The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 2025 calendar has been released, and it includes some significant changes from previous years. One of the most notable changes is the addition of four new holidays: Juneteenth (June 19), Diwali (October 24), Lunar New Year (January 23), and Eid al-Fitr (May 2). These holidays were added in response to requests from the community, and they reflect the increasing diversity of the MCPS student population. In addition to the new holidays, the 2025 calendar also includes several other changes, such as a later start date for the school year (August 25) and an earlier end date for the school year (June 12). The later start date will give students more time to enjoy the summer break, and the earlier end date will allow for more time for summer enrichment programs.
Another significant change in the 2025 calendar is the addition of a new grading period. The new grading period will run from January to March, and it will give students more time to complete coursework and prepare for exams. The addition of the new grading period will also help to reduce the stress levels of students and teachers. Overall, the 2025 MCPS calendar is a positive change for students, teachers, and parents. The new holidays and grading period will help to improve the educational experience for all involved.
Academic Year Highlights
First Day of School
The first day of school for students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) for the 2025-2026 school year will be on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Labor Day Holiday
There will be no school for students on Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
Thanksgiving Break
Students will have a break from school from Wednesday, November 26, 2025, through Friday, November 28, 2025, for Thanksgiving.
Winter Break
Students will have a break from school from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026, for winter break.
Spring Break
Students will have a break from school from Monday, April 13, 2026, through Friday, April 17, 2026, for spring break.
Last Day of School
The last day of school for students in MCPS for the 2025-2026 school year will be on Friday, June 12, 2026.
| 2025-2026 Academic Year Calendar | |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | Monday, August 25, 2025 |
| Labor Day Holiday | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – Friday, November 28, 2025 |
| Winter Break | Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Spring Break | Monday, April 13, 2026 – Friday, April 17, 2026 |
| Last Day of School | Friday, June 12, 2026 |
Professional Development Days
Professional Development Days are days set aside for teachers and staff to engage in professional growth and development activities. These days are essential for ensuring that educators have the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of their students. MCPS provides a variety of professional development opportunities throughout the school year, including workshops, conferences, and online courses.
Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Days
Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Days are days when teachers are given time to work on projects and initiatives that they believe will improve their teaching practice. These days can be used for a variety of purposes, such as developing new lesson plans, collaborating with colleagues, or attending workshops.
Equity and Culturally Responsive Teaching
Equity and Culturally Responsive Teaching (ECRT) is a framework for teaching that seeks to create equitable learning experiences for all students. ECRT involves understanding the cultural backgrounds of students and using culturally relevant teaching practices to engage them in learning. MCPS is committed to providing ECRT professional development opportunities for all teachers.
| Date | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| August 29, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Equity and Culturally Responsive Teaching Workshop |
| November 1, 2023 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Teacher-Directed Professional Learning Day |
| March 14, 2024 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Differentiated Instruction Workshop |
Student Holidays and Breaks
MCPS 2025 calendar provides students with numerous holidays and breaks throughout the school year. These breaks offer students opportunities to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.
Religious Holidays
MCPS observes the following religious holidays:
– Rosh Hashanah: September 25-26, 2025
– Yom Kippur: October 4-5, 2025
Scheduled Breaks
MCPS includes several scheduled breaks during the school year:
– Thanksgiving Break: November 27-28, 2025
– Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
– Spring Break: March 23-27, 2026
Unscheduled Breaks
MCPS may also grant unscheduled breaks due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. These breaks will be announced as necessary.
Teacher Professional Days
Professional development days are designated for teachers to engage in training and other professional activities. These days are not student holidays, but they do provide students with a break from classes.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 12, 2025 | Teacher Professional Day |
| November 10, 2025 | Teacher Professional Day |
| February 17, 2026 | Teacher Professional Day |
Early Release Days
Purpose
Early release days provide students with additional time for extracurricular activities, appointments, and academic support.
Schedule
Early release days will be held on the following dates:
| Date | Dismissal Time |
|---|---|
| February 17, 2023 | 12:00 PM |
| March 10, 2023 | 12:00 PM |
| April 14, 2023 | 12:00 PM |
| May 12, 2023 | 12:00 PM |
Procedures
On early release days, students will be dismissed at the designated time. Buses will depart from schools shortly after dismissal. Students who are not picked up by their parents or guardians will be supervised by school staff until 6:00 PM.
Academic Expectations
Although early release days are not full days of instruction, students are expected to complete any assigned homework or projects as scheduled.
Benefits
Early release days offer several benefits for both students and families. These include:
Administrative Leave Days
Administrative Leave Days (ALDs) provide opportunities for employees to attend to personal business or professional development without using vacation time. In MCPS, ALDs are granted for a variety of reasons, including:
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year. Sick leave may be used for personal illness, family emergencies, or other situations that prevent the employee from working.
