School year planning
Colorado School Calendar
Colorado schools typically start in mid-to-late 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?
mid-to-late August
When does school end?
late May to early June
Winter break
roughly two weeks from just before Christmas through New Year's Day
Spring break
one week in late March or early April
About the Colorado school year
Colorado requires 160 instructional days (one of the lower mandates in the country), though most districts exceed this. Denver Public Schools, the largest, typically starts in mid-to-late August. Mountain resort communities such as Summit and Eagle counties sometimes adjust calendars around ski season demand and tourism. Weather makeup days for heavy snowstorms can push the end of the year into early June. Each of Colorado's roughly 180 school districts approves its own calendar.
Largest school districts in Colorado
- Denver Public Schools
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Douglas County School District
- Cherry Creek School District
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools
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Get the Free Countdown AppFrequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Colorado?
Most Colorado public schools begin in mid-to-late August. Denver Public Schools, the state's largest district, typically starts around the third week of August, though start dates vary across districts.
When is spring break in Colorado?
Spring break in Colorado public schools generally falls in late March or early April and lasts one week. Mountain resort districts may schedule breaks slightly differently based on local conditions.
When does the school year end in Colorado?
Most Colorado school districts finish in late May or early June. Weather makeup days for snowstorms can occasionally push the end date slightly later.
How long is winter break in Colorado schools?
Winter break in Colorado is typically 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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