WCPSS Calendar 2025-2026: Important Dates and Deadlines

The Wake County Public School System, WCPSS calendar 2025-2026 serves as the essential academic roadmap for over 160,000 students, families, and educational staff throughout Wake County, North Carolina.

As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 14th largest in the United States, WCPSS provides multiple calendar options to accommodate diverse educational needs and family preferences.

Understanding the WCPSS academic calendar is crucial for effective family planning, vacation scheduling, and academic success.

This comprehensive guide covers all calendar types, important dates, and practical tips for staying organized throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

WCPSS Traditional Calendar 2025-2026

The WCPSS traditional academic calendar follows the conventional school year model with an extended summer vacation period.

This schedule appeals to families who prefer a consistent routine with a lengthy break during the warmer months.

Key Traditional Calendar Dates:

• First Day of School: Monday, August 25, 2025
• Last Day of School: Thursday, June 11, 2026
• Winter Break: Friday, December 20, 2025 through Thursday, January 2, 2026
• Spring Break: Monday, March 30, 2026 through Friday, April 3, 2026

The traditional WCPSS calendar includes designated teacher workdays, professional development sessions, and parent-teacher conference periods strategically placed throughout the academic year.

These built-in breaks provide educators with essential planning time while offering families predictable schedule markers.

Students following the traditional calendar enjoy approximately 10 weeks of summer vacation, allowing for extended family trips, summer camps, and seasonal employment opportunities for older students.

The schedule aligns well with most community activities and local business operations in the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area.

Below are the traditional WCPSS Calendar schedules for the 2025-2026 academic year.

1. Teacher workdays will take place from Tuesday, August 19, through Friday, August 22, 2025.
2. The first day of school for students will be on Monday, August 25, 2025.
3. Labor Day will be observed as a holiday on Monday, September 1, 2025.
4. There will be a teacher workday on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
5. Additional teacher workdays are scheduled for Monday, October 13, and Monday, October 20, 2025.
6. The first nine-week grading period will end on Friday, October 31, 2025.
7. A teacher workday will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
8. Report cards will be distributed on Friday, November 7, 2025.
9. Veterans Day will be observed as a holiday on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
10. Thanksgiving break will occur from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, 2025.
11. Winter break will be held from Monday, December 22, 2025, through Thursday, January 1, 2026.
12. A teacher workday will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026.
13. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, January 19, 2026.
14. The second nine-week grading period will end on Friday, January 23, 2026.
15. A teacher workday will occur on Monday, January 26, 2026.
16. Report cards will be distributed on Friday, January 30, 2026.
17. A teacher workday will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026.
18. Another teacher workday will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
19. A teacher workday will be held again on Friday, March 20, 2026.
20. The third nine-week grading period will end on Friday, March 27, 2026.
21. WCPSS Spring break 2026 is scheduled from Monday, March 30, through Thursday, April 2, 2026. Good Friday will be observed as a holiday on Friday, April 3, 2026.
22. A teacher workday will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026.
23. Report cards will be issued on Friday, April 10, 2026.
24. Another teacher workday is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026.
25. Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 25, 2026.
26. The final nine-week grading period and the last day of school for students will be on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
27. Teacher workdays will follow on Friday, June 12, and Monday, June 15, 2026.

WCPSS Year-Round Calendar 2025-2026

Wake County’s year-round education model operates on a balanced calendar approach, distributing instructional time and breaks more evenly throughout the year.

This innovative system helps prevent summer learning loss while accommodating school capacity challenges in rapidly growing areas.

The year-round system utilizes four distinct tracks (Track 1, Track 2, Track 3, and Track 4), each following a rotational schedule of approximately 45 instructional days followed by 15 days of intersession break.

