Maryland School Calendar 2026-2027

Maryland's public school system is governed by the Maryland State Department of Education and is organized into 24 local school systems — one for each of the state's 23 counties and one for Baltimore City. The state mandates 180 instructional days, with the academic year typically beginning after Labor Day in early September and concluding in mid-to-late June. Maryland has historically been a leader in education quality, with Montgomery County Public Schools and Howard County Public Schools consistently ranking among the top school systems in the nation. The state is implementing the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, a landmark education reform law passed in 2021 that significantly increases education funding and introduces major changes to curriculum, teacher compensation, and early childhood education. Maryland administers the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) in spring, aligned to the state's College and Career Ready Standards. The state's proximity to Washington, D.C. means that some districts, particularly in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, observe additional federal and local holidays. Baltimore City Schools operates on a calendar that may differ from surrounding county systems. Families should consult their specific local school system's calendar for precise dates, as break schedules and professional development days vary across Maryland's 24 school systems.