When does school start in Illinois?
For 2026–27, first days among tracked Illinois districts range from August 13, 2026 (Rockford Public Schools) to August 27, 2026 (School District U-46). Illinois schools typically start mid-to-late August.
Districts, sorted by first day
| District | First day | Last day | Spring break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford Public Schools | August 13, 2026 | May 21, 2027 | March 29 – April 2, 2027 |
| Indian Prairie School District 204 | August 17, 2026 | May 28, 2027 | March 29 – April 2, 2027 |
| Chicago Public Schools | August 24, 2026 | June 11, 2027 | March 22–26, 2027 |
| School District U-46 | August 27, 2026 | June 9, 2027 | March 29 – April 2, 2027 |
When Illinois law lets school start
Illinois has no state law setting an earliest date schools may open — under Section 10-19 of the Illinois School Code, each local school board writes its own calendar and picks its own opening and closing dates, so long as the term runs at least 185 days and gives students at least 176 days of actual attendance.
Breaks and the end of the year
How Illinois compares
- When do schools start? — every state tracked here, from the earliest first day in the country to the latest.
- When is spring break? — the week each state takes off, side by side.
- When is winter break? — the December dates, and the day students go back in January.
- When is the last day of school? — when the year ends, state by state.
Questions parents ask
When does school start in Illinois in 2026?
Among tracked districts, first days range from August 13, 2026 (Rockford Public Schools) to August 27, 2026 (School District U-46). Most families should check their own district — the table on this page links every one.
Does Illinois have a law about when school can start?
Illinois has no state law setting an earliest date schools may open — under Section 10-19 of the Illinois School Code, each local school board writes its own calendar and picks its own opening and closing dates, so long as the term runs at least 185 days and gives students at least 176 days of actual attendance.
When is spring break in Illinois in 2027?
Spring break varies by district — tracked districts fall between the week of March 22, 2027 and the week of March 29, 2027. Your district's page has the exact week.