2026-2027 Academic Year
Mississippi School Calendar 2026-2027
School year dates, holidays, and breaks for Mississippi students, parents, and teachers.
MS · 2026-2027 Academic Year
Mississippi School Calendar 2026-2027
School year dates, holidays, and breaks for Mississippi students, parents, and teachers.
Quick Answer for Families
When does school start and end in Mississippi for 2026-2027?
First Day
Aug 3, 2026
Use for back-to-school planning.
Last Day
May 21, 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: Mississippi School Calendar 2026-2027
Last updated: 2026-03-10
Official source: https://www.mdek12.org
Before relying on this printed copy, confirm teacher workdays, early release days, and make-up day rules with your local district.
Mississippi 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 Mississippi School Year 2026-2027
Quick answers for first day, spring break 2027, last day, and required instruction time.
Aug-May
Starts Aug 3, 2026
Ends May 21, 2027
First Day
Aug 3, 2026
Spring Break
Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
Last Day
May 21, 2027
Instructional Days
180 days
Note: Mississippi requires 180 school days. Most districts start in early August.
Official source tracker
How to verify Mississippi 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.
Dates are useful for statewide planning, but local district calendars remain the final reference.
About Mississippi School Year 2026-2027
Mississippi's public school system is overseen by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and requires a minimum of 180 instructional days annually. The academic year in most districts begins in early August, one of the earlier start dates in the nation, and typically concludes in late May. Mississippi operates over 140 school districts, ranging from urban systems in Jackson and Gulfport to small rural districts throughout the Delta and hill country regions. The state observes all standard federal holidays, including Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving break, winter recess, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, spring break, and Memorial Day. Mississippi has historically prioritized education reform efforts, including the Mississippi Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which emphasizes early reading proficiency as a prerequisite for grade advancement. The state also participates in federal Title I funding programs to support schools serving high concentrations of low-income students. Regional differences in climate, agriculture, and community traditions can influence local school calendar decisions, particularly in rural areas where school schedules may historically align with harvest seasons. Parents and educators are advised to consult their specific district's published calendar for the most accurate scheduling information.
Last updated: 2026-03-10
Official source (Mississippi Department of Education)Related planning guides
Plan beyond the Mississippi calendar
School Holidays 2026-2027
Compare Mississippi school holidays with all states
Winter break: Dec 21, 2026 – Jan 2, 2027
Spring Break 2027
Find Mississippi spring break context
Spring break: Mar 29, 2027 – Apr 2, 2027
First Day of School 2026
Compare Mississippi first day of school
First day: Aug 3, 2026
Official Sources
Check Mississippi official source context
Source tracker and verification notes
Compare States
Compare Mississippi with other states
First day, last day, breaks, and instruction time
Printable Planning
Print and annotate the Mississippi calendar
Use the state page with your district calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
When does school start in Mississippi for 2026-2027?
The Mississippi school calendar lists Aug 3, 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 Mississippi 2026-2027?
The last day of school for Mississippi in the 2026-2027 school year is listed as May 21, 2027. The final date can move if a district adds weather or emergency make-up days.
When is winter break in Mississippi for 2026-2027?
Winter Break in Mississippi 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 Mississippi 2027?
Spring Break in Mississippi 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 Mississippi for 2026?
Thanksgiving Break in Mississippi 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 Mississippi for 2026-2027?
Mississippi requires 180 days for the 2026-2027 school year.
Are Mississippi school calendar dates the same in every district?
No. Mississippi 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.