Virginia School Calendar 2026-2027

Virginia's public school system is governed by the Virginia Department of Education and serves students across 132 school divisions, ranging from large urban systems like Fairfax County Public Schools — one of the largest in the nation — to small rural divisions in the Appalachian region. A distinctive feature of Virginia's school calendar is the state law prohibiting public schools from beginning instruction before Labor Day, a policy designed to support the tourism industry and provide families with a full summer. The academic year therefore runs from early September through mid-June, meeting the state's requirement of 180 instructional days. Virginia administers the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, which are high-stakes standardized tests aligned to state curriculum standards and administered at the end of each school year. These assessments influence school accreditation and can affect student promotion and graduation. Spring break timing varies by division, and some divisions observe additional local holidays. Northern Virginia divisions, particularly those in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, may also observe Inauguration Day in years when a presidential inauguration occurs. Families are encouraged to consult their specific division's calendar for precise dates and any division-specific observances.