If you’re a parent, teacher, or student in Montgomery County, Maryland, you already know how important it is to stay ahead of the school year. The Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 is officially approved by the MCPS Board, and we verified this directly from the Montgomery County Public Schools official website. Whether you’re searching for the Montgomery County Public Schools calendar 26-27 first day of school, planning your family vacation around spring break 2026, or just need a Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar 26-27 printable to stick on your fridge, this page has everything in one place. Last verified: April 2026. Bookmark this page now — it’s the one stop you’ll come back to all year long.
What Is the MCPS 2026-2027 School Calendar?
The MCPS Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 traditional school calendar with 181 total instructional days, including four built-in contingency days. The calendar runs from August 2026 through June 2027, covering all major holidays, breaks, teacher workdays, grading periods, and early release days.
A standout feature this year is the Student Transition Day on Monday, August 24, 2026 — a non-instructional day specifically for students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade. This gives new-to-building students a chance to find their classrooms, meet teachers, and settle in before the full student body arrives the next day. It’s a thoughtful detail that makes a real difference for nervous kids and anxious parents alike.
At-a-Glance Summary — MCPS 2026-2027
Here’s the quick snapshot every parent and student needs on Day 1 of planning.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Transition Day (K, 6, 9) | Monday, August 24, 2026 |
| First Day of School (All Students) | Tuesday, August 25, 2026 |
| Last Day of School | Wednesday, June 16, 2027 (Early Release) |
| Total Instructional Days | 181 days (includes 4 contingency days) |
| Winter Break | December 23, 2026 – January 3, 2027 |
| Spring Break | March 26 – April 4, 2027 |
| Next Major Holiday (from start) | Labor Day — September 7, 2026 |
Simple, clean, and straight from the official MCPS calendar. No guessing required.
MCPS 2026-2027 Key Dates Table
This is the full calendar breakdown every family needs. Use this as your reference all year long.
| Event | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Transition Day (K, 6, 9) | August 24, 2026 | August 24, 2026 | Non-instructional day |
| First Day of School (All Students) | August 25, 2026 | — | All grade levels |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | September 7, 2026 | Schools & offices closed |
| End of 1st Quarter | October 30, 2026 | — | 46 instructional days |
| Election Day | November 3, 2026 | November 3, 2026 | Schools & offices closed |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 26, 2026 | November 27, 2026 | Schools & offices closed |
| End of 2nd Quarter / 1st Semester | January 22, 2027 | — | 45 instructional days |
| Winter Break | December 23, 2026 | January 3, 2027 | Schools & offices closed |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 18, 2027 | January 18, 2027 | Schools & offices closed |
| Presidents’ Day | February 15, 2027 | February 15, 2027 | Schools & offices closed |
| Spring Break | March 26, 2027 | April 4, 2027 | Schools & offices closed |
| Memorial Day | May 31, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | Schools & offices closed |
| Last Day of School | June 16, 2027 | June 16, 2027 | Early Release Day |
| Juneteenth (Observed) | June 18, 2027 | June 18, 2027 | Systemwide Closure |
Source: Montgomery County Public Schools official calendar. Last verified: April 2026.
Month-by-Month Calendar Breakdown
Here’s every important date organized month by month so you never miss a thing.
July 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 3 | Holiday |
August 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 17–21 | Preservice Days (Staff) |
| August 24 | Student Transition Day / Non-Instructional Day (K, 6, 9) |
| August 25 | First Day of School (All Students) |
September 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 7 | Labor Day — Schools & Offices Closed |
| September 21 | Non-Instructional Day |
October 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2 | Early Release Day |
| October 16 | Professional Development Day |
| October 30 | End of 1st Quarter (46 days) |
November 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2 | Grading and Planning Day |
| November 3 | Election Day — Schools & Offices Closed |
| November 9 | Non-Instructional Day |
| November 23–24 | Early Release Days |
| November 25 | Systemwide Closure |
| November 26–27 | Thanksgiving Holiday — Schools & Offices Closed |
December 2026
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 23 | Systemwide Closure |
| December 24–25 | Holidays |
| December 28–30 | Non-Instructional Days |
| December 30 | Systemwide Closure |
January 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Holiday (New Year’s Day) |
| January 18 | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Schools & Offices Closed |
| January 22 | End of 2nd Quarter / 1st Semester (45 days) |
| January 25 | Grading and Reporting Day |
February 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 15 | Presidents’ Day — Schools & Offices Closed |
| February 26 | Early Release Day |
March 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 9 | Professional Development Day |
| March 26–29 | Spring Break — Schools & Offices Closed |
April 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 1–2 | Systemwide Closures (Spring Break continued) |
| April 12 | Grading and Planning Day |
| April 22 | Non-Instructional Day |
May 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 17 | Non-Instructional Day |
| May 31 | Memorial Day — Schools & Offices Closed |
June 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 16 | Last Day of School — Early Release |
| June 17 | Grading and Planning Day |
| June 18 | Systemwide Closure (Juneteenth Observed) |
| June 17 & June 21–23 | Designated Make-Up Days |
Download the Official MCPS 2026-2027 Printable Calendar PDF
Need the Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar 26-27 printable version for your wall, planner, or school binder? The district has made the official traditional calendar available for download directly from their website.
Click the link below to download the official PDF: Printable Calendar PDF
This is the MCPS Board-approved traditional calendar PDF. Print it out, pin it to the kitchen bulletin board, or save it to your phone. Having it offline means you’re never scrambling to find dates during a busy morning. This is the same Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar 2026-27 template families and teachers have relied on for years — now updated for the new academic year.
