How to use these templates
Picking the right template is mostly a function of two questions: who is going to look at it, and how long a stretch of time does it need to cover. The first question maps to the grade-level pages on this site; the second maps to the period pages.
Step 1 — Pick the grade level
Start at By grade level. K-12 districts, universities on a semester system, universities on a quarter system, community colleges, graduate programs, homeschools, and preschools all run on different beats. Choose the page that matches the situation.
Step 2 — Pick the period
Use the period pages to choose how much time the calendar should show on a single page or spread. Full-year layouts are best for wall planners; weekly and daily layouts are best for active class schedules; finals-week templates are best for the last 14 days of a term.
Step 3 — Pick the format
Use PDF when you want a final, print-ready document. Use Word when you want to add written notes. Use Excel or Google Sheets when you want to track days completed, days remaining, or a homework count. Use the PNG image when you want to post a calendar in a group chat, a Slack channel, or on a classroom website.
Step 4 — Customize and print
Open the file in its native application, type over any value you want to change, and print. Most school districts publish their final calendar in May or June for the following year — you can use a generic template now and replace the dates once your district publishes its version.
Tips for teachers
- Print the full-year wall calendar in landscape on tabloid (11×17 in) for the staff room.
- Use the weekly template for lesson pacing — fold it into your binder.
- Color-code by subject in the editable Excel version before printing.
Tips for families
- Print the school-year calendar in August before back-to-school night and pin it to the fridge.
- Use a different color highlighter for each child.
- Mark spring break as soon as you book travel — it is the most-overlooked planning conflict.