School year planning
Washington School Calendar
Washington schools typically start in late August to early September, most commonly the last week of August or the first week of September 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?
late August to early September, most commonly the last week of August or the first week of September
When does school end?
mid-to-late June
Winter break
roughly two weeks spanning the last week of December and the first week of January
Spring break
one week in early-to-mid April, commonly the first or second week
About the Washington school year
Washington state has no mandatory school start date, giving its nearly 300 school districts broad flexibility. Western Washington districts (including Seattle and the Puget Sound region) and eastern Washington districts often differ by a week or more in their start dates, with some eastern districts beginning in late August and some western districts waiting until after Labor Day. The state requires 180 school days and 1,080 instructional hours annually. Spring break falls in early-to-mid April for most districts.
Largest school districts in Washington
- Seattle Public Schools
- Spokane Public Schools
- Tacoma Public Schools
- Kent School District
- Evergreen Public Schools
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Get the Free Countdown AppFrequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Washington state?
Washington public schools typically start in late August or early September. There is no state-mandated start date, so districts choose their own opening day — some begin in the last week of August while others start after Labor Day.
When is spring break in Washington state?
Spring break in Washington state most commonly falls in the first or second week of April, typically lasting one week. The exact dates vary by district.
When does the school year end in Washington state?
Most Washington public schools finish in mid-to-late June after completing the required 180 days and 1,080 instructional hours. The exact end date depends on each district's calendar and any weather makeup days.
How long is winter break in Washington state schools?
Winter break in Washington state generally lasts about two weeks, covering the last week of December and the first week of January, 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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