BCPS School Breaks 2026 to 2027: Dates for Arbutus Families
4 November 2026
Baltimore County Public Schools has set its 2026 to 2027 calendar, and the big breaks are easy to plan around. Thanksgiving break is November 26 and 27, winter break starts after school on Wednesday, December 23 with classes back on Monday, January 4, 2027, and spring break starts after school on Friday, March 19 with classes back on Tuesday, March 30, 2027.
When is Thanksgiving break for BCPS in 2026?
Schools and offices are closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. The day before, Wednesday, November 25, all schools close 3 hours early.
A few other November dates are good to know if you have little ones:
- Monday, November 16: conference day for prekindergarten and elementary. Elementary students are off, while middle and high schools are in session a full day.
- Tuesday, November 17: prekindergarten conference day, with no prekindergarten sessions.
- Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day. Schools are open and mark the day with appropriate exercises.
American Education Week also runs November 16 to 20, and I shared ways to take part in my American Education Week post.
When is winter break for Baltimore County schools?
Winter break begins at the end of the school day on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. Schools reopen on Monday, January 4, 2027. That gives families the whole stretch from Christmas Eve through New Year's weekend.
| Break | Last school day before | First day back |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Wednesday, November 25, 2026 (3 hours early) | Monday, November 30, 2026 |
| Winter break | Wednesday, December 23, 2026 | Monday, January 4, 2027 |
| Spring break | Friday, March 19, 2027 | Tuesday, March 30, 2027 |
What other days are BCPS schools closed in 2027?
Here are the other student days off and early dismissals on the official BCPS 2026 to 2027 school calendar:
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Friday, January 15, 2027 | All schools close 3 hours early |
| Monday, January 18, 2027 | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, schools and offices closed |
| Tuesday, January 19, 2027 | Professional development day, closed for students |
| Wednesday, February 10, 2027 | All schools close 3 hours early |
| Monday, February 15, 2027 | Presidents' Day, schools and offices closed |
| Wednesday, March 10, 2027 | Professional development day, closed for students |
| Friday, April 2, 2027 | All schools close 3 hours early for students |
| Friday, April 16, 2027 | Conference day, no prekindergarten or kindergarten sessions |
| Monday, May 17, 2027 | Professional development day, closed for students |
| Monday, May 31, 2027 | Memorial Day, schools and offices closed |
| Friday, June 18, 2027 | Juneteenth observed, schools and offices closed |
The last day for seniors is Friday, May 21, 2027, and commencement ceremonies run from late May into early June.
What happens if it snows this winter?
The calendar builds in three emergency closure makeup days at the end of the year: Tuesday, June 15, Wednesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 17, 2027. If no emergency closures happen, the last day for students is Monday, June 14, 2027.
If there are more than three emergency closures, BCPS says it will move to virtual learning, with no more than eight virtual days in total. So it is smart to keep a little flexibility in any June vacation plans.
What does the school calendar mean if you are moving to Arbutus?
If you are buying a home and have school age kids, the calendar can help you time your move. Winter break and spring break are popular windows for settling, because kids can start at a new school right after a break instead of in the middle of a busy stretch. Before you move, look up your address on the BCPS school boundary tools so you know which schools serve the home you are considering.
My Moving to Arbutus guide walks through the basics for new neighbors, and my post on Baltimore County holiday closings covers what else is open or closed this month.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Thanksgiving break for Baltimore County Public Schools in 2026?
Schools and offices are closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27, 2026. On Wednesday, November 25, schools close 3 hours early.
When does BCPS winter break start in 2026?
Winter break begins at the end of the school day on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. Students return on Monday, January 4, 2027.
When is spring break for BCPS in 2027?
Spring break begins at the end of the school day on Friday, March 19, 2027. Schools reopen on Tuesday, March 30, 2027.
What are the BCPS snow makeup days for 2027?
The makeup days are June 15, 16 and 17, 2027. If none are needed, the last day for students is Monday, June 14, 2027.
Are BCPS schools open on Veterans Day 2026?
Yes. Schools are open on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and mark the day with appropriate exercises.
Disclaimer: Dates come from the Baltimore County Public Schools 2026 to 2027 School Year Calendar and the BCPS online calendar, checked on 4 November 2026. BCPS notes dates may change, so please confirm with your school.
Need Help Timing Your Move Around the School Year?
Whether you are hoping to move over winter break or before next fall, I would love to help you find the right home and plan the timing. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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