CPS spring break 2026 runs from Monday, March 23, 2026, through Friday, March 27, 2026. Students across all Chicago Public Schools district elementary and high schools will be off for 5 consecutive instructional days during this spring vacation period.
The CPS academic calendar 2025-2026 marks the spring recess as a non-attendance period for all 330,000+ students enrolled in the Chicago Public Schools system. Classes resume on Monday, March 30, 2026, following the one-week break.
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When Is CPS Spring Break 2026?
CPS spring break 2026 begins on Monday, March 23, 2026, and ends on Friday, March 27, 2026. This represents a full week of non-attendance for students in grades K-12 across the Chicago Public Schools district.
The last day students attend classes before the 2026 spring vacation is Friday, March 20, 2026. Students return to school buildings on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Full CPS Spring Break Timeline
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 20, 2026 | Last day before break | Full school day |
| Saturday, March 21, 2026 | Weekend | No school |
| Sunday, March 22, 2026 | Weekend | No school |
| Monday, March 23, 2026 | Spring break begins | No school |
| Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | Spring break | No school |
| Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Spring break | No school |
| Thursday, March 26, 2026 | Spring break | No school |
| Friday, March 27, 2026 | Spring break ends | No school |
| Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Weekend | No school |
| Sunday, March 29, 2026 | Weekend | No school |
| Monday, March 30, 2026 | Classes resume | Full school day |
Students will be off from school for 9 consecutive calendar days, including the weekends that surround the official spring vacation week.
CPS 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Overview
The Chicago Public Schools 2025-2026 school year calendar establishes 176 instructional days for students across the district. The academic year structure is divided into four quarters with specific breaks and non-attendance days.
Key Academic Year Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of school | Monday, August 18, 2025 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1, 2025 |
| Quarter 1 ends | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday, October 13, 2025 |
| Parent-Teacher Conferences (Q1) | Monday, October 27, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving break | Thursday, November 27 – Friday, November 28, 2025 |
| Quarter 2 ends | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Winter vacation begins | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Winter vacation ends | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16, 2026 |
| Quarter 3 ends | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| Parent-Teacher Conferences (Q3) | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| Spring break | Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 |
| Quarter 4 ends | Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
| Last day of school | Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
The Chicago Board of Education approved this calendar on July 21, 2025, establishing the official schedule for all district-operated schools.
Important Dates Surrounding the CPS Spring Break
Several non-attendance days occur in the weeks before and after the spring vacation period. Understanding these dates helps families plan childcare and travel arrangements.
March 2026 School Schedule
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, is a non-attendance day for students. Elementary and high schools conduct Parent-Teacher Conference Day following the third quarter report card distribution. This creates a shortened school week before spring break.
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2-6 | School | School | School | School | School (Q3 ends) |
| March 9-13 | School | School | School | School | School |
| March 16-20 | School | School | No school (PT Conferences) | School | School |
| March 23-27 | No school | No school | No school | No school | No school |
| March 30-April 3 | School | School | No school (PD day) | School | School |
Thursday, April 3, 2026, is a Professional Development day. Students do not attend school while teachers participate in district-directed training.
Students attend school for only 3 days during the week of March 16-20, 2026, before the spring vacation begins.
CPS Spring Break vs. Other Chicago-Area Districts
Chicago Public Schools’ spring break dates differ from those of suburban school districts in the Chicago metropolitan area. This variation affects families with children enrolled in multiple districts and regional travel patterns.
Spring Break Comparison 2026
| School District | Spring Break Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Public Schools | March 23-27, 2026 | 5 days |
| Naperville District 203 | March 30 – April 3, 2026 | 5 days |
| Elgin Area School District U-46 | March 30 – April 3, 2026 | 5 days |
| Evanston/Skokie District 65 | March 30 – April 3, 2026 | 5 days |
| Palatine Township High School District 211 | March 30 – April 3, 2026 | 5 days |
Most suburban Cook County and DuPage County school districts schedule spring recess one week later than Chicago Public Schools. This creates a 7-day gap between when CPS students and suburban students take spring vacation.
Private and parochial schools in Chicago follow independent calendars. Many Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago align spring break with the Easter holiday calendar, which places Easter Sunday on April 12, 2026.
Professional Development and Teacher Schedule
Teachers and school-based staff follow a different calendar from students during the spring break period. Understanding the professional development schedule helps families plan for complete school closures versus partial building access.
Chicago Public Schools Teacher and Staff Spring Break Schedule
Monday, March 23, 2026, through Friday, March 27, 2026, are vacation days for both students and teachers. No professional development sessions occur during the official spring break week.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is a Professional Development day. Teachers report to schools, while students have no attendance requirement. This day precedes the Parent-Teacher Conference day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
| Role | March 17 | March 18 | March 23-27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students | No school | No school | No school |
| Teachers | PD day (working) | PT Conferences (working) | Vacation |
| School clerks | Working | Working | Vacation |
| Administrators | Working | Working | Vacation |
Chicago Public Schools provides 12 Professional Development days throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Six days are principal-directed, and six are teacher-directed, with some flexibility for individual school scheduling.
