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AACPS calendar committee recommends earlier start, Christmas closure and fewer partial days for 2026—2627
Summary
The calendar committee recommended a 2026—2627 calendar that moves three pre-Christmas days to the start of the year (first student day Aug. 19), reduces partial days from 12 to 4, converts Unity Day partials to two-hour late arrivals, and schedules the board vote for Dec. 3.
The Anne Arundel County Public Schools calendar committee presented its recommendation for the 2026—2627 school year on Wednesday, proposing changes intended to meet state seat-hour requirements while easing disruptions for after-school activities.
Bob Mosier, chief communications officer and chair of the calendar committee, told the board the recommendation reduces the district—s number of partial school days from 12 to 4, and moves three days that were previously scheduled immediately before Christmas break to early in the year so students have a full two-week winter break. "The calendar recommended by the committee92saves those December days and places them at the start of the school year," Mosier said.
Key details: The committee proposed the first student day be Wednesday, Aug. 19, and the last day Friday, June 11 (teacher last day varies depending on use of inclement-weather days). Mosier said the committee considered moving the first day to Aug. 31 but declined; the recommended calendar preserves traditional Thanksgiving and spring breaks. The committee also recommended converting Unity Day 2-hour early dismissals into 2-hour late arrivals to reduce afternoon disruptions for student extracurriculars.
Why it matters: The committee framed its choices around instructional continuity, testing schedules (MCAP and AP), and extracurricular access; student members of the committee specifically urged scheduling decisions that avoid conflicts with MCAP and AP testing windows.
Next steps: The board is scheduled to vote on adoption of the 2026—2627 calendar at its Dec. 3 meeting. Staff said they will also present the 2027—27 and 2028—28 calendars in advance next year to provide families and staff with longer lead time for planning.
