DCPS Calendar & Schedule 2026-27
Key dates for DC Public Schools — first day of school, winter break, spring break, holidays, and the last day of the 2026-27 academic year.
SY 2026-27 — Upcoming school year
SY 2025-26 — Current school year
When is the first day of school for DCPS 2026-27?
The first day of school for DC public school students in SY 2026-27 is Monday, August 24, 2026. Pre-K students have a staggered start beginning Thursday, August 27, 2026.
When is DCPS winter break 2026-27?
DCPS winter break for SY 2026-27 runs from Monday, December 21, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027 — two full weeks. School resumes Monday, January 4, 2027.
When is DCPS spring break 2027?
DCPS spring break for SY 2026-27 is Monday, March 22 through Friday, March 26, 2027. School resumes Monday, March 29.
What is the last day of school for DCPS 2026-27?
The last day of school for DCPS students in SY 2026-27 is Thursday, June 17, 2027. Snow-day make-up days are scheduled for June 22–23 if needed.
Full Calendar — School Year 2026-27
All key dates for traditional DCPS schools. Charter schools maintain their own calendars — check individual school websites for charter-specific dates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of school | August 24, 2026 |
| First day for Pre-K students | August 27, 2026 |
| Labor Day — schools closed | September 7, 2026 |
| Indigenous Peoples' Day — schools closed | October 12, 2026 |
| Parent-teacher conference — no school | October 13, 2026 |
| End of term — no school | October 30, 2026 |
| No school for students | November 2–3, 2026 |
| Veterans Day — schools closed | November 11, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 25–27, 2026 |
| Winter Break begins | December 21, 2026 |
| Classes resume after Winter Break | January 4, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day — schools closed | January 18, 2027 |
| End of term — no school | January 26, 2027 |
| Parent-teacher conference — no school | February 11, 2027 |
| Teacher planning day — no school | February 12, 2027 |
| Presidents' Day — schools closed | February 15, 2027 |
| Parent-teacher conference — no school | March 12, 2027 |
| Spring Break | March 22–26, 2027 |
| End of term — no school | April 9, 2027 |
| DC Emancipation Day — schools closed | April 17, 2027 |
| Wellness Day — no school | May 14, 2027 |
| Memorial Day — schools closed | May 31, 2027 |
| Last day of school | June 17, 2027 |
| Planned snow-day make-up days | June 22–23, 2027 |
Full Calendar — School Year 2025-26
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of school | August 25, 2025 |
| Labor Day — schools closed | September 1, 2025 |
| Indigenous Peoples' Day — schools closed | October 13, 2025 |
| Veterans Day — schools closed | November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26–28, 2025 |
| Winter Break | December 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day — schools closed | January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents' Day — schools closed | February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | April 13–17, 2026 |
| Memorial Day — schools closed | May 25, 2026 |
| Last day of school | June 19, 2026 |
Dates may change — verify directly with DCPS before planning around them.
School closures and delayed openings
For weather emergencies, DCPS posts closure and delayed-opening status before 6:00 AM. Updates at:
- DCPS Operating Status page — current open/delayed/closed state
- @dcpublicschools on X — real-time announcements
Charter schools have their own calendars
Each of DC's 123 public charter schools sets its own academic calendar. Many align with DCPS for major holidays, but first day, last day, and professional development days vary widely.
More questions about the DCPS calendar
When is the first day of school for DCPS 2026-27?+
The first day of school for DCPS students in SY 2026-27 is Monday, August 24, 2026. Pre-K students have a staggered start beginning Thursday, August 27, 2026.
When is DCPS winter break 2026-27?+
DCPS winter break for SY 2026-27 runs from Monday, December 21, 2026 through Friday, January 1, 2027 — two full weeks. School resumes Monday, January 4, 2027.
When is DCPS spring break 2027?+
DCPS spring break for SY 2026-27 is Monday, March 22 through Friday, March 26, 2027. School resumes Monday, March 29, 2027.
What is the last day of school for DCPS 2026-27?+
The last day of school for DCPS students in SY 2026-27 is Thursday, June 17, 2027.
When is DCPS spring break 2025-26?+
DCPS spring break for SY 2025-26 was April 13–17, 2026.
How do I know if DCPS schools are closed today?+
For weather closures and emergencies, DCPS posts updates at dcps.dc.gov and on @dcpublicschools. Updates are posted before 6:00 AM on affected days.
Are charter schools on the same calendar as DCPS?+
No. Each DC public charter school sets its own calendar. Many charters align with DCPS for major holidays and breaks, but first/last days and professional development days vary by school.
When are DCPS report cards distributed?+
DCPS uses four advisory periods. Report cards are typically distributed in early November, late January, early April, and at the end of the school year in June. Parents can view grades anytime via the ASPEN Parent Portal.
Does DCPS have early release days?+
Yes. DCPS schedules several professional development half-days each year. Parent-teacher conference days (Oct 13, Feb 11, Mar 12 in 2026-27) are also no-school days for students.
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