School year planning

Minnesota School Calendar

Minnesota schools typically start in the Tuesday after Labor Day (state law prohibits starting before Labor Day) and wrap up early-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?

the Tuesday after Labor Day (state law prohibits starting before Labor Day)

When does school end?

early-to-mid June

Winter break

roughly two weeks from late December through early January

Spring break

one week in late March or early April

About the Minnesota school year

Minnesota statute prohibits public schools from beginning instruction before Labor Day, a rule championed to protect the state's tourism and seasonal agricultural industries. The law mandates a minimum of 165 instructional days or 1,020 instructional hours, giving districts moderate flexibility in scheduling breaks. Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Paul Public Schools are the two dominant urban districts; suburban districts in the Twin Cities metro generally follow similar calendars.

Largest school districts in Minnesota

  • Minneapolis Public Schools
  • St. Paul Public Schools
  • Anoka-Hennepin School District
  • Osseo Area Schools
  • Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does school start in Minnesota?

Minnesota law prohibits public schools from starting before Labor Day, so the school year begins on the Tuesday after Labor Day in early September for virtually all districts.

When is spring break in Minnesota?

Spring break is typically one week in late March or early April, though the specific week varies by district.

When does the school year end in Minnesota?

Most Minnesota public schools end in early to mid-June, reflecting the late Labor Day start and the state's minimum instructional requirements.

How long is winter break in Minnesota schools?

Winter break is generally about two weeks, spanning from just before Christmas through the first week of January.

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

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