- School starts Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 and ends Thursday, May 27, 2027, an early release day.
- Thanksgiving break: Nov. 25 to 27. Students are out Wednesday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 29, back Monday, Nov. 30.
- Winter break: Dec. 18 to Jan. 1. Students are out Friday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Jan. 4, back Tuesday, Jan. 5.
- Spring break: March 8 to 12. Students are out Saturday, March 6 to Sunday, March 14, back Monday, March 15.
- 38 early release days for every school, plus six for some schools. Details below.
- Every Wednesday, all schools: early release, 2 hours early. 34 Wednesdays from Aug. 12 to May 19; not on Dec. 16 (high school semester exams; December lists Wednesday early releases on Dec. 2 and 9 only). No early release on days with no school.
The MPS 2026-27 calendar
This is the district's own calendar, as MPS publishes it. Tap it to open the full-size image.
Add the MPS calendar to your phone
Pick a file. Each one is an all-day event per day off or half day, and a break is one event across all its days.
Every date
First and last day, every day off, every early release and grading period dates. 60 events.
Download .ics
Holidays and breaks
Only the days with no school. 11 events.
Download .ics
Early release days
Only the half days. 44 events.
Download .ics
On an iPhone
Tap a file above, then tap Add All. The dates go into the calendar you choose.
In Google Calendar
On a computer, open Google Calendar, then Settings, then Import & export. Choose the file and the calendar to add it to. The dates show up on your Android phone too.
In Outlook
Open the downloaded file, or in Outlook on the web go to Add calendar, then Upload from file.
These files are a copy of the calendar today. If the district changes a date, download the file again.
MPS vacations and holidays, 2026-27
Every day with no school for students, from the first day to the last: 11 entries and 31 weekdays in all.
| Day off | Dates | Days of the week | School days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day Holiday | Sept. 7 | Mon | 1 |
| Fall break Break | Oct. 5 to 9 | Mon to Fri | 5 |
| Professional learning day (no school) Staff day | Oct. 12 | Mon | 1 |
| Veterans Day Holiday | Nov. 11 | Wed | 1 |
| Thanksgiving break Break | Nov. 25 to 27 | Wed to Fri | 3 |
| Winter break Break | Dec. 18 to Jan. 1 | Fri to Fri | 11 |
| Professional learning day (no school) Staff day | Jan. 4 | Mon | 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | Jan. 18 | Mon | 1 |
| Presidents Day Holiday | Feb. 15 | Mon | 1 |
| Spring break Break | March 8 to 12 | Mon to Fri | 5 |
| Spring holiday Holiday | March 26 | Fri | 1 |
MPS early release days
44 early release days in all. 38 are for every school. The other six are for some schools only.
Every Wednesday, all schools: early release, 2 hours early. 34 Wednesdays from Aug. 12 to May 19; not on Dec. 16 (high school semester exams; December lists Wednesday early releases on Dec. 2 and 9 only). No early release on days with no school.
All 34 dates
Aug. 12, Aug. 19, Aug. 26, Sept. 2, Sept. 9, Sept. 16, Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 14, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20, Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, March 31, April 7, April 14, April 21, April 28, May 5, May 12 and May 19.
| Date | Day | What | Dismissal | Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 2 | Fri | End of grading period, early release | 2 hours early | All schools (K-12) |
| Oct. 15 | Thu | Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release | 2 hours early | Elementary schools only |
| Oct. 16 | Fri | Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release | 2 hours early | Elementary schools only |
| Dec. 16 | Wed | Semester exams, early release | Time not printed | High schools only |
| Dec. 17 | Thu | End of grading period and semester, early release (high school semester exams) | 2 hours early | All schools (K-12) |
| Jan. 7 | Thu | Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release | 2 hours early | Elementary schools only |
| Jan. 8 | Fri | Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release | 2 hours early | Elementary schools only |
| March 5 | Fri | End of grading period, early release | 2 hours early | All schools (K-12) |
| May 26 | Wed | Semester exams, early release | Time not printed | High schools only |
| May 27 | Thu | Last day of school and graduation, early release | 2 hours early | All schools (K-12) |
Calendar notes: what to plan around
Long weekends and breaks
Every stretch of three or more days with no school, counting weekends. A half day next to a weekend adds half a day.