Downloadable CPS Calendar Resources
The Chicago Public Schools district publishes official calendar documents for families and staff. These resources provide comprehensive schedule information for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Official Calendar Documents
- CPS Family Calendar (2025-2026): This document displays all student attendance days, holidays, and non-attendance periods in a visual calendar format. Families use this calendar to identify school breaks and plan vacations around the academic schedule.
- CPS Staff Calendar (2025-2026): This document shows professional development days, teacher workdays, and administrative schedule requirements in addition to student attendance patterns.
Both calendars clearly mark the spring vacation period from March 23-27, 2026, with color-coded indicators distinguishing non-attendance days from holidays and professional development sessions.
The last update to the 2025-2026 calendar occurred on July 21, 2025. Changes to the calendar after Board of Education approval are rare but can occur due to emergency conditions or state-mandated modifications.
Planning Around CPS Spring Break 2026
Families planning travel or activities during the spring vacation period should consider the unique scheduling of Chicago Public Schools relative to other districts and regional attractions.
Travel Planning Considerations
Flight pricing from Chicago airports typically increases during major school break periods. O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport experience higher passenger volumes when multiple school districts have simultaneous vacation weeks.
March 23-27, 2026, represents Chicago Public Schools’ spring break only. Suburban districts take spring vacation the following week (March 30 – April 3). This creates two distinct travel periods for Chicago-area families.
Booking flights and accommodations 60-90 days in advance of the March 23 start date provides better availability and pricing for popular spring break destinations.
Childcare and Camp Options
Parents requiring childcare during the spring break week have multiple options through Chicago Park District programs, Chicago Public Library activities, and private camp providers.
- Chicago Park District Spring Break Camps: The Park District typically operates day camp programs during CPS spring vacation periods. Registration opens in early February 2026 for March programs.
- Chicago Public Library Programs: Library branches throughout the city offer free spring break activities, including craft sessions, reading programs, and educational workshops during the week of March 23-27, 2026.
- Private Camp Providers: Organizations such as the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and specialty sports camps offer spring break programming aligned with the CPS calendar.
Free and Low-Cost Activities During the CPS Spring Break Week
Chicago offers numerous free and reduced-cost activities for families during the spring vacation period. Many cultural institutions provide special programming or admission discounts for CPS students.
Museum Free Days and CPS Student Access
Museums for All Program: Illinois families receiving SNAP benefits (Link Card/EBT) receive $3 admission to participating museums year-round. This includes spring break week at institutions such as:
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Shedd Aquarium
- Adler Planetarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
CPS Student Free Admission: Some Chicago museums offer free admission to Chicago Public Schools students with a valid school ID during specific periods. Contact individual institutions to confirm spring break 2026 policies.
Chicago Park District Free Programming
Chicago Park District facilities provide free recreational access during spring break. This includes:
- Indoor swimming pools
- Gymnasiums and fitness centers
- Playgrounds and outdoor spaces
- Sports courts and fields
Specific spring break programming announcements from the Park District typically occur in February 2026. The district operates over 600 parks and 77 pools across Chicago neighborhoods.
Library Events and Activities
Chicago Public Library branches host free spring break programs, including:
- Reading challenges and book clubs
- STEM workshops and maker spaces
- Art projects and craft sessions
- Movie screenings and performances
The Chicago Public Library system operates 81 locations citywide. Individual branch schedules vary, with programming announcements published on the library website in late February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPS Spring Break 2026
How long is CPS spring break in 2026?
CPS spring break 2026 lasts 5 school days from Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, 2026. Including the surrounding weekends, students are off for 9 consecutive calendar days from Saturday, March 21, through Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Do teachers have school during CPS spring break?
No. Teachers and school staff do not work during spring break week. The March 23-27, 2026, period is a vacation for both students and employees. However, teachers work on March 17 (Professional Development) and March 18 (Parent-Teacher Conferences) while students have no school.
Is CPS spring break the same as suburban schools’ in 2026?
No. Chicago Public Schools takes spring break March 23-27, 2026. Most suburban Chicago districts, including Naperville, Elgin, and Evanston, schedule spring vacation for March 30 – April 3, 2026, which is one week later than CPS.
What grades are off for CPS spring break?
All students in grades PreK-12 enrolled in Chicago Public Schools are off during spring break. This includes elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and preschool programs. The district serves approximately 330,000 students across more than 630 schools.
Are there any school days before spring break in March 2026?
Yes. Students attend school March 2-6, March 9-13, and March 16, 19-20, 2026. Wednesday, March 18, is a non-attendance day for Parent-Teacher Conferences. This creates a 3-day school week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) immediately before the spring vacation begins.
Does CPS provide meals during spring break?
