School year planning
South Carolina School Calendar
South Carolina schools typically start in mid-August (no earlier than the third Monday in August per state law) 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-August (no earlier than the third Monday in August per state law)
When does school end?
late May to early June
Winter break
roughly the last two weeks of December into the first week of January
Spring break
one week in mid-March to early April (varies widely by district)
About the South Carolina school year
South Carolina law prohibits public schools from starting before the third Monday in August, resulting in a mid-August start for all districts. The state requires 190 school days, which is higher than most states. Spring break timing varies significantly — some districts take it in mid-March, others in late March or early April. Greenville County is the largest district in the state; Charleston County and Richland District 2 are also major systems. Districts sometimes adjust their schedules to coordinate with statewide testing windows.
Largest school districts in South Carolina
- Greenville County School District
- Charleston County School District
- Richland School District Two
- Richland School District One
- Lexington School District One
Count down to the first day of school
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Get the Free Countdown AppFrequently Asked Questions
When does school start in South Carolina?
South Carolina law requires public schools to begin no earlier than the third Monday in August, so the first day of school falls in mid-August for all districts across the state.
When is spring break in South Carolina?
Spring break in South Carolina public schools varies significantly by district, typically falling somewhere between mid-March and early April. Check your specific district's calendar for the exact week.
When does the school year end in South Carolina?
South Carolina public schools generally finish in late May to early June, after completing the state-mandated 190 school days. The exact last day depends on the district's calendar and any make-up days.
How long is winter break in South Carolina schools?
Winter break in South Carolina public schools is typically about two weeks, running from roughly the last week of December 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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