Maryland School Calendar 2026-2027
School year dates, holidays, and breaks for Maryland students, parents, and teachers.
Key Dates for Maryland School Year 2026-2027
⚠️ Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) approved calendar: Aug 11, 2026 to May 28, 2027, with 181 school days. Other MD districts may differ.
Maryland School Holidays 2026-2027
Official source tracker
How to verify Maryland school calendar dates
Statewide school calendar pages are planning references. Local districts may publish different first day, break, holiday, teacher workday, and make-up day schedules, so final dates should be verified with the district that serves your address.
About Maryland School Year 2026-2027
Maryland's public school system is governed by the Maryland State Department of Education and is organized into 24 local school systems — one for each of the state's 23 counties and one for Baltimore City. The state mandates 180 instructional days, with the academic year typically beginning after Labor Day in early September and concluding in mid-to-late June. Maryland has historically been a leader in education quality, with Montgomery County Public Schools and Howard County Public Schools consistently ranking among the top school systems in the nation. The state is implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a landmark education reform law passed in 2021 that significantly increases education funding and introduces major changes to curriculum, teacher compensation, and early childhood education. Maryland administers the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in spring, aligned to the state's College and Career Ready Standards. The state's proximity to Washington, D.C. means that some districts, particularly in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, observe additional federal and local holidays. Baltimore City Schools operates on a calendar that may differ from surrounding county systems. Families should consult their specific local school system's calendar for precise dates, as break schedules and professional development days vary across Maryland's 24 school systems.
Related planning guides
Plan beyond the Maryland calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Maryland for 2026-2027?
The Maryland school calendar lists Aug 11, 2026 as the planning reference for the first day of school in 2026. Local districts may approve different start dates, so confirm with your district calendar.
When is the last day of school in Maryland 2026-2027?
The last day of school for Maryland in the 2026-2027 school year is listed as May 28, 2027. The final date can move if a district adds weather or emergency make-up days.
When is winter break in Maryland for 2026-2027?
Winter Break in Maryland is listed as Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027. District calendars can still vary around teacher workdays, early release days, and local holidays.
When is Spring Break in Maryland 2027?
Spring Break in Maryland is listed as Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027. Some districts may choose a different spring break week, especially in large metro areas.
When is Thanksgiving break in Maryland for 2026?
Thanksgiving Break in Maryland is listed as Nov 25, 2026 – Nov 27, 2026. Many districts close for Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, but local calendars should be verified.
How many school days are in Maryland for 2026-2027?
Maryland requires 181 instructional days for the 2026-2027 school year.
Are Maryland school calendar dates the same in every district?
No. Maryland school calendar dates can vary by district because local boards approve their own calendars within state requirements. Use this page as a planning guide, then verify exact dates with your district.