Planning a school year in Georgia requires knowing the first and last days, holidays, and breaks. This page covers the Georgia school calendar for 2026-2027 and previews 2027-2028, including major holidays like Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break.
Overview of the Georgia School Calendar
Georgia’s public school system serves about 1.8 million students across 180 school districts. Each district manages its own calendar, but the state mandates a minimum of 180 instructional days. Many districts prefer an early start—often in late July or early August—to complete the first semester before the winter break.
Always confirm dates with your local district because schedules can vary.
Georgia School Calendar 2026-2027
The 2026-2027 school year in Georgia generally follows an August-to-May timeline. While each district sets its own schedule, many align around common dates.
When Does School Start and End in Georgia for 2026-2027?
Most Georgia schools start in early August and end in late May. A common reference for the state is August 3, 2026, as the first day and May 21, 2027, as the last day. These dates are a good starting point for your back-to-school planning and end-of-year plans.
First Day
For many districts, the first day of school is August 3, 2026. Confirmed districts include Atlanta Public Schools and Gwinnett County Public Schools, both starting on this date. However, some districts, like Forsyth County, start on August 6, 2026, and Houston County starts on August 4, 2026.
Last Day
The last day of school is often in late May. While the reference date is May 21, 2027, many districts end later that week. For example, Atlanta Public Schools’ last day is May 27, 2027, and Forsyth County ends on May 27, 2027. Always confirm with your local district, as this date can shift with make-up days.
Spring Break
Spring break for the 2026-2027 school year commonly falls in early April. A widely used reference is April 5, 2027 through April 9, 2027. This week is a popular time for travel planning. Districts like Atlanta Public Schools and Muscogee County both follow this spring break schedule. Houston County schedules its spring break slightly earlier, from March 29 to April 2, 2027.
Key Dates for Georgia School Year 2026-2027
Here is a quick summary of important dates.
| Event | Date (Reference) |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | August 3, 2026 |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 |
| Fall Break | October 5–9, 2026 (varies) |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 23–27, 2026 |
| Winter Break | December 21, 2026 – January 4, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 18, 2027 |
| Presidents Day | February 15, 2027 |
| Spring Break | April 5–9, 2027 |
| Last Day of School | May 21, 2027 (reference) |
| Memorial Day | May 31, 2027 |
Georgia School Holidays 2026-2027
Georgia schools observe several federal and state holidays.
| Holiday/Break | Date(s) |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 |
| Fall Break | October 5–9, 2026 |
| Veterans Day | November 11, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 23–27, 2026 |
| Winter Break | December 21, 2026 – January 4, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 18, 2027 |
| Presidents Day | February 15, 2027 |
| Spring Break | April 5–9, 2027 |
| Memorial Day | May 31, 2027 |
These dates are a statewide reference. Individual school districts may adjust these dates, so it is always best to confirm with your local district.
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Georgia School Calendar 2027-2028 Preview
Planning for next year? A preview of the 2027-2028 calendar shows similar patterns. Atlanta Public Schools has set its first day for August 2, 2027, with the last day on May 26, 2028. Barrow County, responding to community feedback, is also pushing its start date to July to accommodate a full week for fall, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks.
Key dates for the 2027-2028 school year include:
- First Day of School: August 2, 2027 (reference)
- Labor Day: September 6, 2027
- Fall Break: October 11-15, 2027 (varies by district)
- Thanksgiving Break: November 22-26, 2027
- Winter Break: December 20, 2027 – January 3, 2028
- MLK Day: January 17, 2028
- Spring Break: April 3-7, 2028
- Last Day of School: May 26, 2028 (reference)
Read More: Fulton County Schools Calendar
Georgia Public School Calendar by District
Since calendars vary, it is important to check your specific district. Here are a few examples:
- Atlanta Public Schools (APS): First day is August 3, 2026, and last day is May 27, 2027. The district has released calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, which you can find on its official website.
- Gwinnett County Public Schools: Also starts on August 3, 2026.
- Barrow County Schools: Approved calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28. The first day is pushed to July to include full weeks for breaks.
- Bulloch County Schools: Their 2026-2027 calendar starts on August 3, 2026, and ends May 27, 2027.
- Forsyth County Schools: First day is August 6, 2026, with the last day on May 27, 2027.
- Houston County Schools: First day is August 4, 2026, with a spring break from March 29 to April 2, 2027.
How to Verify Your Georgia School Calendar
Because the Georgia school calendar can vary significantly by district, it’s crucial to confirm your school’s specific dates. Do not rely solely on a single online resource as your primary source.
- Go to the Official Source: Visit the official website of your local school district. This is the most accurate and reliable source of information.
- Look for the Official Calendar: Districts typically have a dedicated “Calendars” or “Parents” section on their website.
- Verify All Dates: Confirm important dates like the first and last day of school, teacher workdays, and all holiday breaks. Remember that dates may shift due to make-up days or district-specific planning.
- Check for a Printable PDF: Many districts offer a downloadable and printable PDF version of their calendar for easy reference.
Always confirm with your local district before making any travel, childcare, or other major plans.
About Georgia Schools
The Georgia Department of Education oversees a vast system of over 180 school districts. This includes traditional public schools, charter schools, and special-purpose schools. The state is also known for Georgia’s Pre-K Program, a nationally recognized early education initiative. The system serves over 1.8 million students, making it one of the largest in the country.
Need Calendar Information?
Get help with Academic Dates, School Holidays, and PDF Calendar resources across the US States.
Calendar Download & Resources
For the most current and accurate calendar, you can often find a downloadable PDF on your district’s website. This helps you keep a printed copy for family planning.
For the official Atlanta Public Schools calendar, visit the official source.
Official Website: Atlanta Public Schools calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many Georgia school districts include a fall break, usually in October. The dates vary, with some districts, like Atlanta Public Schools, scheduling it around mid-October.
Yes, Georgia state law requires a minimum of 180 instructional days for public schools.
The best way is to visit the official website of your local school district. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date calendar available.
No, charter schools and special-purpose schools may operate on independent calendars. It is always best to check directly with the school.
Yes, Labor Day is a federal holiday, and all Georgia public schools are closed.
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