CPS School Calendar 2026
🇺🇸 United States
Looking for the official CPS school calendar for 2026-2027? You'll find the first day of school, term and grading-period dates, Thanksgiving and winter recess, spring break, and all key dates right here. Our CPS school calendar 2026 page covers 4 terms and 10 breaks, verified from the official CPS calendar (Chicago Public Schools). Whether you're planning family vacations, booking camps, or coordinating childcare, this 2026 school calendar for CPS has you covered.
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Jul 29, 2026.
Professional Development Day
Sep 25 – Sep 25, 2026
CPS School Term Dates 2026-2027
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 61 days | Q1 ends Friday October 23, 2026. | ||
| Quarter 2 | 89 days | Q2 ends Friday January 22, 2027. | ||
| Quarter 3 | 68 days | Q3 ends Friday April 2, 2027. | ||
| Quarter 4 | 68 days | Q4 ends Friday June 11, 2027 (last day of school). |
CPS School Holidays & Breaks 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Vacation | 12 days | Schools closed December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027. | ||
| Spring Vacation | 5 days | Schools closed March 22-26, 2027. | ||
| Parent-Teacher Conference Day (ES & HS) | 1 days | Non-attendance day for students. | ||
| Parent-Teacher Conference Day (ES & HS) | 1 days | Non-attendance day for students. | ||
| Professional Development Day | 1 days | No school for students. | ||
| Professional Development Day | 1 days | No school for students. | ||
| Professional Development Day | 1 days | No school for students. | ||
| Professional Development Day | 1 days | No school for students. | ||
| Professional Development Day | 1 days | No school for students. | ||
| Professional Development Day | 1 days | No school for students (after last day of school). |
CPS Public Holidays 2026
| Name | Start Date | End Date | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Veterans Day | 1 days | Also a CPS professional development day (no school for students). | ||
| Thanksgiving Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Christmas Day | 1 days | — | ||
| New Year's Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Presidents' Day | 1 days | — | ||
| Memorial Day | 1 days | — |
CPS 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
📅 Add CPS School Holidays 2026 to your calendar
Subscribe once and holiday dates update automatically on your phone or computer.
Detailed CPS School Year Information 2026-2027
Quarter 1
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 – Fri, Oct 23, 2026
Q1 ends Friday October 23, 2026.
Quarter 2
Mon, Oct 26, 2026 – Fri, Jan 22, 2027
Q2 ends Friday January 22, 2027.
Quarter 3
Mon, Jan 25, 2027 – Fri, Apr 2, 2027
Q3 ends Friday April 2, 2027.
Quarter 4
Mon, Apr 5, 2027 – Fri, Jun 11, 2027
Q4 ends Friday June 11, 2027 (last day of school).
CPS School Calendar 2026 — Key Dates
These CPS school holiday dates for 2026 are sourced directly from Chicago Public Schools. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest US school districts. CPS uses a quarter system (4 quarters). The 2026-2027 school year runs Monday August 24, 2026 to Friday June 11, 2027. The calendar below lists vacations, parent-teacher conference days, and professional development days (non-attendance days for students). Always confirm on the official CPS calendar.
Planning Tips for CPS School Breaks 2026
🏛️ 13,000 districts, 13,000 calendars
There is no national US school calendar — every school district sets its own year. Neighbouring districts can start weeks apart, so always check your specific district.
🌴 Spring break varies from February to April
Depending on the district and university, spring break can fall anywhere between late February and mid-April. College towns see price surges in their own week only.
🎒 Teacher workdays break up the year
Most districts scatter pupil-free teacher workdays and PD days through the year — a source of surprise days off. The district calendar lists them all.
⛺ Summer camps book in winter
The ~10-week American summer break (roughly June to August) drives intense competition for day camps and sleepaway camps — popular programs open enrolment in January or February.
Source & Data Accuracy
Data source: Chicago Public Schools
Last updated: September 8, 2026
Dates verified against official source for the current school year. Last verified: Jul 29, 2026.
Note: Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest US school districts. CPS uses a quarter system (4 quarters). The 2026-2027 school year runs Monday August 24, 2026 to Friday June 11, 2027. The calendar below lists vacations, parent-teacher conference days, and professional development days (non-attendance days for students). Always confirm on the official CPS calendar.
CPS School Calendar 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
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.