US School Holidays 2026: Thanksgiving & Winter Break

School usually starts in August or early September and ends in late May or early June.

Depending on the break, short American breaks are 1 week or less. Long American school holidays (like summer) are 8 - 12 weeks.

American students usually get about 12 - 14 weeks of school holidays in the whole year.

American summer holidays are typically 8 to 12 weeks.

Spring holidays are usually 1 week (sometimes a bit shorter or longer).

Winter holidays are usually 1 to 2 weeks, around Christmas and New Year.

Summer holidays usually start in late May or early June and end in August or early September.

Most American schools finish in late May or early June.

The American school year is split into terms (semesters), with three short breaks (fall, winter, spring) and one long summer break.

Most American schools have summer break, winter break, spring break, and a few short holidays during the year.

American summer holidays historically matched agricultural schedules and hot summers. Today, this tradition and scheduling are still on.

Most American students start school in August or early September.

American summer holidays are usually 8 - 12 weeks.

School most often starts in August or September.