School year planning

California School Calendar

California schools typically start in mid-August (many districts) to just after Labor Day and wrap up late May to mid-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?

mid-August (many districts) to just after Labor Day

When does school end?

late May to mid-June

Winter break

roughly the last two weeks of December into early January

Spring break

a week in late March or early April, often tied to Easter

About the California school year

California has no statewide mandatory school start date, so calendar variation is wide. Larger urban districts like Los Angeles Unified typically begin in mid-August, while some smaller or more traditional districts start after Labor Day. Year-round multi-track calendars exist in some high-enrollment districts to manage capacity, meaning different student groups rotate in and out throughout the year. The state requires 180 instructional days. California observes Cesar Chavez Day (March 31) as a school holiday, a distinction from most other states.

Largest school districts in California

  • Los Angeles Unified School District
  • San Diego Unified School District
  • Fresno Unified School District
  • Long Beach Unified School District
  • Elk Grove Unified School District

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does school start in California?

California school start dates vary widely by district. Many larger districts, including Los Angeles Unified, begin in mid-August, while some districts start after Labor Day in September. There is no statewide mandatory start date.

When is spring break in California?

Spring break in California public schools typically falls in late March or early April and lasts about one week. Timing often corresponds roughly with Easter.

When does the school year end in California?

The school year in California ends anywhere from late May to mid-June depending on the district. Districts that start later in the year tend to finish closer to mid-June.

How long is winter break in California schools?

Winter break in California public schools is typically about two weeks, generally running from around December 20 through the first week of January, 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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