Bereavement Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 3 days of paid bereavement leave to attend the funeral of a close family member.
Military Leave
Employees who are members of the military are entitled to up to 30 days of unpaid military leave per year. Military leave may be used for active duty, training, or other military-related activities.
Jury Duty Leave
Employees are entitled to unpaid leave for jury duty. Employees are not required to use vacation time or ALDs to cover jury duty.
Election Day Leave
Employees are entitled to unpaid leave to vote in federal, state, or local elections.
Professional Development Leave
Employees may request unpaid leave for professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, or seminars. Professional development leave is typically granted for activities that are relevant to the employee’s job duties.
System-wide Closures
Labor Day
The school system will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
Thanksgiving Break
The school system will be closed from Wednesday, November 26, 2025, through Friday, November 28, 2025, for Thanksgiving Break.
Winter Break
The school system will be closed from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026, for Winter Break.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
The school system will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Presidents’ Day
The school system will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Spring Break
The school system will be closed from Monday, April 6, 2026, through Friday, April 10, 2026, for Spring Break.
Memorial Day
The school system will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day.
Juneteenth
The school system will be closed on Monday, June 16, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth. This is a new holiday that was first observed in 2021 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
School-Based Planning Days
MCPS 2025 will include five School-Based Planning Days (SBPDs) throughout the school year. These days are designated for teachers and staff. Students will not attend school on these days.
Benefits of SBPDs
- Provide teachers and staff with dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional development.
- Allow schools to address specific needs and priorities.
- Enhance the quality of instruction and support for student learning.
SBPD Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year
| Date | Grade Levels |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2023 | All Grades |
| November 24, 2023 | All Grades |
| March 9, 2024 | All Grades |
| May 4, 2024 | All Grades |
| June 22, 2024 | All Grades |
Weather-Related Closures
Inclement weather, such as heavy snowfall or icy conditions, can pose safety hazards for students and staff traveling to and from school. To ensure the safety of our school community, MCPS has established guidelines for weather-related closures.
Decision-Making Process
The decision to close schools due to weather is made by the Superintendent of Schools in consultation with the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) and the Montgomery County Police Department. Factors considered in making this decision include:
- Road conditions and visibility
- Snow accumulation and ice formation
- Temperatures and wind chill
- Forecast for the day
Closure Procedures
If a decision is made to close schools, the Superintendent will notify the public through the following channels:
- MCPS website (www.mcpsmd.org)
- MCPS mobile app
- Social media (Twitter: @MCPSSchools, Facebook: @MCPublicSchools)
- Local news outlets
Notification Timeline
| Notification Time | Closure Effective Time |
|---|---|
| Before 5:00 AM | All schools closed |
| Between 5:00 AM and 6:15 AM | All schools delayed 2 hours |
| After 6:15 AM | Schools open on time |
Additional Information
During weather-related closures, all after-school activities and evening events are also canceled. Parents are advised to stay informed about the weather forecast and make appropriate arrangements for their children in the event of a closure.
MCPS encourages all students and staff to follow safety guidelines during inclement weather, including dressing warmly and taking extra precautions when traveling.
For further updates and information on MCPS weather-related closures, please visit the MCPS website or follow MCPS on social media.
MCPS 2025 Calendar: A Point of View
The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 2025 calendar has been a topic of discussion and debate among students, parents, and educators. While some support the proposed changes, others have expressed concerns.
Proponents of the 2025 calendar argue that it provides a more equitable distribution of breaks throughout the school year, with shorter breaks in the fall and spring and a longer break in the winter. This, they believe, will improve student attendance and reduce the risk of learning loss. Additionally, they cite the potential for increased flexibility for families and educators, as the calendar includes several early release days and professional development days.
Opponents of the calendar, however, have raised concerns about the potential disruption to extracurricular activities, family routines, and childcare arrangements. They also argue that the shorter fall break may not be sufficient for students to recharge and adequately prepare for the second half of the year. Moreover, they express worries about the impact on students’ mental health and well-being, particularly with the potential for increased stress and anxiety during the longer winter break.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to adopt the MCPS 2025 calendar depends on a careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks. It is essential to gather input from stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, and the community at large, and to make an informed decision that balances the needs of all parties involved.
People Also Ask About MCPS 2025 Calendar
When will the MCPS 2025 calendar be finalized?
The MCPS 2025 calendar is expected to be finalized in spring 2024.
How can I provide feedback on the proposed calendar?
The MCPS Board of Education is currently seeking feedback on the proposed 2025 calendar. Input can be submitted through the MCPS website or by attending public hearings.
What are the key differences between the proposed 2025 calendar and the current calendar?
The proposed 2025 calendar includes shorter fall and spring breaks (one week each), a longer winter break (three weeks), and several early release days and professional development days.
