Families across New York City are preparing for an upcoming school holiday, as both public and Catholic schools will close in observance of Veterans Day. The closure, scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, provides a brief respite for students and staff before the academic calendar moves into a busy holiday season.
This single-day break is part of a larger, comprehensive schedule of holidays and recesses that punctuate the school year. Understanding these dates is crucial for parents managing work schedules, childcare, and family plans. The calendar reflects a diverse mix of federal, state, and cultural observances, ensuring students have structured breaks throughout the academic term.
Key Takeaways
- New York City public and Catholic schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, for Veterans Day.
- The next major break for students is the Thanksgiving recess, scheduled for November 27-28.
- The 2025-2026 academic calendar includes approximately two dozen days off, including week-long winter and spring recesses.
- Both school systems observe a variety of federal and religious holidays, including the recently added Diwali for public schools.
Upcoming Breaks in the Fall Semester
As the autumn season continues, students and families can look forward to a couple of significant breaks. The first is the observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11. Schools will be closed for the day, with classes resuming on Wednesday, November 12.
This day is set aside to honor all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is a day to thank living veterans for their contributions to national security during both wartime and peacetime.
Following this brief pause, the next scheduled holiday is the Thanksgiving recess. Both public and Catholic school students will have a four-day weekend, with schools closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28. This break allows families time to travel and celebrate the holiday.
A Detailed Look at the NYC Public School Calendar
The New York City public school calendar is a complex schedule designed to accommodate a diverse student body. For the 2025-2026 academic year, it includes roughly two dozen days off, not including weekends. These breaks are a mix of single-day holidays and extended recesses.
Understanding the Calendar's Structure
The school calendar is carefully planned to balance instructional days with necessary breaks. It incorporates federal holidays, significant religious and cultural observances, and administrative days for parent-teacher conferences. This structure aims to provide a consistent rhythm to the academic year while respecting the city's diverse population.
Major breaks are a cornerstone of the school year. The Winter Recess is one of the longest, beginning on Christmas Eve, December 24, and typically extending into the new year. This is followed by a Mid-Winter Recess in February and a Spring Recess in the spring, which often aligns with Passover.
Full List of Major Public School Holidays
Beyond the extended recesses, the calendar features several important single-day closures. These holidays reflect a wide range of observances:
- Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Election Day
- Diwali
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Juneteenth
- Memorial Day
The calendar also includes days off for religious holidays such as Yom Kippur, Good Friday, and Eid al-Fitr. The recent addition of Diwali as a school holiday underscores the city's commitment to recognizing its diverse cultural communities.
Did You Know?
The NYC public school system is the largest in the United States, serving over 1.1 million students across more than 1,800 schools. Crafting a calendar that meets the needs of this vast and diverse population is a significant logistical undertaking each year.
Key Dates for Catholic School Students
While sharing many federal holidays with the public school system, the academic calendar for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York has its own distinct schedule. Managed by the Superintendent of Schools, this calendar places a strong emphasis on religious observances.
Like their public school counterparts, Catholic school students will have November 11 off for Veterans Day and a break for Thanksgiving on November 27-28. The Christmas holiday break also begins around December 24.
"The school calendar is an essential tool for every family, helping them plan not just for education but for family life, work, and personal commitments throughout the year."
However, the Catholic school calendar includes specific dates tied to the liturgical year that are not found on the public school schedule. These often include holy days of obligation and other significant religious events. Parents with children in the Archdiocese's schools are encouraged to consult their specific school's calendar for the most accurate information, as dates can sometimes vary.
Planning Ahead: Parent-Teacher Conferences and More
Beyond holidays and recesses, the school calendar is a vital resource for academic planning. It contains crucial dates for parent-teacher conferences, which are scheduled separately for elementary, middle, and high schools.
These conferences provide a dedicated opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with educators, discuss student progress, and address any concerns. These dates are often designated as half-days or full days off for students to accommodate the meetings.
As the 2025-2026 school year progresses, families are advised to keep a close eye on the official calendars provided by the NYC Department of Education and the Archdiocese of New York. These documents are the definitive sources for all key dates, ensuring that parents, students, and staff remain synchronized and well-prepared for the year ahead.