In the United States, school holidays vary by state, district, and even individual schools. While both public and private schools generally follow a similar holiday schedule, there are differences based on regional policies and weather conditions, such as snow days. The standard school year in the U.S. consists of approximately 180 instructional days, with breaks scheduled throughout the year.
If winter school closures increase due to weather conditions, some districts may adjust summer vacations to maintain the required number of instructional days.
Major US School Holidays in 2025
- Spring Break (typically in March or April, lasting one week)
- Christmas Break (usually two weeks in December)
- Thanksgiving Break (typically a one-week break in late November)
- Winter Break (varies by state, often occurring in February or March)
- Other Public Holidays (e.g., Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, etc.)
National Public Holidays in 2025
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day |
| January 16 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| February 20 | Presidents’ Day |
| April 9 | Easter Sunday |
| May 14 | Mother’s Day |
| May 29 | Memorial Day |
| June 18 | Father’s Day |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 4 | Independence Day |
| September 4 | Labor Day |
| October 9 | Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day |
| November 23 | Thanksgiving Day |
| November 24 | Black Friday (observed in some states) |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
School Holiday Calendars by State
School Holidays United States 2025
| Dates | Holiday |
| August 18, 2025 | First Day of School |
| November 24–25, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break |
| December 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 | Christmas Break |
| March 13–17, 2025 | Spring Break |
| May 23, 2025 | Last Day of School |
| May 24 – August 16, 2025 | Summer Break |
Texas School Holidays 2025
| Dates | Holiday |
| August 22, 2025 | First Day of School |
| November 21–25, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break |
| December 22, 2025 – January 6, 2026 | Christmas Break |
| March 13–17, 2025 | Spring Break |
| June 1, 2025 | Last Day of School |
| June 2, 2025 – August 2026 | Summer Break |
California School Holidays 2025
| Dates | Holiday |
| August 15, 2025 | First Day of School |
| November 21–25, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break |
| December 19, 2025 – January 6, 2026 | Christmas Break |
| March 31 – April 7, 2025 | Spring Break |
| June 15, 2025 | Last Day of School |
| June 16 – August 2025 | Summer Break |
Montana School Holidays 2025
| Dates | Holiday |
| August 22, 2025 | First Day of School |
| November 23–25, 2025 | Thanksgiving Break |
| December 23, 2025 – January 2, 2026 | Christmas Break |
| March 13–17, 2025 | Spring Break |
| June 2, 2025 | Last Day of School |
| June 5 – August 2025 | Summer Break |
Regional Variations in School Calendars
Each school district determines its specific holiday schedule based on state requirements, weather conditions, and other local factors. For example:
- Some schools operate on a year-round schedule with shorter but more frequent breaks.
- Certain districts adjust summer break lengths depending on winter closures.
- Homeschooling families often set their own vacation schedules, though they generally follow a similar pattern.
Conclusion
Understanding school holiday schedules is essential for families, educators, and students to plan their activities throughout the year. With variations across states and school districts, staying informed through official school calendars helps ensure smooth planning. Whether preparing for vacations, extracurricular activities, or academic schedules, having a clear view of holiday dates allows for better organization and time management.
1. Do all U.S. schools follow the same holiday schedule?
No, school holidays vary by state, district, and even individual schools. While many holidays are observed nationwide, the exact dates of breaks like spring and winter vacation differ by location.
2. How many school days are there in a typical U.S. school year?
Most U.S. schools have approximately 180 instructional days per academic year, though some states or districts may have slight variations.
3. Do private schools follow the same holiday schedule as public schools?
Private schools often follow a similar holiday schedule to public schools, but they may have additional religious or institutional holidays. Parents should check with their specific school for details.
