Planning family vacations, scheduling appointments, or simply trying to coordinate childcare—Chicago Public Schools parents need a reliable calendar reference. Here's your comprehensive guide to the CPS holiday calendar for 2025, covering both the end of the 2024-2025 school year and the beginning of 2025-2026.
Looking for school-specific calendars? Check our detailed guides for Nettlehorst School or browse Lakeview school resources.
Spring 2025 (2024-2025 School Year)
As we finish out the current school year, here are the remaining key dates:
Spring Break 2025
- Spring Break: Typically one week in late March or early April – Schools Closed
- Check the official CPS calendar for exact dates
Memorial Day Weekend
- Monday, May 26, 2025: Memorial Day – Schools Closed
End of Year
- Thursday, June 19, 2025: Last Day of School (2024-2025 year)
Summer 2025
Schools are closed for summer break from late June through late August. CPS offers summer school programs at various locations throughout the city.
Fall 2025 (2025-2026 School Year)
Back to School
- Tuesday, September 2, 2025: First Day of School for Students
September Holidays
- Monday, September 1, 2025: Labor Day – Schools Closed (day before first day)
October
- Monday, October 13, 2025: Columbus Day – Schools Closed
November
- Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Veterans Day – Schools Closed
- Thursday–Friday, November 27-28, 2025: Thanksgiving Break – Schools Closed
December
- Winter Break: Typically begins around December 22 and extends through January 1
Winter 2026 (2025-2026 School Year)
January
- Thursday, January 1, 2026: New Year's Day – Schools Closed (Winter Break)
- Monday, January 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Schools Closed
February
- Monday, February 16, 2026: Presidents Day – Schools Closed
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Understanding CPS Calendar Structure
Chicago Public Schools serves over 300,000 students across hundreds of schools. The district calendar includes:
- Student Attendance Days: Regular school days
- Non-Attendance Days: Holidays and breaks
- Professional Development Days: Teachers work, students have the day off
- Report Card Pick-Up Days: May affect schedules
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Cold Days and Emergency Closures
Chicago's harsh winters occasionally lead to "cold days" when temperatures drop dangerously low. CPS may close schools when:
- Wind chill reaches -20°F or below
- Extreme weather conditions make travel unsafe
How to Stay Informed
- CPS Website: cps.edu
- CPS App: Download for real-time notifications
- Text Alerts: Sign up for CPS text notifications
- Local News: Chicago stations announce closures starting around 5 AM
Differences Between Schools
While all CPS schools follow the district calendar for major holidays, individual schools may have:
- Different start and dismissal times
- School-specific events not on the district calendar
- Unique traditions and celebration days
- LSC-approved calendar modifications
Always check your specific school's website and newsletters for complete information.
Tips for Busy Chicago Families
Managing the school calendar gets complicated, especially with multiple children in different schools. Here are strategies that work:
At the Start of Each School Year
- Download the CPS calendar
- Add all holidays and breaks to your digital calendar
- Note professional development days when students are off
Throughout the Year
- Check weekly emails from your child's school
- Review the monthly newsletter from each school
- Stay connected with other parents who can provide backup reminders
A Smarter Way to Track It All
Between district-wide holidays, school-specific events, and classroom activities, there's a lot to keep track of. Many CPS parents spend significant time each week just searching through emails to find dates.
Schoolwise was built to solve exactly this problem. Instead of hunting through your inbox, you can ask questions like "When is the next day off school?" or "Is there early dismissal this week?" and get instant answers.
Related Reading for Chicago Parents
- Nettlehorst School Calendar 2025-2026
- Lakeview Chicago Elementary Schools Guide
- Back to School in Chicago Lakeview
- How to Keep Track of School Events
Keep your CPS calendar straight without the stress. Download Schoolwise for iPhone or Android for instant answers about your child's school schedule. Or try the web demo first.
Don't see your CPS school? Request it here and we'll work on adding it to Schoolwise.