WCPSS Track 1 Calendar 2025-2026

1. Teachers have workdays from Tuesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 3, 2025.
2. Friday, July 4, 2025 is a holiday.
3. The first day of school is Monday, July 7, 2025.
4. Track 1 is in session from Monday, July 7 to Thursday, August 14, 2025.
5. Friday, August 15, 2025 is a teacher workday.
6. Monday, September 1, 2025 is a holiday.
7. Track 1 is in session from Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4, 2025.
8. The first quarter ends on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
9. Track 1 is out from Friday, September 5 to Friday, September 26, 2025.
10. Track 1 is in session from Monday, September 29 to Monday, November 3, 2025.
11. The report card is issued on Friday, October 3, 2025.
12. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 is a teacher workday.
13. Track 1 is in session from Wednesday, November 5 to Monday, November 10, 2025.
14. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is a holiday.
15. Track 1 is in session from Wednesday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
16. Thanksgiving Break is from Wednesday, November 26 to Friday, November 28, 2025.
17. Track 1 is in session from Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 5, 2025.
18. The second quarter ends on Friday, December 5, 2025.
19. Track 1 is out from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 19, 2025.
20. Winter Break runs from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
21. Track 1 is in session from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 16, 2026.
22. The report card is issued on Friday, January 9, 2026.
23. Monday, January 19, 2026 is a holiday.
24. Track 1 is in session from Tuesday, January 20 to Friday, February 13, 2026.
25. Monday, February 16, 2026 is a teacher workday.
26. Track 1 is in session from Tuesday, February 17 to Friday, March 6, 2026.
27. The third quarter ends on Friday, March 6, 2026.
28. Track 1 is out from Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 27, 2026.
29. Track 1 is in session from Monday, March 30 to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
30. Friday, April 3, 2026 is a vacation day.
31. Track 1 is in session from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17, 2026.
32. The report card is issued on Monday, April 6, 2026.
33. Monday, April 20, 2026 is a teacher workday.
34. Track 1 is in session from Tuesday, April 21 to Friday, May 22, 2026.
35. Monday, May 25, 2026 is a holiday.
36. Track 1 is in session from Tuesday, May 26 to Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
37. The fourth quarter ends and the report card is issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
38. Flex days for retesting are Wednesday, June 3 and Thursday, June 4, 2026.
39. Track 1 is out from Friday, June 5 to Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

WCPSS Track 2 Calendar 2025-2026

1. Teachers have workdays from Tuesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 3, 2025.
2. Friday, July 4, 2025 is a holiday.
3. The first day of school is Monday, July 7, 2025.
4. Track 2 is in session from Monday, July 7 to Thursday, August 14, 2025.
5. Friday, August 15, 2025 is a teacher workday.
6. Track 2 is out from Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 29, 2025.
7. Monday, September 1, 2025 is a holiday.
8. Track 2 remains out from Tuesday, September 2 to Thursday, September 4, 2025.
9. Track 2 is in session from Friday, September 5 to Monday, November 3, 2025.
10. The first quarter ends on Friday, September 26, 2025.
11. The report card is issued on Friday, October 3, 2025.
12. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 is a teacher workday.
13. Track 2 is in session from Wednesday, November 5 to Monday, November 10, 2025.
14. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is a holiday.
15. Track 2 is out from Wednesday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
16. Thanksgiving Break is from Wednesday, November 26 to Friday, November 28, 2025.
17. Track 2 remains out from Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 5, 2025.
18. Track 2 is in session from Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 19, 2025.
19. The second quarter ends on Friday, December 19, 2025.
20. Winter Break runs from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
21. Track 2 is in session from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 16, 2026.
22. The report card is issued on Friday, January 9, 2026.
23. Monday, January 19, 2026 is a holiday.
24. Track 2 is in session from Tuesday, January 20 to Friday, February 13, 2026.
25. Monday, February 16, 2026 is a teacher workday.
26. Track 2 is out from Tuesday, February 17 to Friday, March 6, 2026.
27. Track 2 is in session from Monday, March 9 to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
28. The third quarter ends on Friday, March 27, 2026.
29. Friday, April 3, 2026 is a vacation day.
30. The report card is issued on Monday, April 6, 2026.
31. Track 2 is in session from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17, 2026.
32. Monday, April 20, 2026 is a teacher workday.
33. Track 2 is in session from Tuesday, April 21 to Friday, May 8, 2026.
34. Track 2 is out from Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 22, 2026.
35. Monday, May 25, 2026 is a holiday.
36. Track 2 remains out from Tuesday, May 26 to Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
37. Track 2 is in session from Wednesday, June 3 to Thursday, June 18, 2026.
38. Friday, June 19, 2026 is a teacher workday.
39. Track 2 is in session from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, 2026.
40. The fourth quarter ends and the report card is issued on Friday, June 26, 2026.
41. Flex days for retesting are Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

