School year planning
Michigan School Calendar
Michigan schools typically start in the Tuesday after Labor Day (required by state law for most districts), with waivers for some year-round and IB programs allowing mid-August starts and wrap up mid-to-late 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?
the Tuesday after Labor Day (required by state law for most districts), with waivers for some year-round and IB programs allowing mid-August starts
When does school end?
mid-to-late June
Winter break
roughly the last two weeks of December into early January
Spring break
one week in late March or early April
About the Michigan school year
Michigan law (MCL 380.1284b) requires public school districts to begin no earlier than Labor Day. This post-Labor-Day start is one of the most distinctive calendar rules in the country and was enacted partly to protect tourism revenue around Michigan's many lakes and resorts. Waivers exist for certified year-round programs and International Baccalaureate schools that meet a higher instructional-hour threshold. The state mandates a minimum of 180 days or 1,098 instructional hours.
Largest school districts in Michigan
- Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Grand Rapids Public Schools
- Flint Community Schools
- Lansing School District
- Dearborn Public Schools
Count down to the first day of school
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Get the Free Countdown AppFrequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Michigan?
State law requires most Michigan public schools to start no earlier than Labor Day, so the first day of school is typically the Tuesday after Labor Day in early September. A small number of schools with approved waivers may begin in mid-August.
When is spring break in Michigan?
Spring break in Michigan typically falls during one week in late March or early April, though the exact week varies by district.
When does the school year end in Michigan?
Most Michigan public schools finish in mid-to-late June, depending on how many snow days or emergency closures occurred during the year.
How long is winter break in Michigan schools?
Winter break is generally about two weeks, covering the period from just before Christmas through New Year's Day and a few days into January.
Want to count down the days? Browse school countdowns or see school calendars for every state.
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