Federal holidays
The eleven US federal holidays anchor most of the breaks in the K-12 and university school year. Click any holiday for a focused overview of how it lands on the academic calendar.
Federal holiday and the standard return-from-winter-break date for most US K-12 districts. When January 1 falls on a weekend, the federal observance shifts to the nearest weekday.
Federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January, almost universally treated as a no-school day in US K-12 districts and many universities.
Federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February. Many K-12 districts attach a four-day weekend or use the day to anchor a February vacation week.
Federal holiday on the last Monday of May. For most US K-12 districts and universities, Memorial Day is one of the final no-school days before the academic year ends.
Federal holiday since 2021 commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Increasingly observed in school district summer calendars and university administrative calendars.
Federal holiday and the anchor of US summer vacation for K-12 schools. Universities running summer sessions typically schedule a one-day closure.
Federal holiday on the first Monday of September. For many US K-12 districts and universities the day after Labor Day is the traditional first day of school.
Federal holiday observed by many districts and universities as a no-school day in October. Increasingly recognized as Indigenous Peoples' Day in state and local calendars.
Federal holiday observed on November 11 (or the nearest weekday). Most K-12 districts close, and many host school assemblies to honor veterans.
Federal holiday and the anchor of the US Thanksgiving recess, which typically extends from Wednesday through Friday or for the full week in many districts.
Federal holiday and the centerpiece of the standard two-week winter break observed by US K-12 districts and most universities.