School year planning
Alaska School Calendar
Alaska schools typically start in mid-to-late August and wrap up mid-to-late May.
Districts set their own calendars, so use the dates below as a guide and confirm with your local school system.
When does school start?
mid-to-late August
When does school end?
mid-to-late May
Winter break
roughly two weeks from just before Christmas through New Year's Day
Spring break
one week in mid-March
About the Alaska school year
Alaska's 54 school districts each set their own calendars, and conditions vary enormously across a state spanning four time zones. The Anchorage School District — by far the largest — typically starts in mid-August and ends in late May. Rural and remote districts may adjust calendars around subsistence hunting and fishing seasons, harsh winter weather, or limited transportation access. The state requires a minimum of 180 school days.
Largest school districts in Alaska
- Anchorage School District
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
- Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
- Juneau Borough School District
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Get the Free Countdown AppFrequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Alaska?
Most Alaska public schools begin in mid-to-late August. The Anchorage School District, the state's largest, typically starts around the third week of August, though rural districts may vary significantly.
When is spring break in Alaska?
Spring break in most Alaska school districts falls in mid-March and lasts one week, though the exact timing varies by district.
When does the school year end in Alaska?
The school year in Alaska typically ends in mid-to-late May. Larger districts like Anchorage generally finish by late May, while some rural districts may end slightly earlier or later.
How long is winter break in Alaska schools?
Winter break in Alaska public schools is generally about two weeks, running from just before Christmas through New Year's Day, with students returning in early January.
Want to count down the days? Browse school countdowns or see school calendars for every state.
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