See also: Atlanta Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 Printable PDF
About Montgomery County Public Schools
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is Maryland’s largest school district, serving roughly 156,000–160,000 students across 211 schools in Rockville and the surrounding county. Led by Superintendent Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, who began his tenure on July 1, 2024 as the first MCPS alumnus to lead the district, MCPS is the 15th-largest school system in the nation. The district offers notable programs including its renowned magnet and Signature programs in STEM, humanities, and the arts, along with extensive AP and IB course offerings across its high schools. With an annual budget of roughly $3.6 billion, MCPS continues to be a benchmark district for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
What parents in Montgomery County should know this year
One detail worth flagging for the 2026-2027 calendar: spring break runs an extended 9 days, from Friday, March 26 through Sunday, April 4, 2027 — with Systemwide Closures built in on April 1 and April 2 in addition to the standard March 26-29 closure. This makes it one of the longer spring breaks in recent years and a great window for family travel. Also new this year is the Student Transition Day on Monday, August 24, 2026, a non-instructional day exclusively for incoming kindergarten, 6th-grade, and 9th-grade students — so families with kids starting at a new school level should mark this date separately from the general first day (Tuesday, August 25).
How Montgomery County compares to neighboring districts
Montgomery County’s spring break (March 26 – April 4, 2027) is noticeably longer than most of its neighbors. Prince George’s County’s spring break runs just 4 days (March 30 – April 2, 2027), while Frederick County’s break is even shorter, limited to March 29-30, 2027. Howard County’s break technically spans March 22-29, 2027, but offices are only closed on March 26 and 29, making actual instructional days off comparable to PGCPS. On start and end dates, MCPS, Howard, and Prince George’s all begin around the same time in late August 2026, but MCPS finishes a bit later — June 16, 2027 — compared to Howard’s June 8 and Prince George’s June 15.
Planning a family trip? Best times to travel in Montgomery County
The standout travel window for MCPS families is spring break, March 26 – April 4, 2027 — a full 9-day stretch that’s ideal for a longer domestic or international trip without pulling kids out of class. Winter break (December 23, 2026 – January 3, 2027) is the next best option, offering nearly two weeks for holiday travel. Thanksgiving break (November 26-27, 2026) is short but pairs well with the preceding weekend for a quick getaway. Since MCPS’s spring break is longer than most neighboring counties this year, expect higher demand and pricing for flights and hotels during that exact window — book early.
School closings history in Montgomery County
MCPS builds 4 contingency days into its 181-day instructional calendar each year specifically to absorb snow days and other emergency closures without extending the school year. In a typical winter, the district uses anywhere from 0 to 4 of these days depending on weather severity; if more closures occur than contingency days allow, MCPS adds make-up days at the end of the year (for 2026-2027, designated make-up days fall on June 17 and June 21-23, 2027). Families should check montgomeryschoolsmd.org for real-time closure announcements during winter weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does school start in Montgomery County Public Schools for 2026-2027?
The first day of school for all MCPS students is Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade have an earlier non-instructional Transition Day on Monday, August 24, 2026. That day is designed to help new-to-building students get comfortable before the full school population arrives.
Q: When is the last day of school for Montgomery County Public Schools in 2026-2027?
The last day of school for MCPS students is Wednesday, June 16, 2027. It is an Early Release Day, so make sure you check your school’s specific dismissal time. Designated make-up days, if needed, fall on June 17 and June 21–23, 2027.
Q: When is Montgomery County Public Schools spring break 2026-2027?
Spring break for MCPS runs from Friday, March 26, 2027 through Sunday, April 4, 2027. Schools and offices are closed throughout this period. Mark it early — this is the most-searched date every February and March, and travel prices fill up fast.
Q: How many school days does Montgomery County Public Schools have in 2026-2027?
MCPS has 181 total instructional days in the 2026-2027 school year, which includes four built-in contingency days. These contingency days are reserved for unexpected school closures like severe weather. If they are not used during the year, the schedule stays as planned.
Q: Are there any school closings or delays I should know about in MCPS 2026-2027?
Yes, several systemwide closures and non-instructional days are already scheduled throughout the year. Key ones include November 25 (Systemwide Closure before Thanksgiving), December 23 and December 30 (Systemwide Closures during winter break), April 1–2 (Systemwide Closures during spring break), and June 18 (Juneteenth Observed Closure). Always check the MCPS official website for real-time emergency closures due to weather or other events, as those are announced separately.
Q: What is the Student Transition Day in MCPS?
Student Transition Day on August 24, 2026 is a non-instructional day exclusively for students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade. It gives these students time to tour the building, learn routines, and meet staff in a lower-pressure environment before the full school community arrives the next day.
Final Thoughts — Stay Ahead of the MCPS 2026-2027 School Year
Planning around the school calendar doesn’t have to be stressful. With 181 instructional days, clearly marked breaks, and a well-structured holiday schedule, the Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027 gives every family the tools to plan vacations, childcare, and work schedules well in advance. Bookmark this page now so you can come back whenever you need a quick date check — especially in February and March when spring break searches spike and travel books up quickly. For real-time closures, emergency delays, or last-minute schedule changes, always check the official MCPS website at montgomeryschoolsmd.org. The district posts updates there first, and it’s the most reliable source for anything that changes after this calendar was approved.
The PublicSchoolsCalendar.com Team compiles and verifies public school calendar data for districts across all 50 US states, drawing on official district websites and published family calendars to keep every page accurate and up to date.