When does school start in Massachusetts?
For 2026–27, first days among tracked Massachusetts districts range from August 31, 2026 (Worcester Public Schools) to September 8, 2026 (Boston Public Schools). Massachusetts schools typically start last week of August through just after Labor Day.
Districts, sorted by first day
| District | First day | Last day | Spring break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester Public Schools | August 31, 2026 | June 17, 2027 | April 20–23, 2027 |
| Fall River Public Schools | September 2, 2026 | June 21, 2027 | April 19–23, 2027 |
| Boston Public Schools | September 8, 2026 | June 22, 2027 | April 20–23, 2027 |
When Massachusetts law lets school start
Massachusetts has no state start-date restriction — each local school committee sets its schools' calendars under the student learning time regulations (603 CMR 27.03), which only require scheduling at least 185 school days and operating at least 180.
Breaks and the end of the year
How Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts in 2026?
Among tracked districts, first days range from August 31, 2026 (Worcester Public Schools) to September 8, 2026 (Boston Public Schools). Most families should check their own district — the table on this page links every one.
Does Massachusetts have a law about when school can start?
Massachusetts has no state start-date restriction — each local school committee sets its schools' calendars under the student learning time regulations (603 CMR 27.03), which only require scheduling at least 185 school days and operating at least 180.
When is spring break in Massachusetts in 2027?
Spring break varies by district — tracked districts fall between the week of April 19, 2027 and the week of April 20, 2027. Your district's page has the exact week.