LAUSD spring break 2026 runs from Monday, March 30, 2026, through Friday, April 3, 2026. This five-day spring recess period provides 600,000+ students across Los Angeles with a scheduled break during the second semester.
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) observes Cesar E. Chavez’s birthday on Friday, March 27, 2026, creating an extended 10-day period without instruction when combined with the weekend and official spring recess dates.
Table of Contents
When Is LAUSD Spring Break 2026?
LAUSD spring break begins Monday, March 30, 2026, and ends Friday, April 3, 2026. Students return to school on Monday, April 6, 2026.
The official term used by the Los Angeles Unified School District is “Spring Recess,” though parents and students commonly refer to this period as spring break.
LAUSD Spring Break 2026 Timeline
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 27, 2026 | Friday | No School (Cesar E. Chavez Birthday Observed) |
| Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, March 29, 2026 | Sunday | Weekend |
| Monday, March 30, 2026 | Monday | Spring Recess Begins |
| Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Tuesday | Spring Recess |
| Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Spring Recess |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026 | Thursday | Spring Recess |
| Friday, April 3, 2026 | Friday | Spring Recess Ends |
| Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Saturday | Weekend |
| Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday | Weekend (Easter Sunday) |
| Monday, April 6, 2026 | Monday | Classes Resume |
LAUSD 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Overview
The Los Angeles Unified School District 2025-2026 instructional calendar contains 180 school days with designated holidays and recess periods.
Key Academic Year Dates
- First Day of Instruction: Thursday, August 14, 2025
- Second Semester Begins: Monday, January 12, 2026
- Last Day of Instruction: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
- Pupil Free Day: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Complete Holiday Schedule for 2025-2026
| Holiday | Date | Day of Week |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | Friday, July 4, 2025 | Friday |
| Admission Day | Friday, August 29, 2025 | Friday |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 | Monday |
| Veterans’ Day | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Thanksgiving Holiday | Thursday-Friday, November 27-28, 2025 | Thursday-Friday |
| Winter Recess | Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 9, 2026 | 19 days |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday | Monday, January 19, 2026 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 | Monday |
| Cesar E. Chavez Birthday Observed | Friday, March 27, 2026 | Friday |
| Spring Recess | Monday, March 30 – Friday, April 3, 2026 | 5 days |
| Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day | Friday, April 24, 2026 | Friday |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 | Monday |
| Juneteenth Holiday | Friday, June 19, 2026 | Friday |
Understanding the Extended Break Period
The 2026 spring calendar creates a unique scheduling advantage for Los Angeles families. Cesar E. Chavez’s birthday falls on Friday, March 27, 2026, immediately preceding the official spring recess week.
Total Days Without Instruction
Students receive 10 consecutive calendar days without school:
- 1 observed holiday (Cesar Chavez Day)
- 5 spring recess days
- 4 weekend days (2 weekends)
This extended period occurs once every 5-6 years when Cesar Chavez Day aligns with the Friday before spring recess begins.
Does LAUSD Spring Break Apply to All Schools?
Yes. The March 30 – April 3, 2026 spring recess schedule applies to all traditional Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
School Type Variations
| Follow the district calendar | Follows LAUSD Calendar | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional LAUSD Schools | Yes | All follow district calendar |
| Charter Schools | Varies | Some operate independent calendars |
| Magnet Schools | Yes | Follow district calendar |
| Pilot Schools | Mostly | May have modified professional development days |
Charter schools within LAUSD boundaries may maintain independent academic calendars. Parents should verify spring break dates directly with the charter school administration.
Southern California School District Comparison
Multiple school districts across Los Angeles County and Orange County observe spring recess during late March and early April 2026.
Regional Spring Break Dates
| School District | Spring Break Start | Spring Break End | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD) | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 | 5 days | Cesar Chavez Day on March 27 |
| Long Beach Unified | Monday, April 6, 2026 | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5 days | Week after LAUSD |
| Santa Monica-Malibu Unified | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 10 days | Two-week break |
| Pasadena Unified | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 | 5 days | Same as LAUSD |
| Irvine Unified | Monday, March 30, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 | 5 days | Same as LAUSD |
Families with children attending schools across multiple districts should note the one-week difference between the LAUSD and Long Beach Unified schedules.
Planning for LAUSD Spring Break 2026
Travel Considerations
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, the Sunday immediately following spring recess. This timing affects:
- Airport traffic: Los Angeles International Airport experiences peak congestion on Friday, March 27, and Sunday, April 5
- Interstate travel: Interstate 5 and Interstate 15 northbound routes show increased traffic on Sunday, April 5
- Hotel availability: Coastal California destinations fill early for the March 27 – April 6 window
Alternative airports serving Los Angeles families include:
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County
Child Care Options During Spring Recess
The Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks operates full-day programs at recreation centers across the city during LAUSD spring break.