- 3-day weekend: Saturday, Sept. 5 to Monday, Sept. 7. Labor Day. Back Tuesday, Sept. 8.
- 10.5 days off in a row: Friday, Oct. 2 at early dismissal to Monday, Oct. 12. End of grading period, early release, fall break and professional learning day (no school). Back Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- 5-day weekend: Wednesday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 29. Thanksgiving break. Back Monday, Nov. 30.
- 18.5 days off in a row: Thursday, Dec. 17 at early dismissal to Monday, Jan. 4. End of grading period and semester, early release (high school semester exams), winter break and professional learning day (no school). Back Tuesday, Jan. 5.
- 3-day weekend: Saturday, Jan. 16 to Monday, Jan. 18. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Back Tuesday, Jan. 19.
- 3-day weekend: Saturday, Feb. 13 to Monday, Feb. 15. Presidents Day. Back Tuesday, Feb. 16.
- 9.5 days off in a row: Friday, March 5 at early dismissal to Sunday, March 14. End of grading period, early release and spring break. Back Monday, March 15.
- 3-day weekend: Friday, March 26 to Sunday, March 28. Spring holiday. Back Monday, March 29.
Weeks with fewer than five school days
Eleven weeks have fewer than five school days, and four weeks have none at all.
| Week of | School days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 3 | 2 | Before the first day |
| Sept. 7 | 4 | Labor Day |
| Oct. 5 | 0 | Fall break |
| Oct. 12 | 4 | Professional learning day (no school) |
| Nov. 9 | 4 | Veterans Day |
| Nov. 23 | 2 | Thanksgiving break |
| Dec. 14 | 4 | Winter break |
| Dec. 21 | 0 | Winter break |
| Dec. 28 | 0 | Winter break |
| Jan. 4 | 4 | Professional learning day (no school) |
| Jan. 18 | 4 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Feb. 15 | 4 | Presidents Day |
| March 8 | 0 | Spring break |
| March 22 | 4 | Spring holiday |
| May 24 | 4 | After the last day |
Teacher workdays: no school for students
Two of the days off are staff days. Teachers work; students stay home. Plan child care as you would for a holiday.
- Monday, Oct. 12: professional learning day (no school)
- Monday, Jan. 4: professional learning day (no school)
Makeup days
The MPS calendar names no makeup days. If school closes for weather, the district announces how the day is made up.
Also worth knowing
- After the last day, the calendar still shows Memorial Day (May 31). Students are already out.
First and last day of school
Aug. 6First day, Thursday
May 27Last day, Thursday
180School days, by our count
31Weekdays off between them
The first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. The last day is Thursday, May 27, 2027, with early dismissal.
Grading periods
MPS grades in quarters. The calendar's Quarters table prints 41, 42, 42 and 53 school days; our count of its grid gives 41, 44, 42 and 53, and its Semesters table (85 and 95 days) agrees with 44. Each quarter starts on the first school day after the last one ends. The first semester ends Dec. 17 and the second starts Jan. 5.
| Period | Dates | School days |
|---|---|---|
| 1st quarter | Aug. 6 to Oct. 2 | 41 |
| 2nd quarter | Oct. 13 to Dec. 17 | 44 |
| 3rd quarter | Jan. 5 to March 5 | 42 |
| 4th quarter | March 15 to May 27 | 53 |
What the district notes
- During fall break, Nov. 25 and spring break, schools are closed but some district services stay open. On the other closed days, district offices close too.
- The calendar prints no dismissal time for the high school semester exam early releases on Dec. 16 and May 26. On Dec. 17 and May 27 all schools let out 2 hours early.
- The last day of school, Thursday, May 27, is also graduation day.
Common questions
When does MPS start in 2026?
The first day of school for Mesa Public Schools is Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
When is the last day of school for MPS in 2027?
The last day for students is Thursday, May 27, 2027. It is an early release day.
When is winter break for MPS?
Winter break runs Friday, Dec. 18 to Friday, Jan. 1. Counting weekends and the days next to it, students are out Friday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Jan. 4 and go back Tuesday, Jan. 5.
