2026-2027 Academic Year
Minnesota School Calendar 2026-2027
School year dates, holidays, and breaks for Minnesota students, parents, and teachers.
MN · 2026-2027 Academic Year
Minnesota School Calendar 2026-2027
School year dates, holidays, and breaks for Minnesota students, parents, and teachers.
Quick Answer for Families
When does school start and end in Minnesota for 2026-2027?
First Day
Sep 8, 2026
Use for back-to-school planning.
Last Day
Jun 11, 2027
May shift with make-up days.
Spring Break
Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
Confirm with your local district.
District calendars can differ. Always verify final dates with your local school district before booking travel or childcare.
Printed planning copy: Minnesota School Calendar 2026-2027
Last updated: 2026-03-10
Official source: https://www.mpschools.org
Before relying on this printed copy, confirm teacher workdays, early release days, and make-up day rules with your local district.
Minnesota School Holidays 2026-2027
Sep 7, 2026
Nov 11, 2026
Nov 25, 2026 – Nov 27, 2026
Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Jan 18, 2027
Feb 15, 2027
Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
May 31, 2027
At-a-glance timeline
Key Dates for Minnesota School Year 2026-2027
Quick answers for first day, spring break 2027, last day, and required instruction time.
Sep-Jun
Starts Sep 8, 2026
Ends Jun 11, 2027
First Day
Sep 8, 2026
Spring Break
Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
Last Day
Jun 11, 2027
Instructional Days
165 days
Note: Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Paul Public Schools both confirmed September 8, 2026 for grades 1-12. Minnesota state law limits schools from starting before Labor Day for some districts. 165 days or equivalent hours required.
Official source tracker
How to verify Minnesota school calendar dates
Statewide school calendar pages are planning references. Local districts may publish different first day, break, holiday, teacher workday, and make-up day schedules, so final dates should be verified with the district that serves your address.
Use the official source as a planning reference, then confirm district-specific start dates and breaks.
About Minnesota School Year 2026-2027
Minnesota's public school system is governed by the Minnesota Department of Education and is recognized for its strong academic standards and commitment to equitable learning outcomes. The state mandates a minimum of 165 instructional days or 1,020 hours per school year, giving individual districts flexibility in how they structure the calendar. The academic year typically begins after Labor Day in early September and concludes in mid-June, reflecting the state's tradition of a post-Labor Day start. Minnesota law prohibits schools from beginning instruction before Labor Day, a policy designed to support the state's tourism and agricultural industries. Major breaks include Thanksgiving, a two-week Winter Break in late December, and a Spring Break in late March or early April. The Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts, which serve large and diverse urban populations, may adopt modified calendars to accommodate professional development days and local observances. Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states in national education assessments, with high graduation rates and strong performance in reading and mathematics. The state also has a robust charter school sector and open enrollment policies that allow families to choose schools across district boundaries.
Last updated: 2026-03-10
Official source (Minnesota Department of Education)Related planning guides
Plan beyond the Minnesota calendar
School Holidays 2026-2027
Compare Minnesota school holidays with all states
Winter break: Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Spring Break 2027
Find Minnesota spring break context
Spring break: Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
First Day of School 2026
Compare Minnesota first day of school
First day: Sep 8, 2026
Official Sources
Check Minnesota official source context
Source tracker and verification notes
Compare States
Compare Minnesota with other states
First day, last day, breaks, and instruction time
Printable Planning
Print and annotate the Minnesota calendar
Use the state page with your district calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Minnesota for 2026-2027?
The Minnesota school calendar lists Sep 8, 2026 as the planning reference for the first day of school in 2026. Local districts may approve different start dates, so confirm with your district calendar.
When is the last day of school in Minnesota 2026-2027?
The last day of school for Minnesota in the 2026-2027 school year is listed as Jun 11, 2027. The final date can move if a district adds weather or emergency make-up days.
When is winter break in Minnesota for 2026-2027?
Winter Break in Minnesota is listed as Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027. District calendars can still vary around teacher workdays, early release days, and local holidays.
When is Spring Break in Minnesota 2027?
Spring Break in Minnesota is listed as Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027. Some districts may choose a different spring break week, especially in large metro areas.
When is Thanksgiving break in Minnesota for 2026?
Thanksgiving Break in Minnesota is listed as Nov 25, 2026 – Nov 27, 2026. Many districts close for Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday, but local calendars should be verified.
How many school days are in Minnesota for 2026-2027?
Minnesota requires 165 days for the 2026-2027 school year.
Are Minnesota school calendar dates the same in every district?
No. Minnesota school calendar dates can vary by district because local boards approve their own calendars within state requirements. Use this page as a planning guide, then verify exact dates with your district.