Chicago Public Schools does not operate regular breakfast and lunch programs during spring break. However, the Chicago Park District and community organizations may offer meal programs during the week of March 23-27, 2026. Specific 2026 meal program information will be announced closer to the spring break dates.
When do students return to school after spring break?
Students return to school on Monday, March 30, 2026. This is a full instructional day. Classes resume on the regular schedule following the one-week spring vacation period.
Can the CPS spring break dates change after publication?
Changes to the approved calendar are rare but possible. The Chicago Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 calendar on July 21, 2025. Modifications occur only under exceptional circumstances, such as extended school closures due to weather emergencies or public health events that require makeup days.
CPS Quarter System and Spring Break Timing
The Chicago Public Schools academic year is divided into four quarters. Spring break occurs during the fourth quarter, following the third quarter Parent-Teacher Conference period.
2025-2026 Quarter Schedule
| Quarter | Duration | Instructional Days | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | 9 weeks | 42 days | Friday, October 17, 2025 |
| Quarter 2 | 8 weeks | 38 days | Friday, December 19, 2025 |
| Quarter 3 | 9 weeks | 41 days | Friday, March 6, 2026 |
| Quarter 4 | 12 weeks | 55 days | Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
Quarter 3 ends on Friday, March 6, 2026. Progress reports for the third quarter are distributed on Friday, February 6, 2026. Report cards are available for pickup during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
The spring vacation period provides a mid-quarter break during Quarter 4. Students complete approximately 3 weeks of Quarter 4 instruction before spring break, then return to finish the final 9 weeks of the academic year.
Report Card and Conference Schedule
Parent-Teacher Conference days are non-attendance days for students. Elementary and high schools conduct conferences to discuss student progress and distribute quarterly report cards.
- Quarter 1 Conferences: Monday, October 27, 2025
- Quarter 3 Conferences: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Report cards for Quarter 2 and Quarter 4 are sent home with students rather than distributed during conference days:
- Quarter 2 Report Cards: Friday, January 9, 2026
- Quarter 4 Report Cards: Thursday, June 4, 2026 (last day of school)
Historical CPS Spring Break Patterns
Chicago Public Schools typically schedule spring break during mid-to-late March. The exact dates vary based on the academic calendar structure, holiday alignment, and Board of Education preferences.
Recent Spring Break Dates
| School Year | Spring Break Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | March 27-31, 2023 | 5 days |
| 2023-2024 | March 25-29, 2024 | 5 days |
| 2024-2025 | March 24-28, 2025 | 5 days |
| 2025-2026 | March 23-27, 2026 | 5 days |
CPS consistently maintains a 5-day spring break aligned with a Monday-through-Friday school week. The district does not extend spring vacation to encompass full calendar weeks, including weekends.
Spring break timing depends on several factors:
- Easter Sunday placement (CPS generally avoids scheduling spring break during Holy Week)
- State testing windows (Illinois Assessment of Readiness testing occurs in spring)
- Quarter system alignment (break occurs early in Quarter 4)
- Weather makeup day considerations (snow days may affect end-of-year scheduling)
Preparing for the Return to School
Students returning to classes on Monday, March 30, 2026, resume regular academic instruction. The post-spring break period includes 9 weeks of Quarter 4 instruction before the school year concludes on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Important Post-Spring Break Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday, April 3, 2026 | Professional Development (no school for students) |
| Sunday, April 12, 2026 | Easter Sunday |
| Friday, May 1, 2026 | Quarter 4 Progress Reports distributed |
| Thursday, May 21, 2026 | Earliest date for high school graduation ceremonies |
| Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day (no school) |
| Friday, May 29, 2026 | Earliest date for elementary graduation ceremonies |
| Thursday, June 4, 2026 | Last day of school / Quarter 4 report cards distributed |
High school graduation ceremonies cannot occur before Thursday, May 21, 2026. Elementary graduation ceremonies cannot occur before Friday, May 29, 2026. Individual schools set specific graduation dates within these parameters.
Summer Programs Following the School Year
Chicago Public Schools operates summer programs beginning in mid-June 2026. These programs support students requiring academic reinforcement or acceleration.
2026 Summer Program Overview
Anticipated summer programs include:
- Summer Bridge (including Bilingual Bridge)
- English Language Summer Support
- Extended School Year
- Summer Acceleration
- High School Summer Credit Recovery
The earliest anticipated start date for summer programs is Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Programs may extend into August 2026, depending on individual student needs and program requirements.
Enrollment information for summer 2026 programs typically becomes available in April 2026. Families receive notification through schools if students qualify for or are recommended for summer programming.
This information reflects the official Chicago Public Schools 2025-2026 academic calendar approved by the Board of Education on July 21, 2025. Always verify current information through the CPS website at cps.edu or contact individual schools for specific scheduling questions. Calendar modifications after initial approval are uncommon but possible under exceptional circumstances.
