School year planning
North Dakota School Calendar
North Dakota schools typically start in mid-to-late August (commonly the third week of August) and wrap up late May.
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 (commonly the third week of August)
When does school end?
late May
Winter break
roughly the last week of December into the first week of January
Spring break
a few days around Easter in late March or April (many districts observe Good Friday rather than a full week)
About the North Dakota school year
North Dakota does not mandate a statewide school start date, so individual districts set their own calendars. Large districts like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks typically begin in mid-August. Spring break is less standardized than in many other states — many North Dakota districts observe only Good Friday and the surrounding days rather than a full week off. Severe winter weather can lead to additional school closures, and districts build in make-up days accordingly.
Largest school districts in North Dakota
- Fargo Public Schools
- Bismarck Public Schools
- Grand Forks Public Schools
- Minot Public Schools
- West Fargo Public Schools
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Get the Free Countdown AppFrequently Asked Questions
When does school start in North Dakota?
Most North Dakota public schools begin in mid-to-late August, commonly during the third week of the month. There is no statewide mandated start date, so the exact first day varies by district.
When is spring break in North Dakota?
Spring break in North Dakota is less uniform than in other states. Many districts observe only a few days around Easter — often Good Friday through the following Monday — rather than a full week. Some districts do offer a full spring break week in late March or early April.
When does the school year end in North Dakota?
The school year in North Dakota typically concludes in late May. Exact end dates depend on the district's start date and any weather-related make-up days accumulated over the winter.
How long is winter break in North Dakota schools?
Winter break in North Dakota public schools is generally about two weeks, running from around December 23 through early January, with students returning just after New Year's.
Want to count down the days? Browse school countdowns or see school calendars for every state.
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