Q: When is the last day of Washington Schools?
A: The final school day is normally mid-June 2026, but this varies depending on district calendars and makeup days.
Q: When is the Winter Break in Washington Schools?
A: Winter break will run between December 22, 2025, and January 2, 2026, which will include both the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Q: When is the Summer Break in Washington Schools?
A: The start of the summer break is on the last day of school in mid-June of 2026 and lasts up to the end of August 2026.