The Prince George’s County Public Schools, PGCPS calendar for the 2025-2026 school year provides essential scheduling information for students, families, educators, and staff throughout Maryland’s largest school district.
This comprehensive academic calendar outlines every critical date, from the first day of school to graduation, ensuring seamless planning for the entire school community.
Serving over 130,000 students across Prince George’s County, Maryland, this official school calendar helps parents coordinate family schedules, teachers plan curriculum delivery, and students prepare for academic milestones.
The PGCPS 2025-26 academic year calendar includes 180 instructional days, meeting Maryland State Department of Education requirements while providing optimal learning opportunities.
PGCPS Calendar 2025-2026 Important Dates Highlights:
- First Day of School: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Last Day of School: Friday, June 12, 2026
- Total Instructional Days: 180 days
- New Teacher Orientation: Wednesday, August 13 through Friday, August 15, 2025
- Student Orientation Day: Monday, August 25, 2025
- Winter Holiday Break: Monday, December 22, 2025 through Thursday, January 2, 2026
- Spring Break: Monday, March 30 through Wednesday, April 2, 2026
- Professional Development Days: Tuesday, September 23, 2025; Friday, October 17, 2025; Friday, March 20, 2026
- Emergency Makeup Days: Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Table of Contents
PGCPS Calendar 2025-2026 Dates
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4, 2025.
- Professional duty days for new teachers are scheduled from Wednesday, August 13, to Friday, August 15, 2025.
- Professional duty days for all teachers will take place from Monday, August 18, to Friday, August 22, 2025.
- Student orientation day and a professional duty day for all teachers will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025.
- The first day of school for all PGCPS students is Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025.
- There will be a teacher planning half-day and early dismissal for students on Friday, September 12, 2025.
- Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Monday, September 22, 2025.
- Schools will be closed for students due to professional development on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
- Schools will be closed for students due to professional development on Friday, October 17, 2025.
- Diwali is observed from Saturday, October 18, to Thursday, October 23, 2025.
- The first quarter ends on Friday, October 31, 2025.
- Grading and reporting for the first quarter will occur, with early dismissal for students, on Friday, October 31, 2025.
- Parent-teacher conferences will be held, and schools will be closed for students on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
- Schools and offices will be closed for Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, November 26, to Friday, November 28, 2025.
- A teacher planning half-day and early dismissal for students is scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025.
- Schools and offices will be closed for winter break and the Christmas holiday from Monday, December 22, to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
- Winter break continues with schools and offices closed on Friday, January 2, 2026.
- Schools and offices will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.
- The second quarter ends on Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Grading and reporting for the second quarter will take place, with early dismissal for students, on Monday, January 26, 2026.
- A teacher planning half-day and early dismissal for students is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026.
- Schools and offices will be closed for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16, 2026.
- Ramadan 2026 begins at sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and ends on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
- Eid al-Fitr begins at sunset on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
- Schools will be closed for students due to professional development on Friday, March 20, 2026.
- The third quarter ends on Friday, March 27, 2026.
- Grading and reporting for the third quarter will occur, with early dismissal for students, on Friday, March 27, 2026.
- Prince George’s County Public Schools will be closed for spring break from Monday, March 30, to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
- Passover begins at sunset on Wednesday, April 1, and continues through Thursday, April 9, 2026.
- Schools and offices will be closed for the Spring Break and Easter holidays on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026.
- A teacher planning half-day and early dismissal for students is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
- The last day for high school seniors will be Friday, May 8, 2026.
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026.
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
- The last day for students and the end of the fourth quarter will occur, with early dismissal, on Friday, June 12, 2026.
- Inclement weather makeup days may be used if needed on Monday, June 15; Tuesday, June 16; and Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
- The last day for teachers is Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
- Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Juneteenth on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Access the complete PGCPS school calendar PDF download through the district’s official website, or subscribe to the iCalendar feed for automatic synchronization with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and other digital planning tools.
First Day of Classes and New Student Orientation
Students throughout Prince George’s County will commence the 2025-2026 academic year on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Prior to the official start date, the district implements a comprehensive orientation program designed to ensure smooth transitions for students, families, and educational staff.
New teacher professional development sessions occur from Wednesday, August 13 through Friday, August 15, 2025, providing educators with essential training on curriculum standards, classroom management strategies, and district policies.
These intensive preparation days enable teachers to create engaging learning environments and establish effective instructional practices.
Student orientation takes place on Monday, August 25, 2025, offering families opportunities to meet teachers, explore school facilities, review academic expectations, and understand transportation routes.
This orientation day helps students familiarize themselves with campus layouts, locate classrooms, and connect with peer groups before academic instruction begins.
The PGCPS back-to-school preparation includes registration verification, health requirement completion, and technology distribution. Parents should ensure enrollment paperwork is finalized by Friday, August 15, 2025, to guarantee transportation services and proper classroom placement for their children.
Holiday Breaks and School Closures
The PGCPS 2025-2026 calendar incorporates all federal holidays, state observances, and culturally significant dates to support the diverse community within Prince George’s County. These scheduled breaks provide students and staff with necessary rest periods while respecting various religious and cultural traditions.
Fall Semester Holidays:
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
- Thanksgiving Break: Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, 2025
Winter Holiday Period: The extended winter break spans from Monday, December 22, 2025 through Thursday, January 2, 2026, allowing families to celebrate various winter holidays and traditions. Students return to classes on Friday, January 3, 2026, refreshed and ready for spring semester learning.
