Idaho School Calendar 2026-2027

Idaho's public school system is overseen by the Idaho State Department of Education and measures instructional time in hours rather than days, requiring a minimum of 990 instructional hours per year for most grade levels. The academic year typically begins in late August and concludes in late May, with Boise School District and other districts setting their own specific calendars within state requirements. Idaho operates over 115 school districts, ranging from urban systems in the Treasure Valley to small rural districts serving agricultural and ranching communities across the state. The state observes all major federal holidays, including Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving break, winter recess, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, spring break, and Memorial Day. Idaho has a strong tradition of local control in education, and individual school boards have considerable flexibility in determining calendar structure, curriculum priorities, and professional development schedules. The state has a growing and increasingly diverse student population, with a notable increase in Hispanic and English Language Learner students in recent years. Idaho also has a significant homeschool and charter school community, reflecting the state's emphasis on educational choice. Families are encouraged to contact their local district directly to confirm specific start and end dates, as well as any locally observed holidays or scheduled teacher in-service days.