Illinois School Calendar 2026-2027

Illinois serves approximately 1.9 million public school students across more than 850 school districts, ranging from the massive Chicago Public Schools system to small rural districts downstate. The state requires a minimum of 176 days or 1,044 hours of instruction annually. The academic year in Illinois typically begins in mid-to-late August and concludes in early June. Chicago Public Schools, the third-largest district in the nation, often operates on a distinct calendar that may differ from suburban and downstate districts, and families in the Chicago metropolitan area should verify dates with their specific district. Illinois observes all standard federal holidays, and many districts also take Columbus Day as a school holiday. The state's education landscape is characterized by significant variation in resources and outcomes between affluent suburban districts — particularly in the collar counties surrounding Chicago — and lower-income urban and rural schools. Illinois has undertaken ongoing school funding reform efforts to address these disparities. Spring break in Illinois typically falls in late March or early April. Families are encouraged to consult the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and their local district for the most current and accurate calendar information.