WCPSS Track 3 Calendar 2025-2026

1. Teachers have workdays from Tuesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 3, 2025.
2. Friday, July 4, 2025 is a holiday.
3. The first day of school is Monday, July 7, 2025.
4. Track 3 is in session from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 25, 2025.
5. Track 3 is out from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 14, 2025.
6. Friday, August 15, 2025 is a teacher workday.
7. Track 3 is in session from Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 29, 2025.
8. Monday, September 1, 2025 is a holiday.
9. Track 3 is in session from Tuesday, September 2 to Friday, October 17, 2025.
10. The quarter ends on Friday, September 26, 2025.
11. The report card is issued on Friday, October 3, 2025.
12. Track 3 is out from Monday, October 20 to Monday, November 3, 2025.
13. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 is a teacher workday.
14. Track 3 is out from Wednesday, November 5 to Monday, November 10, 2025.
15. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is a holiday.
16. Track 3 is in session from Wednesday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
17. Thanksgiving Break is from Wednesday, November 26 to Friday, November 28, 2025.
18. Track 3 is in session from Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 19, 2025.
19. The second quarter ends on Friday, December 19, 2025.
20. Winter Break runs from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
21. Track 3 is in session from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 16, 2026.
22. The report card is issued on Friday, January 9, 2026.
23. Monday, January 19, 2026 is a holiday.
24. Track 3 is in session from Tuesday, January 20 to Friday, January 23, 2026.
25. The third quarter ends on Friday, March 27, 2026.
26. Track 3 is out from Monday, January 26 to Friday, February 13, 2026.
27. Monday, February 16, 2026 is a teacher workday.
28. Track 3 is in session from Monday, February 17 to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
29. Friday, April 3, 2026 is a vacation day.
30. The report card is issued on Monday, April 6, 2026.
31. Track 3 is in session from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17, 2026.
32. Monday, April 20, 2026 is a teacher workday.
33. Track 3 is out from Monday, April 21 to Friday, May 8, 2026.
34. Track 3 is in session from Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 22, 2026.
35. Monday, May 25, 2026 is a holiday.
36. Track 3 is in session from Tuesday, May 26 to Thursday, June 18, 2026.
37. Friday, June 19, 2026 is a teacher workday.
38. Track 3 is in session from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, 2026.
39. The fourth quarter ends and the report card is issued on Friday, June 26, 2026.
40. Flex days for retesting are Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