When is spring break for MPS?
Spring break runs Monday, March 8 to Friday, March 12. Counting weekends, students are out Saturday, March 6 to Sunday, March 14 and go back Monday, March 15.
When is Thanksgiving break for MPS?
Thanksgiving break runs Wednesday, Nov. 25 to Friday, Nov. 27. Counting weekends, students are out Wednesday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 29 and go back Monday, Nov. 30.
Does MPS have early release days in 2026-27?
Yes. Friday, Oct. 2 (2 hours early), Thursday, Dec. 17 (2 hours early), Friday, March 5 (2 hours early) and Thursday, May 27 (2 hours early) are for every school. Every Wednesday, all schools: early release, 2 hours early. 34 Wednesdays from Aug. 12 to May 19; not on Dec. 16 (high school semester exams; December lists Wednesday early releases on Dec. 2 and 9 only). No early release on days with no school. Elementary schools only: Thursday, Oct. 15, Friday, Oct. 16, Thursday, Jan. 7 and Friday, Jan. 8 (2 hours early). High schools only: Wednesday, Dec. 16 and Wednesday, May 26 (time not printed).
How do I put the MPS calendar on my phone?
Download one of the .ics files on this page. On an iPhone, open it and tap Add All. On Android or a computer, import it into Google Calendar or Outlook.
How we checked these dates
We read every date off the district's own calendar twice: once from the PDF's text and once from the image, cell by cell against its legend. Then we checked the first and last day and every day off against the MPS Calendars page, the MPS events calendar and the MPS Special Days Calendar. The other dates rest on the district's calendar alone.
Every weekday on this page matches its date. If the district changes its calendar, its page is the final word.
Where each date is on the district's calendar
- First day, Aug. 6: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, August 2026 list: "6 First Day of School"; August grid, 6 in green. Also: Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "August 6 First Day of School".
- Last day, May 27: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, May 2027 list: "27 Last Day of school/Graduation (Early Release - 2hrs)"; May grid, 27 in green. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "End of Semester", May 27; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "May 27 Last Day of School/ Graduation".
- Labor Day, Sept. 7: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, September 2026 list: "7 Labor Day - Schools & District Offices Closed"; September grid, 7 in red. Also: Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "September 7 Labor Day".
- Fall break, Oct. 5 to 9: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, October 2026 list: "5-9 Fall Break"; October grid, 5 to 9 in blue. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "October Break - Schools Closed, Limited District Services", Oct. 5 to 9; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "October 5-9 Fall Break".
- Professional learning day (no school), Oct. 12: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, October 2026 list: "12 Professional Learning Day (No Students)"; October grid, 12 in light yellow. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Professional Learning Day (No Students)", Oct. 12.
- Veterans Day, Nov. 11: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, November 2026 list: "11 Veteran's Day - Schools & District Offices Closed"; November grid, 11 in red. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Veteran's Day - Schools & District Offices Closed", Nov. 11; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "November 11 Veterans Day".
- Thanksgiving break, Nov. 25 to 27: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, November 2026 list: "25 Schools Closed, Limited District Services Available", "26-27 Thanksgiving Break - Schools & District Offices Closed"; November grid, 25 light yellow, 26 and 27 red. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Thanksgiving break - Schools closed, limited district services", Nov. 25 to 27; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "November 25-27 Thanksgiving Break".
- Winter break, Dec. 18 to Jan. 1: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, December 2026 list: "18-1 Winter Break - Schools & District Offices Closed"; January 2027 list: "1 Winter Break"; December grid, 18 and 21 to 31 in blue, January grid, 1 in blue. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Winter Break - Schools & District Offices Closed", Dec. 18 to Jan. 1; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "December 18-31 Winter Break", "January 1 Winter Break".
- Professional learning day (no school), Jan. 4: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, January 2027 list: "4 Professional Learning Day (No Students)"; January grid, 4 in light yellow. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Professional Learning Day (No Students)", Jan. 4.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, January 2027 list: "18 MLK/Civil Rights Day - Schools & District Offices Closed"; January grid, 18 in red. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "MLK/Civil Rights Day - Schools & District Offices Closed", Jan. 18; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "January 18 MLK Day".
