Ohio's public school system serves approximately 1.7 million students across more than 600 school districts. The state mandates a minimum of 182 instructional days or 1,001 hours per academic year, one of the higher day requirements among U.S. states. The school year in Ohio typically begins in mid-to-late August and concludes by late May, reflecting the state's preference for an earlier start and finish compared to many northeastern states. Ohio's calendar is notable for its inclusion of Good Friday as a school holiday in many districts, a tradition with deep roots in the state's communities. Columbus Day is observed statewide, which is particularly significant given that Columbus, Ohio — the state capital — is named after the explorer. Ohio has a diverse educational landscape that includes traditional public schools, a large network of community schools (charter schools), and STEM-focused academies. The state's accountability system, managed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, uses a report card system to evaluate district and school performance. Families in major urban districts such as Columbus City Schools, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Cincinnati Public Schools should verify their specific calendar, as dates may vary from the state guidelines.