CA School Calendar 2026
🇺🇸 United States
Looking for the official CA school calendar for 2026-2027? You'll find complete term dates, school holidays, spring break dates, winter break schedules, and all public holidays right here. Our CA school calendar 2026 page covers 2 terms and 10 school breaks, with every date verified from California Department of Education. Whether you're planning family vacations, booking summer camps, or coordinating childcare, this comprehensive 2026 school calendar for CA has you covered.
Labor Day
Sep 7 – Sep 7, 2026
CA School Term Dates 2026-2027
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester (Term 1) | 92 days | Typical start: mid-August (Sacramento City starts Aug 11, LAUSD mid-August). Some districts start as late as late August. | ||
| Spring Semester (Term 2) | 111 days | Spring semester starts after winter break. End date varies (early to mid-June). |
CA School Holidays & Breaks 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Veterans Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Thanksgiving Break | 5 days | Full week off for most CA districts. | ||
| Winter Break | 15 days | Typically 2-3 weeks. Most districts return early January. | ||
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Presidents' Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Spring Break | 5 days | Usually 1 week in late March or early April. Some districts align with Easter week. | ||
| Cesar Chavez Day | 1 days | CA-specific holiday. Many districts close. | ||
| Memorial Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Summer Break | 62 days | Approximately 8-10 week summer break. |
CA Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Veterans Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Thanksgiving | 1 days | — | ||
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| New Year's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Presidents' Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Cesar Chavez Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Memorial Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Juneteenth | 1 days | — |
CA School 2026 Calendar — Month by Month
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
Detailed CA School Year Information 2026-2027
Fall Semester (Term 1)
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 – Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Typical start: mid-August (Sacramento City starts Aug 11, LAUSD mid-August). Some districts start as late as late August.
Spring Semester (Term 2)
Tue, Jan 5, 2027 – Thu, Jun 10, 2027
Spring semester starts after winter break. End date varies (early to mid-June).
CA School Calendar 2026 — Key Dates
These CA school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from California Department of Education. California school calendars are set by individual school districts. The dates below represent typical/representative dates for the 2026-2027 academic year based on major districts (LAUSD, San Diego Unified, Sacramento City Unified). Most CA schools start in mid-August and end in early-to-mid June. Always check with your specific school district for exact dates.
Planning Tips for CA School Breaks 2026
🗓️ Book Early for CA School Holiday Periods
CA school holiday periods are the busiest times for travel and accommodation. Book flights, hotels, and activities at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure the best prices and availability, especially during the summer and Christmas/New Year breaks.
🎨 Plan 2026 School Holiday Activities
Many vacation care programs, sports camps, and holiday workshops open bookings weeks before CA school holidays begin. Popular programs fill up quickly, so research and register early to avoid disappointment.
📚 Balance Learning and Rest During School Breaks
While CA school holidays are a time for rest, incorporating light educational activities can help children stay engaged. Consider reading programs, educational day trips, or online learning platforms that make learning fun during the 2026 school break.
👨👩👧👦 Coordinate with Other CA Parents
Organize playdates and shared childcare with other parents to reduce stress and costs during CA school holidays. Many communities have local Facebook groups or apps where parents coordinate holiday activities and care arrangements.
Official Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: California Department of Education
Last updated: July 12, 2026
Note: California school calendars are set by individual school districts. The dates below represent typical/representative dates for the 2026-2027 academic year based on major districts (LAUSD, San Diego Unified, Sacramento City Unified). Most CA schools start in mid-August and end in early-to-mid June. Always check with your specific school district for exact dates.
CA School Calendar 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
When does school start in California in 2026?
California school start dates vary by district. Most districts start in mid-August 2026, typically between August 10 and August 26. For example, Sacramento City Unified starts August 11, while some districts start as late as late August. Always check your specific district.
When is Spring Break 2027 in California?
Spring Break 2027 in California varies by district. Most districts schedule it for one week in late March or early April. Common dates include March 29-April 2, 2027. Some districts align with Easter week.
Do all California schools have the same holiday dates?
No. California has over 1,000 school districts, each setting its own calendar. While many follow similar patterns, start dates, end dates, and break periods can vary significantly. LAUSD, San Diego Unified, and other major districts may have different calendars.
What is Cesar Chavez Day in California?
Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) is a California-specific state holiday. Many school districts close on this day. In 2027, it falls on a Wednesday. Some districts may observe it on the adjacent Monday or Friday instead.
How many school holidays are there in 2026?
Most school systems have 4-6 major holiday periods throughout the year, typically including a long summer break, a winter/Christmas break, and shorter mid-term breaks in spring and autumn. The exact number depends on your country and region.
What is the longest school holiday?
The summer holiday is typically the longest school break worldwide. In Australia, it lasts about 5-6 weeks (December-January). In the UK, the summer break is approximately 6 weeks (July-August). In the US, summer break is the longest at 10-12 weeks (June-August). In Singapore, the year-end holidays last about 6 weeks.
Are school holidays the same across all states or regions?
No. School holiday dates vary by state, region, and sometimes even by individual school district or local council. While neighbouring areas often have similar schedules, you should always check the specific dates for your local area.
Can I take my child out of school during term time?
Rules vary by country. In the UK, taking children out of school during term time without authorization can result in fines. In Australia, it is generally discouraged but policies vary by state. In the US, policies are set by individual school districts. Always check with your school before planning term-time absences.
Do private schools have different holiday dates?
Yes, private and independent schools often set their own term dates, which may differ from government/public schools. However, most private schools follow similar schedules to nearby public schools, with minor variations. Check directly with your school for exact dates.
Looking for School Holidays in Other Countries?
Browse school holiday dates and term dates for multiple countries worldwide. Free, accurate, and always up to date.