Public schools across New York City will be closed for two days this week in observance of Rosh Hashanah, according to the official school calendar. Students and staff will have Tuesday, September 23, and Wednesday, September 24, off from classes.
This scheduled break affects all public schools in the five boroughs. Normal school operations are set to resume on Thursday, September 25.
Key Takeaways
- Closure Dates: All NYC public schools will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 23, and Wednesday, Sept. 24.
- Reason for Closure: The closure is for the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
- Return to School: Students and staff are expected to return to classes on Thursday, Sept. 25.
- Next Holiday: The next scheduled day off for students will be Thursday, Oct. 2, for Yom Kippur.
Details of the Mid-Week School Closure
The New York City Department of Education has confirmed that all public school buildings will be closed to students on Tuesday and Wednesday. This two-day break is part of the planned 2024-2025 school year calendar, which accounts for various federal and religious holidays.
Families and school staff were notified of these dates at the beginning of the academic year. The closure ensures that students and employees who observe Rosh Hashanah can do so without academic or professional conflict.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah, which translates from Hebrew as “head of the year,” is the Jewish New Year. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, a ten-day period of introspection and repentance that concludes with Yom Kippur. This year, the observance begins at sundown on Monday, September 22, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, September 24. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and gathering with family and friends for festive meals.
Impact on School Routines and Families
A mid-week closure requires planning for many families across the city. Parents of younger children may need to arrange for childcare or adjust their work schedules to accommodate the two-day break from school.
Community centers and local organizations often provide special programs or day camps to support working families during scheduled school holidays. These programs offer structured activities for students while schools are not in session.
For students, this break provides a brief pause early in the school year. It offers a chance to rest and recharge before academic responsibilities increase. It also allows Jewish families to observe the holiday without the pressure of schoolwork and attendance.
New York City has one of the largest Jewish populations in the world outside of Israel, which is why holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are recognized as official school holidays.
Looking Ahead at the School Calendar
Students and parents will not have to wait long for the next scheduled day off. Schools will be closed again the following week in observance of another major Jewish holiday.
Upcoming Days Off
The next holiday on the calendar is Yom Kippur, which will result in schools being closed on Thursday, October 2. This is a single-day closure, leading into a regular school day on Friday.
After the October break, the calendar includes several other days off before the start of winter recess. According to the school calendar, students and staff will have an additional six days off before the extended holiday break begins on December 24.
"Observing these holidays reflects the diversity of our city and ensures that all students have the opportunity to celebrate their traditions," a Department of Education spokesperson noted in a previous statement regarding the school calendar.
Parents are encouraged to consult their school's official calendar for a complete list of holidays, parent-teacher conference dates, and other important events throughout the academic year. These calendars are typically available on the school's website and the main NYC Department of Education portal.
Planning for Future School Breaks
With a diverse student body, the NYC school calendar incorporates holidays from various cultures and religions. This approach aims to be inclusive and respectful of the city's multicultural fabric.
Here are some of the key holidays that typically result in school closures during the fall semester:
- Rosh Hashanah: A two-day observance for the Jewish New Year.
- Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism.
- Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day: Observed in October.
- Election Day: Schools are often closed in November to serve as polling places.
- Veterans Day: A federal holiday in November.
- Thanksgiving Recess: A multi-day break at the end of November.
Understanding these dates in advance helps families, educators, and the community plan effectively. It ensures minimal disruption and allows everyone to prepare for breaks in the academic schedule.