Baltimore County Public Schools: 2026-27 School Calendar

The first day of school (Opening Day) for all students is Tuesday, September 8, 2026. This is a Post-Labor Day start calendar, with Labor Day falling on Monday, September 7. Orientation for students entering Grades 6 and 9 is Thursday, September 3, 2026. The first full day of Kindergarten, when transportation begins, is Thursday, September 10, 2026.

If no emergency closure days are used, the last day of school is Tuesday, June 22, 2027. If all three inclement weather make-up days are needed, the last day extends to Friday, June 25, 2027. BCPS builds three make-up days into the calendar: June 23, June 24, and June 25.

Winter Break begins at the end of the school day on Wednesday, December 23, 2026. Schools and offices are closed from Thursday, December 24, 2026, through Friday, January 1, 2027. Schools reopen on Monday, January 4, 2027.

Spring Break begins at the end of the school day on Friday, March 19, 2027. Schools are closed Monday, March 22, through Monday, March 29, 2027. Maryland Day falls on Thursday, March 25, during this break. Students return on Tuesday, March 30, 2027.

BCPS schedules several 3-hour early release days throughout the year: November 13, 2026 (First Marking Period ends), November 25, 2026 (Thanksgiving early dismissal), December 9, 2026 (Professional Development), January 29, 2027 (Second Marking Period ends), February 10, 2027 (Professional Development), April 9, 2027 (Third Marking Period ends), and April 21, 2027 (Professional Development).

The four marking periods end on: First Marking Period - Friday, November 13, 2026; Second Marking Period - Friday, January 29, 2027; Third Marking Period - Friday, April 9, 2027; Fourth Marking Period - Tuesday, June 22, 2027 (or later if make-up days are used). Marking period end days are 3-hour early dismissal days for students.

The 2026-27 BCPS calendar includes three built-in inclement weather make-up days: June 23, June 24, and June 25, 2027. If more than three emergency closures occur, BCPS will implement virtual learning for up to eight total virtual days. If closures exceed that, the calendar may be further adjusted by redesignating holidays, adjusting Spring Break, or extending the school year beyond June 25, 2027.

Yes. Schools are closed for students on Monday, September 21, 2026, for Yom Kippur. This day is designated as a Systemwide Professional Development Day with teachers on duty.

Yes. Schools are closed for students on Wednesday, March 10, 2027, for Eid al-Fitr and on Monday, May 17, 2027, for Eid al-Adha. Both days are designated as Systemwide Professional Development Days with teachers on duty.

Prekindergarten and Elementary conference day is Monday, November 30, 2026, when elementary schools are closed for students while middle and high schools remain in session. Prekindergarten 3 and 4 conferences continue on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Prekindergarten and Kindergarten conference days are Friday, April 23, and Monday, April 26, 2027.

No. Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), headquartered in Towson, is a separate district from Baltimore City Public Schools. BCPS serves the suburban and rural communities surrounding Baltimore City, including Towson, Dundalk, Catonsville, Pikesville, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, Essex, and Reisterstown. The two districts have different calendars, schedules, and administrations.

Schools are closed for students on Friday, October 16, 2026, for the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Convention. Teachers are on duty or at the convention.

Yes. Schools and offices are closed on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for Election Day. Baltimore County schools are used as polling locations, so this is a full closure day for students and staff.

The last day for seniors is Friday, May 28, 2027. Commencement exercises run from Tuesday, June 1, through Saturday, June 12, 2027. Specific dates vary by high school. Check with your individual school for its assigned commencement date.

The BCPS 2026-27 calendar includes 183 to 184 student days (depending on grade level), minus up to 3 emergency closure days. High school and middle school students have 184 days minus closures, equaling 181 days minimum with 1,221.75 student hours. Elementary students have 183 days. The calendar runs from September 8, 2026, through June 22, 2027 (or June 25 if all make-up days are used).

BCPS middle and high schools follow an alternating AB day schedule where students attend different class blocks on A days and B days. The official AB Day Calendar for 2026-27 is published separately on the BCPS website at bcps.org/calendars. Our Google Calendar sync includes these rotation days so you always know which day it is.