The Palm Beach County School District has outlined its academic calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, providing families with a clear schedule of holidays, teacher workdays, and extended breaks. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of the key dates when students will be out of school, helping parents and guardians plan for childcare, family travel, and other activities throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
- Students will have a three-day weekend starting Friday, October 17, for a teacher professional development day.
- The Thanksgiving break is scheduled for a full week, from November 24 to November 28.
- Winter break will begin on December 22, with students returning to school on January 6, 2026.
- The final day of the 2025-2026 school year is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026.
Fall Semester Breaks and Professional Days
As the school year progresses, families in Palm Beach County can anticipate several days off for students during the fall semester. These breaks are a mix of national holidays and essential teacher planning days, which are crucial for academic success.
October and November Days Off
The first notable break after the start of the school year is a three-day weekend in October. Students will not attend school on Friday, October 17. This day is designated as a professional development day for teachers, occurring just after the conclusion of the first nine-week grading period.
These workdays provide educators with dedicated time for training, curriculum planning, and finalizing grades without interrupting instructional time. It allows them to prepare for the upcoming academic term and ensure all student assessments are up to date.
In November, schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. While students have the day off to honor the nation's veterans, this will be another workday for teachers, allowing for additional planning and professional activities.
The Role of Teacher Workdays
Teacher workdays, often scheduled after the end of a grading period, are a standard feature in most school district calendars. They serve multiple purposes, including allowing teachers to complete report cards, participate in mandatory training on new educational standards or technology, and collaborate with colleagues to develop lesson plans for the next academic quarter.
Extended Holiday Breaks for Thanksgiving and Winter
The calendar includes two significant extended breaks during the holiday season, giving students, teachers, and staff time to rest and spend with their families.
Thanksgiving Recess
The Thanksgiving break offers a full week of rest for the school community. The holiday recess will begin on Monday, November 24, and continue through the entire week. This provides a five-day school break, which extends to a nine-day vacation when the two weekends are included.
Classes will resume on Monday, December 1. This extended period is a popular time for family travel and allows for a significant recharge before the final push of the calendar year.
Winter Holiday Break
Following the Thanksgiving holiday, there is a three-week period of instruction before the district's winter break. The winter holiday begins on Monday, December 22. This break covers the Christmas and New Year's holidays, providing two full weeks off for students and staff.
School will not be in session through Friday, January 2, 2026. Students will return to the classroom to begin the new year on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This schedule gives families ample time for holiday traditions and travel without the pressure of school assignments.
Planning for Extended Absences
According to attendance experts, scheduling family vacations to coincide with official school breaks is crucial for student success. Missing instructional days, especially before or after a long holiday, can disrupt learning momentum and negatively impact academic performance.
Spring Semester and End-of-Year Schedule
After the winter break, the calendar includes several more days off leading up to the end of the school year. These breaks are strategically placed to provide relief during the longest stretch of the academic calendar.
Spring Break 2026
The much-anticipated spring break is scheduled for mid-March. Students will be out of school from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20. This provides a full week for rest and recreation before the final portion of the school year, which includes state testing periods.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, March 24, as the Monday following the break may be designated for teacher planning. This break is a critical opportunity for students to decompress before focusing on final exams and end-of-year projects.
"Consistent breaks built into the academic calendar are vital for preventing student and teacher burnout. They support mental health and allow everyone to return to the classroom refreshed and ready to learn."
Final Holidays and Last Day of School
As the school year winds down, one final holiday is on the schedule. There will be no school on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. This creates a final three-day weekend before the school year concludes.
The last day of school for students in the Palm Beach County School District for the 2025-2026 academic year is Friday, May 29, 2026. This marks the beginning of the summer vacation period.
Why School Calendars Are Set in Advance
School districts typically approve academic calendars one to two years in advance. This long-range planning is necessary to accommodate state-mandated instructional day requirements, coordinate with neighboring districts on vocational school schedules, and allow families and staff to make long-term plans. The process often involves input from parents, teachers, and community members before being finalized by the school board.
Full List of Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year
For easy reference, here is a summary of the major school closures for students:
- October 17, 2025: Teacher Workday (No school for students)
- November 11, 2025: Veterans Day (No school for students)
- November 24-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break
- December 22, 2025 - January 5, 2026: Winter Break
- January 6, 2026: Students return to school
- March 16-23, 2026: Spring Break
- March 24, 2026: Students return to school
- May 25, 2026: Memorial Day
- May 29, 2026: Last Day of School
Families are encouraged to consult the official Palm Beach County School District calendar for a complete list of all dates, including early dismissal days and other important events.