Spring Semester Observances:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
- Spring Break: Monday, March 30 through Wednesday, April 2, 2026
Religious and Cultural Observances: The district accommodates various religious holidays including Purim (Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12, 2026) and Eid al-Fitr (tentatively Thursday, April 10, 2026). Families observing these holidays should coordinate with school administrators regarding excused absences and makeup work policies.
Grading Periods and Report Card Distribution
The PGCPS academic year divides into four distinct grading quarters, each designed to provide comprehensive assessment opportunities and regular progress monitoring for student achievement.
- First Quarter: Tuesday, August 26 through Friday, October 31, 2025 (45 instructional days)
- Second Quarter: Monday, November 3, 2025 through Thursday, January 23, 2026 (44 instructional days)
- Third Quarter: Monday, January 26 through Thursday, March 27, 2026 (42 instructional days)
- Fourth Quarter: Monday, April 6 through Friday, June 12, 2026 (49 instructional days)
Report cards are distributed within five school days following each quarter’s conclusion, providing timely feedback on student academic progress. Parent-teacher conferences are encouraged during these transitional periods to discuss student performance, address concerns, and establish goals for upcoming quarters.
Early dismissal days are scheduled before major holiday breaks to allow teachers adequate time for grade processing and administrative tasks:
- Thursday, September 12, 2025
- Thursday, December 19, 2025
- Thursday, February 13, 2026
- Tuesday, April 22, 2026
Professional Development and Teacher Workdays
PGCPS prioritizes continuous professional growth through strategically scheduled development days throughout the academic calendar. These professional learning opportunities enhance instructional quality and ensure educators remain current with educational best practices and curriculum standards.
New Teacher Induction Program: Wednesday, August 13 through Friday, August 15, 2025 These intensive orientation days provide new educators with essential district information, mentorship connections, and classroom preparation time.
System-wide Professional Development Days:
- Tuesday, September 23, 2025: Curriculum alignment and instructional strategies
- Friday, October 17, 2025: Assessment practices and data analysis
- Friday, March 20, 2026: Mid-year reflection and spring semester planning
Early Release Planning Days: Half-day sessions on Thursday, September 12; Thursday, December 19; Thursday, February 13; and Tuesday, April 22 provide collaborative planning time for grade-level teams, department meetings, and individual lesson preparation.
These professional development opportunities support the district’s commitment to educational excellence while maintaining the required 180 instructional days for student learning.
Digital Calendar Access and Synchronization
Modern families require flexible calendar management solutions to coordinate busy schedules with school events, activities, and important deadlines. PGCPS provides multiple digital access options for the 2025-2026 academic calendar.
PDF Calendar Download: Visit the official Prince George’s County Public Schools website at pgcps.org, navigate to the “Academic Calendar” section, and click the downloadable PDF link for offline access and printing capabilities.
iCalendar Subscription Service: The district offers an iCalendar feed that automatically synchronizes with popular digital calendar applications. This subscription service ensures real-time updates for schedule changes, weather-related closures, and additional events.
Google Calendar Integration
To add the PGCPS calendar to Google Calendar:
- Open Google Calendar in your web browser
- Select “Add other calendars” from the left sidebar
- Choose “From URL” option
- Paste the PGCPS iCalendar subscription link
- Click “Add Calendar” to complete the integration
Apple Calendar Synchronization
iPhone and iPad users can subscribe to the PGCPS calendar by:
- Opening the iCalendar subscription link in Safari
- Tapping “Subscribe” when prompted
- Confirming the calendar addition in Settings
Mobile Device Access: Both Android and iOS devices support external calendar subscriptions through their respective calendar applications, ensuring parents and students can access school dates from any mobile device.
Weather-Related Closures and Makeup Procedures
Maryland’s climate requires contingency planning for potential weather-related school closures during the 2025-2026 academic year. PGCPS has designated specific makeup days including October 2, 2025, and March 20, May 27, June 15, June 16, and June 17, 2026, to ensure the district meets the required 180 instructional days.
Built-in Emergency Days: Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16, 2026, serve as the primary makeup days for weather-related closures. If these days are unnecessary due to minimal weather disruptions, the school year concludes as scheduled on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Communication Protocols: Weather-related closure announcements are distributed through multiple channels including the PGCPS website, local media partnerships, automated phone calls, email notifications, and social media updates. Families should ensure contact information remains current to receive timely closure notifications.
Remote Learning Options: When appropriate, the district may implement virtual learning days during extended weather events, allowing instruction to continue while ensuring student and staff safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About PGCPS Calendar 2025-2026
When does the PGCPS 2025-2026 school year begin?
The first day of school for students is Tuesday, August 26, 2025. New teacher professional development begins Wednesday, August 13, 2025, and student orientation occurs Monday, August 25, 2025.
What are the major holiday breaks during the school year?
Winter break extends from Monday, December 22, 2025 through Thursday, January 2, 2026. Spring break occurs Monday, March 30 through Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
How many instructional days are included in the academic calendar?
The PGCPS 2025-2026 school year includes 180 instructional days, meeting Maryland state requirements for student learning time.
How can parents access and sync the school calendar?
Parents can download the PDF calendar from pgcps.org or subscribe to the iCalendar feed for automatic synchronization with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and other digital planning tools.
What happens if weather forces school closures?
The district has designated multiple makeup days including June 15 and June 16, 2026, to ensure 180 instructional days are completed. Additional makeup options include October 2, 2025, and March 20, May 27, and June 17, 2026.
Are religious holidays accommodated in the school calendar?
Yes, PGCPS recognizes various religious observances and provides guidance for excused absences during significant religious holidays not included in the official calendar.