Is there school on Presidents Day 2026? What families need to know
Presidents Day is observed Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET). For many students and families that means a long weekend: federal and state offices will be closed and most K–12 schools across the country pause instruction. But closures are not uniform — whether a school is open depends on local district and private school calendars.
How schools typically handle Presidents Day
Presidents Day is the third Monday in February and is a federal holiday on the U. S. calendar. Many public school districts treat it as a scheduled day off. Private and parochial schools set their own calendars and most also observe the holiday, though there are exceptions. Districts sometimes list the holiday early in the year but may later use that date as a makeup day if weather or other closures force schedule changes during the school year.
That means a calendar posted at the start of the school year is the best guide, but it is not guaranteed to be final. If a district exhausts its built-in snow or emergency-day buffer, officials may convert planned holidays into instructional days to meet required minimum days or hours.
Regional differences and recent examples
State and county practices can differ. In one northeastern state, most public school districts typically close for Presidents Day, and some districts also give students the preceding Friday off. Private and parochial schools in that state generally follow suit but make independent decisions about closures.
In Florida, most counties give students the Monday off, but a handful of counties keep schools in session. In fact, four Florida counties planned regular school on Presidents Day in 2026, demonstrating how widely policies can vary even inside a single state. Local factors — including state-level holiday designations in special years — can influence whether state offices and some school systems observe the day.
Within individual districts, single-school announcements may also make the difference. For example, one Florida high school publicly confirmed it would be closed for the holiday, reflecting the broader pattern of district-level control over calendar decisions and reminders that many students enjoy a three-day weekend.
How to confirm if your child’s school is open
Because decisions are made locally, the most reliable way to know whether there is school on Presidents Day is to consult your district or school’s official calendar and communications. Schools commonly publish updated calendars, send emails and robocalls, and post notices on their main communication channels. If you need an immediate answer, calling the district office or the school’s main office will provide confirmation.
Keep in mind: planned closures can change during the year if the district must recover instructional time lost to weather or emergencies. If a holiday date is converted to a makeup day, districts typically notify families in advance and update calendars so parents and students can plan accordingly.
Bottom line: many students will have Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET) off for Presidents Day, but whether your child’s school is closed depends on local decisions. Check your district or school communications in the days before the holiday to be sure.
