The Columbia Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 contains all of the school’s important dates for students, parents and staff throughout the school year. The calendar can also help keep families organized and prepared for activities and vacations, teacher workdays, semester schedules and grading periods.
Parents look for school holidays dates, Spring Break dates, Winter Break dates and last day of school dates before making their vacation plans, family plans and plans for extracurricular activities. Families can reduce scheduling conflicts during the school year by keeping up with the academic calendar.
This guide outlines the most critical dates, school breaks, and learning milestones for Columbia Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year.
Columbia Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027
| Important Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | August 18, 2026 |
| Labor Day Holiday | September 7, 2026 |
| Fall Break | Oct-26 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 25–27, 2026 |
| Winter Break | December 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027 |
| Students Return | January 4, 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 18, 2027 |
| Presidents Day | February 15, 2027 |
| Spring Break | March 22–26, 2027 |
| Last Day of School | May 27, 2027 |
| Summer Break Begins | May 28, 2027 |
Most Important Dates Families Search For
Parents and students frequently look for the following information:
- First Day of School
- Last Day of School
- Spring Break Dates
- Winter Break Schedule
- Thanksgiving Break
- Teacher Workdays
- Student Holidays
- Semester Dates
- School Closure Days
- Printable Calendar PDF
Having these dates available in one place makes it easier to plan vacations, appointments, and family activities throughout the school year.
First Day of School in Columbia Public Schools
August 18, 2026 is the anticipated opening date for the first day of school. Pupils return to classes looking forward to a year of education, activities and growth.
Back-to-School Checklist
- Purchase school supplies
- Review transportation arrangements
- Verify class schedules
- Attend orientation events
- Update emergency contact information
Preparing ahead of time helps students start the school year with confidence.
Fall Break 2026
Fall Break offers students and staff a short opportunity to recharge during the first semester.
Benefits of Fall Break
- Family travel opportunities
- Academic recovery time
- Outdoor recreation
- Personal appointments
This short break can help students return refreshed and focused for the remainder of the semester.
Columbia Public Schools Thanksgiving Break 2026
Thanksgiving Break provides families with time to celebrate, travel, and spend quality time together.
Thanksgiving Break Activities
- Family gatherings
- Holiday travel
- Community service projects
- Seasonal celebrations
It remains one of the most anticipated school holidays during the fall semester.
Columbia Public Schools Winter Break 2026-2027
The Winter Break is one of the longest school breaks of the year, and provides an opportunity for students to get a break before the second semester.
| Winter Break Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Winter Break Begins | December 21, 2026 |
| Christmas Holiday | December 25, 2026 |
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2027 |
| Students Return | January 4, 2027 |
Winter Break Highlights
- Family vacations
- Holiday celebrations
- Recreational activities
- Academic preparation for the spring semester
Students return to school refreshed and ready for the second half of the academic year.
Teacher Workdays and Professional Development
Teacher workdays are designated for instructional planning and professional learning activities.
Common Teacher Workday Activities
- Curriculum development
- Classroom preparation
- Professional training
- Student progress reviews
- Parent communication
Students generally do not attend school during scheduled teacher workdays.
Columbia Public Schools Spring Break 2027
Spring Break is March 22 – 26, 2027 and one of the most sought after dates on the school calendar.
Popular Spring Break Activities
- Family vacations
- Educational trips
- Sports camps
- Outdoor adventures
- Volunteer programs
This break allows students to recharge before the final grading period of the school year.
Semester Dates and Academic Milestones
Knowing semester schedules can assist students and families in being informed about academic expectations and grading periods.
| Semester | Approximate Dates |
|---|---|
| First Semester | August – December 2026 |
| Second Semester | January – May 2027 |
Marking Period Dates
| Grading Period | Timeline |
|---|---|
| First Quarter | August – October |
| Second Quarter | October – December |
| Third Quarter | January – March |
| Fourth Quarter | March – May |
Monitoring grading periods can help students stay focused on academic goals and performance.
Columbia Public Schools Summer Break 2027
School ends for the summer on May 28, 2027 and Summer Break begins.
Summer Planning Ideas
- Summer camps
- Reading programs
- STEM enrichment activities
- Sports training
- Family vacations
Many families begin planning summer activities several months before the school year ends.
Download Columbia Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 PDF
Columbia Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 PDF is available for download for parents, students and staff to have important dates easily accessible throughout the year.
Benefits of Downloading the Calendar PDF
- Easy access to school holidays
- Convenient family planning
- Printable format for home and office
- Quick reference for important dates
- Better organization throughout the school year
A printable calendar helps families stay informed about breaks, holidays, and academic events.
Columbia Public Schools Calendar PDF
About Columbia Public Schools
Columbia Public Schools provides high quality educational opportunities and student support services to students in a wide range of elementary, middle and high schools. To ensure students are successful in and out of the classroom, the district emphasizes academic achievement, college readiness, career preparation, arts education, athletics and community engagement.
Official Website: Cpsk12.org
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first day of school in Columbia Public Schools?
The first day of school is expected to be August 18, 2026.
When is Spring Break 2027?
Spring Break is scheduled for March 22–26, 2027.
What is the last day of school?
The last day of school is expected to be May 27, 2027.
When does Summer Break begin?
Summer Break starts on May 28, 2027.
When does Winter Break begin?
Winter Break begins on December 21, 2026.
Are teacher workdays student holidays?
Yes. Students generally do not attend school during teacher workdays.
Why should parents follow the school calendar?
The calendar helps families plan vacations, appointments, school events, and academic activities throughout the year.
Where can I download the Columbia Public Schools Calendar PDF?
The calendar PDF is generally available through official district calendar resources and school websites.