- Presidents Day, Feb. 15: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, February 2027 list: "15 Presidents Day - Schools & District Offices Closed"; February grid, 15 in red. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Presidents Day - Schools & District Offices Closed", Feb. 15; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "February 15 Presidents Day".
- Spring break, March 8 to 12: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, March 2027 list: "8-12 Spring Break - Schools Closed, Limited District Services"; March grid, 8 to 12 in blue. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Spring Break - Schools Closed, Limited District Services", March 8 to 12; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "March 8-12 Spring Break".
- Spring holiday, March 26: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, March 2027 list: "26 Spring Holiday - Schools & District Offices Closed"; March grid, 26 in blue. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Spring Holiday - Schools and Offices Closed", March 26.
- Memorial Day, May 31: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, May 2027 list: "31 Memorial Day - Schools & District Offices Closed"; May grid, 31 in red. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Memorial Day (observed) - Schools and district offices closed", May 31.
- End of grading period, early release, Oct. 2: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, October 2026 list: "2 End of Grading Period - Early Release (2 hours) K-12"; October grid, 2 in cyan.
- Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release, Oct. 15: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, October 2026 list: "15-16 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Release - 2 hrs)"; October grid, 15 in orange.
- Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release, Oct. 16: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, October 2026 list: "15-16 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Release - 2 hrs)"; October grid, 16 in orange.
- Semester exams, early release, Dec. 16: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, December 2026 list: "16-17 Semester Exams early release (high school)"; December grid, 16 in red.
- End of grading period and semester, early release (high school semester exams), Dec. 17: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, December 2026 list: "17 End of Grading Period - Early Release (2 hours) All K-12" and "16-17 Semester Exams early release (high school)"; December grid, 17 in cyan with a red border. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "Last Day of 1st Semester", Dec. 17.
- Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release, Jan. 7: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, January 2027 list: "7-8 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Release - 2hrs)"; January grid, 7 in orange.
- Elementary parent-teacher conferences, early release, Jan. 8: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, January 2027 list: "7-8 Elementary Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Release - 2hrs)"; January grid, 8 in orange.
- End of grading period, early release, March 5: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, March 2027 list: "5 End of Grading Period - Early Release (2 hours) K-12"; March grid, 5 in cyan.
- Semester exams, early release, May 26: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, May 2027 list: "26-27 Semester Exams early release (high school)"; May grid, 26 in red.
- Last day of school and graduation, early release, May 27: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, May 2027 list: "27 Last Day of school/Graduation (Early Release - 2hrs)" and "26-27 Semester Exams early release (high school)"; May grid, 27 in green with a red border. Also: Mesa Public Schools events calendar, iCal download (October 2026 onward), "End of Semester", May 27; Mesa Public Schools Special Days Calendar 2026-27 (Google Sheet linked from the Calendars page), "May 27 Last Day of School/ Graduation".
- Early release Wednesday, every Wednesday: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, monthly lists of "Early Release (2 hours)" dates: Aug. 12, 19, 26; Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Oct. 14, 21, 28; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 9; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; each a Wednesday shaded lavender in the grids.
- No early release wednesday, Dec. 16: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, December 2026 list: "2, 9 Early Release (2 hours)"; December grid, 16 in red (Semester Exams early release, high school), not lavender.
- 1st quarter: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, Quarters table: "August 18, September 21, October 2, 1st 41"; October list: "2 End of Grading Period".
- 2nd quarter: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, December list: "17 End of Grading Period - Early Release (2 hours) All K-12"; Quarters table "October 14, November 16, December 12, 2nd 42" (see discrepancies).
- 3rd quarter: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, Quarters table: "January 18, February 19, March 5, 3rd 42"; March list: "5 End of Grading Period".
- 4th quarter: Mesa Public Schools 2026-27 School Calendar (Google Sheet "2026-27 Approved Calendar - All Layers" linked from the Calendars page, saved as PDF), page 1, Quarters table: "Mar 12, Apr 22, May 19, 4th 53"; May list: "27 Last Day of school".