Beyond the Bell programs at select LAUSD schools may offer enrichment activities during spring recess. Registration information typically becomes available in January through the Beyond the Bell portal.
LA Zoo Spring Break Camp registration opens in late January 2026. The program runs Monday through Friday during spring recess week.
Natural History Museum offers themed spring adventure camps aligned with LAUSD calendar dates.
How to Access the Official LAUSD Calendar
Los Angeles Unified School District publishes the official 2025-2026 academic calendar on the district website at lausd.org.
Digital Calendar Options
LAUSD Parent Portal provides downloadable calendar files compatible with:
- Google Calendar
- Apple Calendar (iOS/MacOS)
- Microsoft Outlook
- Mobile devices
LAUSD Mobile App includes calendar integration with push notifications for upcoming holidays and school events.
Parents can download PDF versions of the instructional calendar from individual school websites or the district’s main calendar page.
Spring Break vs. Spring Recess: Official Terminology
Los Angeles Unified School District uses “Spring Recess” in all official documentation and Board of Education materials. The term “spring break” represents common usage among parents, students, and local communities.
Both terms refer to the same March 30 – April 3, 2026 period without instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About LAUSD Spring Break 2026
Is school in session on Friday, March 27, 2026?
No. Friday, March 27, 2026, is an unassigned day observing Cesar E. Chavez’s birthday. No LAUSD schools hold classes on this date.
How many days is LAUSD spring break 2026?
Five instructional days. The LAUSD Spring Break 2026 runs Monday through Friday, totaling 5 school days. Combined with Cesar Chavez Day and weekends, students have 10 consecutive calendar days without school.
When do students return after spring break?
Monday, April 6, 2026. Regular instruction resumes for all LAUSD schools on this date.
Does LAUSD offer optional classes during spring recess?
Los Angeles Unified School District has previously implemented “Spring Academy” programs offering optional enrichment for students during recess periods. The district announces Spring Academy 2026 availability in January 2026.
Spring Academy programs, when offered, provide:
Free attendance for LAUSD students
Breakfast and lunch meals
Academic support and enrichment activities
Transportation to participating school sites
Is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day part of spring break?
No. Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day falls on Friday, April 24, 2026, occurring three weeks after spring recess ends. This represents a separate unassigned day in the LAUSD calendar.
Do all Los Angeles schools follow the same spring break schedule?
Most, but not all. LAUSD traditional schools follow the district calendar. Charter schools, private schools, and neighboring school districts may observe different spring recess dates.
Beverly Hills Unified, Culver City Unified, and other independent districts maintain separate academic calendars that may not align with LAUSD dates.
Geographic Coverage of the LAUSD Calendar
The Los Angeles Unified School District spring recess schedule applies to schools across 710 square miles of Los Angeles County.
Communities Served by LAUSD
The district calendar affects families in these areas:
- San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Reseda)
- Central Los Angeles (Downtown, Hollywood, Mid-City)
- South Los Angeles (Watts, Florence, Hyde Park)
- West Los Angeles (Westwood, Mar Vista, Palms)
- Harbor Area (San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City)
- East Los Angeles (Boyle Heights, El Sereno)
LAUSD operates over 1,000 schools serving approximately 600,000 students, making it the second-largest school district in the United States.
Important Dates Surrounding Spring Break 2026
Before Spring Recess
- Second Semester Progress Reports typically distributed in mid-March, approximately two weeks before spring recess begins.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences at many LAUSD schools occur in February and early March, allowing families to discuss academic progress before the spring break period.
After Spring Recess
- Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on Friday, April 24, 2026, provides another three-day weekend three weeks after spring recess.
- State Testing Season typically begins in late April for California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments.
- Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 202,6 marks the final three-day weekend before summer recess.
Verification of Spring Break Dates
Parents should verify spring break dates through these official sources:
- LAUSD District Website (lausd.org/calendar)
- Individual School Websites (schoolname.lausd.org)
- LAUSD Parent Portal Account
- Direct Communication from School Administration
Third-party calendar websites occasionally publish incorrect dates. The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education approves the official academic calendar, which remains the authoritative source for all district holidays and recess periods.
Historical Context: LAUSD Spring Break Timing
Los Angeles Unified School District traditionally schedules spring recess during the first week of April or the last week of March. The timing aligns with:
- California’s common spring break window
- Easter holiday proximity (though not explicitly tied to Easter dates)
- Equitable distribution of instructional days across semesters
The 2026 spring break dates match the typical LAUSD pattern of scheduling recess in late March or early April.
