Updated Oct. 29, 2026, from the BPS calendar reviewed March 23, 2026. We’ll update this page if BPS announces snow days or changes.
Boston Public Schools’ 2026-27 year runs from Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026 to Tuesday, June 22, 2027, if there are no cancellations. Below are every day off, early release and vacation week from the official district calendar, plus how snow days push the last day back.
Quick explainer: Some schools differ. BPS says the first day for UP Academy Dorchester was still “TBD.” Charter schools and METCO towns set their own calendars, so check with your school.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2-3, 2026 | Teachers and paraprofessionals report |
| Sept. 7 | Labor Day, no school |
| Tue., Sept. 8 | First day, grades 1-12 |
| Thu., Sept. 10 | First day, pre-K and kindergarten |
| Oct. 6 | Early release (educator PD) |
| Oct. 12 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day, no school |
| Nov. 11 | Veterans Day, no school |
| Nov. 25 | Early release |
| Nov. 26-27 | Thanksgiving recess |
| Dec. 24, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027 | Winter recess |
| Jan. 4 | Teachers report; no students |
| Tue., Jan. 5 | Students return |
| Jan. 18 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day, no school |
| Feb. 2 | Early release (educator PD) |
| Feb. 15-19 | Presidents’ Day and February recess |
| Feb. 22 | Students return |
| March 26 | Good Friday, no school |
| April 19-23 | Patriots’ Day and spring recess |
| April 26 | Students return |
| May 31 | Memorial Day, no school |
| June 7 | Last day for seniors (170 days) |
| June 18 | Juneteenth (observed), no school |
| June 21 | Early release |
| Tue., June 22, 2027 | Last day (180 days), early release, if no snow days are used |
| June 29 | 185th day, the latest possible last day |
Vacations at a glance
- Thanksgiving: Nov. 26-27, with early release Wednesday, Nov. 25.
- Winter recess: Dec. 24 through Jan. 4 for students, back Tuesday, Jan. 5.
- February recess: Feb. 15-19, including Presidents’ Day, back Feb. 22.
- Spring recess: April 19-23, including Patriots’ Day (Boston Marathon Monday), back April 26.
What the calendar shows
March is the longest month in class, with 22 days and only Good Friday off. February and June have the fewest, at 15 each. The two vacation weeks in February and April each take out a full week. Grades 1-12 start on a Tuesday, the day after Labor Day, and pre-K and kindergarten start two days later on Thursday.
Snow days and the last day of school
Massachusetts requires 180 school days. If BPS cancels school for weather, the last day moves later, one school day per cancellation. The calendar lists June 29, 2027 as the 185th day, so five snow days would push the end to the last week of June. BPS posts cancellations on its website. For storms, see our snow emergency and parking ban guide.
Is a snow emergency the same as a school closing?
No. A snow emergency is a parking ban on main roads, declared by the mayor. BPS makes a separate call on school closings, though the two often happen on the same day.
More for Boston families
- Boston neighborhoods guide, including which have the most children
- Holiday events for winter break
- Things to do this weekend
- MBTA guide
- Boston news
Frequently asked questions
When is the first day of school for Boston Public Schools in 2026?
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, for grades 1-12. Pre-K and kindergarten start Thursday, Sept. 10.
When is the last day of school for BPS in 2027?
Tuesday, June 22, 2027, an early-release day, if no days are lost to cancellations. Each snow day adds a day, up to June 29.
When is February vacation for BPS in 2027?
Feb. 15-19, 2027, including Presidents’ Day. Students return Monday, Feb. 22.
When is April vacation for Boston schools in 2027?
April 19-23, 2027, starting with Patriots’ Day. Students return April 26.
Is BPS closed on Veterans Day?
Yes. Schools and central offices are closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
Sources
Additional sources
Featured image: Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.