WCPSS Track 4 Calendar 2025-2026

1. Teachers have workdays from Tuesday, July 1 to Thursday, July 3, 2025.
2. Friday, July 4, 2025 is a holiday.
3. The first day of school is Monday, July 28, 2025.
4. Track 4 is in session from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 14, 2025.
5. Friday, August 15, 2025 is a teacher workday.
6. Track 4 is in session from Monday, August 18 to Friday, August 29, 2025.
7. Monday, September 1, 2025 is a holiday.
8. Track 4 is in session from Tuesday, September 2 to Friday, September 26, 2025.
9. The quarter ends on Friday, September 26, 2025.
10. Track 4 is out from Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 17, 2025.
11. Track 4 is in session from Monday, October 20 to Monday, November 3, 2025.
12. The report card is issued on Friday, October 24, 2025.
13. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 is a teacher workday.
14. Track 4 is in session from Wednesday, November 5 to Monday, November 10, 2025.
15. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is a holiday.
16. Track 4 is in session from Wednesday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
17. Thanksgiving Break is from Wednesday, November 26 to Friday, November 28, 2025.
18. Track 4 is in session from Monday, December 1 to Friday, December 19, 2025.
19. The second quarter ends on Friday, December 19, 2025.
20. Winter Break runs from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Friday, January 2, 2026.
21. Track 4 is out from Monday, January 5 to Friday, January 23, 2026.
22. Monday, January 19, 2026 is a holiday.
23. The report card is issued on Friday, January 30, 2026.
24. Track 4 is in session from Monday, January 26 to Friday, February 13, 2026.
25. Monday, February 16, 2026 is a teacher workday.
26. Track 4 is in session from Monday, February 17 to Friday, March 27, 2026.
27. The third quarter ends on Friday, March 27, 2026.
28. Track 4 is out from Monday, March 30 to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
29. Friday, April 3, 2026 is a vacation day.
30. Track 4 is out from Monday, April 6 to Friday, April 17, 2026.
31. Monday, April 20, 2026 is a teacher workday.
32. The report card is issued on Friday, April 24, 2026.
33. Track 4 is in session from Tuesday, April 21 to Friday, May 22, 2026.
34. Monday, May 25, 2026 is a holiday.
35. Track 4 is in session from Tuesday, May 26 to Thursday, June 18, 2026.
36. Friday, June 19, 2026 is a teacher workday.
37. Track 4 is in session from Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26, 2026.
38. The fourth quarter ends and the report card is issued on Friday, June 26, 2026.
39. Flex days for retesting are Monday, June 29 and Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Each year-round track maintains the same total instructional time as traditional calendars while providing shorter, more frequent breaks.

This schedule benefits working families by offering more flexible childcare options and reducing the need for extensive summer care arrangements.

The staggered track system allows schools to serve more students within existing facilities by having approximately 25% of the student body on break at any given time during the school year.

Modified WCPSS Calendar: Specialized Program Schedules

The modified calendar serves select schools and specialized programs that require unique scheduling arrangements to support their educational missions.

These calendars maintain state-required instructional time while accommodating special program needs.

Modified Calendar Features:

• Start Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
• End Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Extended Teacher Workdays: Additional professional development time
• Flexible Break Scheduling: Aligned with partner institution calendars

Schools operating on modified calendars often include magnet programs, specialty academies, and institutions with community partnerships requiring schedule coordination.

The modified approach allows these programs to maintain their unique educational focus while meeting district-wide academic standards.

1. Teacher workdays will take place from Monday, July 14, through Monday, July 21, 2025.
2. The first day of school will be on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
3. Labor Day will be observed as a holiday on Monday, September 1, 2025.
4. The first academic quarter will end on Friday, September 26, 2025.
5. Teacher workdays will occur on Monday, September 29, and Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
6. Track out will begin on Wednesday, October 1, and continue through Friday, October 10, 2025.
7. Report cards will be issued on Tuesday, October 17, 2025.
8. A teacher workday will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
9. Veterans Day will be observed as a holiday on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
10. Thanksgiving break will be observed from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, 2025.
11. The second academic quarter will end on Friday, December 19, 2025.
12. Winter break will take place from Monday, December 22, through Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
13. New Year’s Day will be observed as a holiday on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
14. A vacation day will be observed on Friday, January 2, 2026.
15. A teacher workday will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026.
16. Report cards will be distributed on Friday, January 9, 2026.
17. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed as a holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026.
18. A teacher workday is scheduled for Monday, February 16, 2026.
19. Another teacher workday will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
20. The third academic quarter will end on Friday, March 6, 2026.
21. Teacher workdays will be held on Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
22. Track out will take place from Wednesday, March 11, through Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
23. Vacation days will be observed from Saturday, March 14, through Friday, March 20, 2026.
24. Report cards will be issued on Friday, March 27, 2026.
25. Good Friday will be observed as a holiday on Friday, April 3, 2026.
26. A teacher workday will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026.
27. The last day of classes and the end of the fourth academic quarter will be on Friday, May 22, 2026.
28. Memorial Day will be observed as a holiday on Monday, May 25, 2026.
29. Teacher workdays will take place on Tuesday, May 26, and Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Early College and Leadership Academy Calendars