Winter Recess for Context
The 2025-2026 LAUSD calendar includes Winter Recess from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Friday, January 9, 2026. This 19-day break represents the longest continuous recess period in the academic year.
Second semester begins on Monday, January 12, 2026, providing students with a three-day transition weekend after winter recess concludes.
Professional Development and Pupil-Free Days
Los Angeles Unified School District designates specific dates as pupil-free days when students do not attend school, but teachers engage in professional development activities.
The 2025-2026 calendar includes a Pupil Free Day on Thursday, June 11, 2026, the day following the last day of instruction.
Individual schools may schedule additional pupil-free days during the academic year. These dates vary by school site and appear on school-specific calendars.
Superintendent and District Leadership
Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho leads the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Board of Education, consisting of seven elected members, approves the annual academic calendar.
The instructional calendar undergoes review and approval months in advance, typically finalizing by late spring for the following academic year.
United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the district’s teachers union, participates in calendar negotiations to ensure adequate professional development time and appropriate distribution of instructional days.
Impact on Regional Activities and Attractions
Los Angeles-area attractions and venues experience increased attendance during LAUSD spring break due to the district’s size.
Popular Spring Break Destinations
Theme Parks:
- Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
Museums:
- California Science Center
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- La Brea Tar Pits
- Griffith Observatory
Beaches:
- Santa Monica Beach
- Venice Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Huntington Beach
Families planning visits to these locations during March 30 – April 3, 2026, should anticipate higher crowd levels and longer wait times compared to typical school days.
Spring Break 2026 and Easter Timing
Easter Sunday falls on April 5, 2026, creating a convergence of spring recess conclusion and Easter weekend.
This timing affects:
- Religious observances: Many families combine spring recess with Easter celebrations
- Travel patterns: Return travel peaks on Easter Sunday as families conclude vacations
- Retail activity: Shopping centers experience elevated traffic for Easter preparations during spring recess week
The proximity of Easter to spring break occurs cyclically based on the lunar calendar, determining Easter dates each year.
Accessing School-Specific Information
Individual LAUSD schools maintain websites with calendars showing school-specific events, minimum days, and testing schedules alongside district-wide holidays.
School-specific calendars include:
- Parent conference dates
- School fundraising events
- Athletic schedules
- Performance and arts events
- Testing windows
Parents access school calendars through the school website URL format: [schoolname].lausd.org
The LAUSD Parent Portal provides consolidated access to:
- Student attendance records
- Grade reports
- School announcements
- District and school calendars
Comparison with California Department of Education Requirements
California Education Code mandates minimum instructional day requirements for public school districts. LAUSD’s 180-day instructional calendar meets these state requirements.
The California Department of Education does not mandate specific spring break dates. Each school district establishes its own academic calendar within state parameters for total instructional days and minutes.
Los Angeles Unified School District’s spring recess timing aligns with typical California school district patterns, with most districts scheduling spring break in late March or early April.
Planning Resources for Parents
Free Activities During Spring Break
Los Angeles Public Library branches offer free programs during school breaks, including storytimes, craft activities, and educational workshops.
Parks and Recreation Centers across Los Angeles provide free or low-cost activities during the LAUSD spring recess.
Getty Center and the Getty Villa offer free admission year-round, making them budget-friendly spring break destinations.
Budget-Friendly Travel Options
Families seeking economical spring break experiences can consider:
- California State Parks (camping and day-use areas)
- Local hiking trails (Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon)
- Beach camping at state beach campgrounds
- Free museum days (many Los Angeles museums offer free admission on specific days)
Technology Integration for Calendar Management
The LAUSD Mobile App provides calendar synchronization features, allowing parents to:
- Receive push notifications for upcoming holidays
- Add the district calendar to personal digital calendars
- View school-specific events and schedules
- Access real-time school closure information
Calendar file downloads from the LAUSD website support .ics format, compatible with all major calendar applications, including Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Microsoft Outlook.
Summary of LAUSD Spring Break 2026
Los Angeles Unified School District spring break occurs Monday, March 30, 2026, through Friday, April 3, 2026. Combined with Cesar E. Chavez’s birthday observance on Friday, March 27, 2026, students receive 10 consecutive calendar days without instruction.
Classes resume on Monday, April 6, 2026. This schedule applies to all traditional LAUSD schools serving 600,000+ students across Los Angeles County.
Parents should verify dates through official LAUSD sources and check individual school calendars for school-specific events during the spring recess period.
