by Fort Lauderdale, Florida — Families and educators in Broward County now have a rare opportunity to plan well ahead, as Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) has officially approved two academic calendars at once, covering both the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years.
District leaders say the move is designed to give parents, students, and staff greater clarity and flexibility when planning work schedules, childcare, travel, and academic goals.
District approves two years of calendars at once
For the first time, the Broward County School Board voted to approve back-to-back school year calendars, marking a shift in how far in advance the district sets its schedule.
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn said the decision reflects a broader effort to support families and staff.
“We are proud to share the approved school calendars for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 school years,” Hepburn said.
“Having both school calendars available now for our families and staff provides a greater ability to plan.”
District officials added that the approach aligns with BCPS’s commitment to student success, staff well-being, and a high-quality learning experience across all schools.
First and last day of school: 2026–27
According to the newly approved calendar, the 2026–27 school year will begin in early August, continuing Broward County’s long-standing academic schedule.
Key dates for the 2026–27 school year include:
- First day of school: Monday, August 10, 2026
- Last day of school: Friday, May 28, 2027
The schedule maintains a traditional fall start and late-May finish, with instructional days structured around state requirements and district planning goals.
Read Also: 42 Years After Disappearance, Kentucky Child Found Alive With New Identity
First and last day of school: 2027–28
Families planning even further ahead can now mark their calendars for the following year as well.
Key dates for the 2027–28 school year include:
- First day of school: Tuesday, August 10, 2027
- Last day of school: Wednesday, May 31, 2028
District officials noted that approving both calendars at once helps ensure consistency and predictability, especially for families with multiple children in the school system.
Holiday and break schedule for 2026–27
BCPS also released key holiday and break dates for the 2026–27 academic year, giving families a clear look at time off throughout the school year.
Important breaks include:
- Thanksgiving Break: Monday, November 23 – Friday, November 27, 2026
- Winter Break: Monday, December 21, 2026 – Friday, January 1, 2027
- Spring Break: Monday, March 22 – Friday, March 26, 2027
These breaks mirror the district’s recent schedules, offering full weeks off for major holidays and helping families coordinate travel and childcare arrangements.
Why early calendar approval matters
Education leaders say approving calendars years in advance can significantly reduce stress for families and staff. With dates locked in early, parents can plan vacations, work commitments, and childcare well ahead of time.
Teachers and school staff also benefit from early planning, allowing them to better manage professional development, personal time, and instructional preparation.
District officials emphasized that predictable schedules can improve attendance, engagement, and overall school climate.
What families should do next
BCPS encourages families to review the calendars carefully and begin long-term planning as needed. While day-to-day school activities and events will still be shared closer to each school year, the major framework is now set.
Parents should also keep an eye out for:
- Teacher planning days
- Student early release days
- Testing windows and graduation schedules
Those details are typically finalized and communicated separately by the district and individual schools.
Looking ahead
With both calendars now approved, Broward County joins a growing number of large school districts offering multi-year scheduling transparency. District leaders say the goal is to make school planning more family-friendly while maintaining academic consistency.
Officials also noted that while emergency changes are always possible due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, having an approved framework well in advance helps minimize disruptions.
For families juggling work, school, and extracurricular commitments, the early release of these calendars provides a clearer roadmap for the years ahead.
What do you think about Broward County approving two school calendars at once? Share your thoughts in the comments.
