American Education Week 2026: BCPS Family Visit Guide
27 October 2026
Baltimore County Public Schools will observe American Education Week from Monday, November 16 through Friday, November 20, 2026. Schools set aside times for parents and caregivers to visit classrooms or attend special events, and elementary students have no school on Monday, November 16 for conferences.
What is American Education Week in Baltimore County?
It is a week when BCPS invites families into schools to see what their children are learning. "We look forward to welcoming families into our schools for American Education Week," said BCPS Superintendent Dr. William Heiser in the BCPS press release. Each school sets its own visiting times, so watch your school's website and messages home.
What happens each day?
| Day | What is happening |
|---|---|
| Monday, November 16 | PreK, kindergarten and elementary conference day. Schools closed to elementary students. |
| Tuesday, November 17 | PreK conference day, no PreK sessions. Virtual "Service-Learning in BCPS" workshop at 12:30 p.m. Board of Education meeting at 6:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday, November 18 | Education Support Professionals Day. Virtual "Surviving the Holidays" workshop at 12:30 p.m. "Partnering to Support Strong Attendance" workshop at 6:30 p.m. |
| Thursday, November 19 | "Service-Learning in BCPS" workshop repeats at 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday, November 20 | Substitute Educators Day |
Parent University workshops require registration. You can sign up through BCPS Parent University.
How can parents get ready for a classroom visit or conference?
The BCPS American Education Week page has a classroom observation checklist, conference question worksheets for elementary and secondary students, and a conference action plan, in several languages. I love that these are ready to print. A few minutes with the checklist makes a visit feel much less rushed.
Where can I find visiting times for Arbutus area schools?
Check your own school's website for its schedule. Here are a few that serve our area:
If you are not sure which school serves your address, call BCPS or the school office to confirm.
What does this mean for families moving to Arbutus?
If you are thinking about a move, American Education Week is a reminder of how much BCPS invites families in. When I work with buyers, I always encourage them to look up the school boundary for any home they are considering and to reach out to the school directly with questions. You can find more tips for newcomers on our Moving to Arbutus page, and a look at local streets on our Neighborhoods page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is American Education Week 2026 in Baltimore County?
It runs Monday, November 16 through Friday, November 20, 2026. Each school sets its own visiting times.
Is there school on November 16, 2026 for BCPS elementary students?
No. November 16 is a PreK, kindergarten and elementary conference day, and schools are closed to elementary students.
Is there PreK on November 17, 2026?
No. November 17 is a PreK conference day, so no PreK sessions are held.
Do I need to register for the Parent University workshops?
Yes. Registration is required for each Parent University workshop. You can sign up on the BCPS Parent University website.
Where can I find a classroom observation checklist?
The BCPS American Education Week page has a classroom observation checklist and conference worksheets. They are available in several languages.
Disclaimer: Details come from a Baltimore County Public Schools press release dated 9 October 2026 and the BCPS Parent University website as of 27 October 2026. Check your school's website for its own visiting times.
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