Wake County’s Early College High Schools and Leadership Academies follow specialized calendars designed to support their accelerated and focused educational programs.

Wake Early College of Health & Science

• First Day: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
• Last Day: Thursday, May 21, 2026

STEM Early College Calendar

• Start Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
• End Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Leadership Academies (Wake Young Men’s and Wake Young Women’s)

• Start Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
• End Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Graduation Ceremonies: May 2026 (specific dates announced separately)

These specialized programs often include extended orientation periods, dual enrollment coordination with local colleges, and unique graduation ceremonies that reflect their distinctive educational approaches.

How to Access and Subscribe to WCPSS Calendars

Staying current with your school’s calendar has never been easier thanks to WCPSS digital calendar integration options.

The district provides multiple access methods to ensure families can stay informed about important dates and schedule changes.

Step-by-Step Calendar Access:

1. Visit the Official WCPSS Website: Navigate to wcpss.net and locate the “Calendars” section
2. Select Your Calendar Type: Choose from Traditional, Year-Round (by track), Modified, or Early College options
3. Download PDF Version: Click the PDF icon for a printable calendar copy
4. Subscribe to Google Calendar: Click the Google Calendar icon to add directly to your digital calendar
5. Mobile Integration: Use the subscription link to add calendar events to your smartphone

Digital Calendar Benefits:

• Automatic updates when schedule changes occur
• Real-time notifications for upcoming events
• Seamless integration with personal and family calendars
• Emergency closure alerts and communication

Important WCPSS Calendar Dates at a Glance

Event	Traditional Calendar	Year-Round Tracks
First Day of School	Monday, August 25, 2025	Varies by track (July 28 – August 4, 2025)
Winter Holiday Break	December 20, 2025 – January 2, 2026	Varies by track intersession
Spring Break	March 30 – April 3, 2026	Integrated into track intersessions
Last Day of School	Thursday, June 11, 2026	June 18-25, 2026 (varies by track)
Teacher Workdays	Pre-scheduled Fridays	Distributed throughout intersessions
Makeup Days	Built into calendar after major breaks	Flexible within track schedules

FAQs About WCPSS Calendar 2025-2026

Planning Strategies for WCPSS Families

Successful academic year planning begins with understanding your school’s specific calendar and leveraging available tools for organization and communication.

Family Planning Tips:

• Subscribe to Multiple Calendars: If you have children in different programs, subscribe to all relevant calendars
• Plan Vacations Early: Book family trips during designated break periods to avoid attendance issues
• Coordinate with Childcare: Ensure daycare and after-school programs align with your school calendar
• Set Reminder Alerts: Use digital calendar notifications for important dates like registration periods and parent-teacher conferences

Academic Success Strategies:

• Mark Testing Periods: Note state testing windows and avoid scheduling disruptions during these critical times
• Track Teacher Workdays: Plan alternative childcare for professional development days
• Monitor Weather Policies: Understand how makeup days work in case of emergency closures
• Stay Connected: Enable school communication apps and email notifications for real-time updates

The WCPSS calendar system reflects the district’s commitment to educational excellence and family-friendly policies.

Whether you choose traditional, year-round, modified, or specialized program calendars, staying informed and organized will help ensure your student’s success in Wake County’s premier educational system.