School year planning

Arizona School Calendar

Arizona schools typically start in late July to early August and wrap up late May to early June.

Districts set their own calendars, so use the dates below as a guide and confirm with your local school system.

When does school start?

late July to early August

When does school end?

late May to early June

Winter break

roughly two weeks from just before Christmas into early January

Spring break

one week in mid-March, often preceded or followed by a fall break in October

About the Arizona school year

Arizona is notable for some of the earliest school start dates in the nation, driven partly by the extreme summer heat and a desire to complete the first semester before winter break. Many districts also take a week-long fall break in October, an uncommon feature in other states. Arizona requires 180 instructional days and local governing boards set calendars independently. Charter school enrollment is among the highest in the country, adding further calendar variation.

Largest school districts in Arizona

  • Mesa Public Schools
  • Chandler Unified School District
  • Tucson Unified School District
  • Peoria Unified School District
  • Gilbert Public Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does school start in Arizona?

Arizona public schools tend to start earlier than most of the country, with many districts beginning in late July or the first week of August. The early start is partly driven by Arizona's intense summer heat.

When is spring break in Arizona?

Spring break in Arizona typically falls in mid-March and lasts one week. Many Arizona districts also observe a fall break in October, which is less common in other states.

When does the school year end in Arizona?

Most Arizona school districts finish the academic year in late May or early June, depending on the district's calendar and any makeup days needed.

How long is winter break in Arizona schools?

Winter break in Arizona public schools is typically about two weeks, running from just before Christmas through New Year's Day, with classes resuming in early January.

Want to count down the days? Browse school countdowns or see school calendars for every state.

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