- School starts Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2027 and ends Wednesday, May 24, 2028, an early release day.
- Thanksgiving break: Nov. 24 to 26. Students are out Wednesday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 28, back Monday, Nov. 29.
- Winter break: Dec. 20 to 31. Students are out Saturday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Jan. 3, back Tuesday, Jan. 4.
- Spring break: March 6 to 10. Students are out Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 12, back Monday, March 13.
- Seven early release days for every school. Details below.
The KCS 2027-28 calendar
This is the district's own calendar, as KCS publishes it. Tap it to open the full-size image.
Add the KCS 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.
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.
KCS vacations and holidays, 2027-28
Every day with no school for students, from the first day to the last: 11 entries and 30 weekdays in all.
| Day off | Dates | Days of the week | School days off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor Day Holiday | Sept. 6 | Mon | 1 |
| Fall break Break | Oct. 11 to 15 | Mon to Fri | 5 |
| In-service day (no school for students) Staff day | Nov. 2 | Tue | 1 |
| Thanksgiving break Break | Nov. 24 to 26 | Wed to Fri | 3 |
| Winter break Break | Dec. 20 to 31 | Mon to Fri | 10 |
| In-service day (no school for students) Staff day | Jan. 3 | Mon | 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday | Jan. 17 | Mon | 1 |
| In-service day (no school for students) Staff day | Feb. 21 | Mon | 1 |
| Spring break Break | March 6 to 10 | Mon to Fri | 5 |
| Holiday Holiday | April 14 | Fri | 1 |
| In-service day (no school for students) Staff day | April 17 | Mon | 1 |
KCS early release days
Seven early release days in all.
| Date | Day | What | Dismissal | Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 10 | Tue | Half day on the first day | Half day, time not printed | All students |
| Sept. 15 | Wed | Half day | Half day, time not printed | All students |
| Nov. 17 | Wed | Half day | Half day, time not printed | All students |
| Dec. 17 | Fri | Half day, end of first semester | Half day, time not printed | All students |
| Feb. 2 | Wed | Half day | Half day, time not printed | All students |
| March 22 | Wed | Half day | Half day, time not printed | All students |
| May 24 | Wed | Half day on the last day | Half day, time not printed | All students |
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. 4 to Monday, Sept. 6. Labor Day. Back Tuesday, Sept. 7.
- 9 days off in a row: Saturday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 17. Fall break. Back Monday, Oct. 18.
- 5-day weekend: Wednesday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 28. Thanksgiving break. Back Monday, Nov. 29.
- 17.5 days off in a row: Friday, Dec. 17 at early dismissal to Monday, Jan. 3. Half day, end of first semester, winter break and In-service day (no school for students). Back Tuesday, Jan. 4.
- 3-day weekend: Saturday, Jan. 15 to Monday, Jan. 17. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Back Tuesday, Jan. 18.
- 3-day weekend: Saturday, Feb. 19 to Monday, Feb. 21. In-service day (no school for students). Back Tuesday, Feb. 22.
- 9 days off in a row: Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 12. Spring break. Back Monday, March 13.
- 4-day weekend: Friday, April 14 to Monday, April 17. Holiday and In-service day (no school for students). Back Tuesday, April 18.
Weeks with fewer than five school days
Ten weeks have fewer than five school days, and four weeks have none at all.
| Week of | School days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 9 | 4 | Before the first day |
| Sept. 6 | 4 | Labor Day |
| Oct. 11 | 0 | Fall break |
| Nov. 1 | 4 | In-service day (no school for students) |
| Nov. 22 | 2 | Thanksgiving break |
| Dec. 20 | 0 | Winter break |
| Dec. 27 | 0 | Winter break |
| Jan. 3 | 4 | In-service day (no school for students) |
| Jan. 17 | 4 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Feb. 21 | 4 | In-service day (no school for students) |
| March 6 | 0 | Spring break |
| April 10 | 4 | Holiday |
| April 17 | 4 | In-service day (no school for students) |
| May 22 | 3 | After the last day |
Teacher workdays: no school for students
Four of the days off are staff days. Teachers work; students stay home. Plan child care as you would for a holiday.
- Tuesday, Nov. 2: In-service day (no school for students)
- Monday, Jan. 3: In-service day (no school for students)
- Monday, Feb. 21: In-service day (no school for students)
- Monday, April 17: In-service day (no school for students)
Makeup days
The calendar names no makeup days. It allows up to 8 instructional days to be canceled for bad weather or illness outbreaks before any makeup days are required. If school closes for weather, the district announces how the day is made up.
Also worth knowing
- School is open on a federal holiday: Veterans Day (Thursday, Nov. 11). Banks, post offices and many offices close; school does not.
- The calendar dates no parent-teacher conference days. Its summary counts one unscheduled parent-teacher contact hours day.
- The calendar prints no testing windows.
- After the last day, the calendar still shows teacher workday (May 25), Memorial Day (May 29) and Juneteenth (June 19). Students are already out.
First and last day of school
The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2027. The last day is Wednesday, May 24, 2028, with early dismissal.
Teachers start sooner. Staff days before school run Aug. 3 to 9.
Grading periods
KCS grades in nine-week periods; the first semester ends Dec. 17 and the second May 24. The calendar also marks the middle of each period ("End 4 1/2-weeks Grading Period") on Sept. 8, Nov. 16, Feb. 4 and April 21.
| Period | Dates | School days |
|---|---|---|
| 1st nine weeks | Aug. 10 to Oct. 8 | 43 |
| 2nd nine weeks | Oct. 18 to Dec. 17 | 41 |
| 3rd nine weeks | Jan. 4 to March 17 | 47 |
| 4th nine weeks | March 20 to May 24 | 46 |
What the district notes
- Friday, Sept. 17 is Constitution Day. Schools are open.
- Friday, Aug. 6 is orientation for 6th and 9th graders, before the first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 10.
- The calendar counts 180 instructional days: 177 student days plus 3 days accumulated under the daily 7-hour schedule (T.C.A. 49-6-3004).
- Students return from winter break on Tuesday, Jan. 4, a full day.
Common questions
When does KCS start in 2027?
The first day of school for Knox County Schools is Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2027.
When is the last day of school for KCS in 2028?
The last day for students is Wednesday, May 24, 2028. It is an early release day.
When is winter break for KCS?
Winter break runs Monday, Dec. 20 to Friday, Dec. 31. Counting weekends and the days next to it, students are out Saturday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Jan. 3 and go back Tuesday, Jan. 4.
When is spring break for KCS?
Spring break runs Monday, March 6 to Friday, March 10. Counting weekends, students are out Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 12 and go back Monday, March 13.
When is Thanksgiving break for KCS?
Thanksgiving break runs Wednesday, Nov. 24 to Friday, Nov. 26. Counting weekends, students are out Wednesday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Nov. 28 and go back Monday, Nov. 29.
Does KCS have early release days in 2027-28?
Yes. Tuesday, Aug. 10 (half day, time not printed), Wednesday, Sept. 15 (half day, time not printed), Wednesday, Nov. 17 (half day, time not printed), Friday, Dec. 17 (half day, time not printed), Wednesday, Feb. 2 (half day, time not printed), Wednesday, March 22 (half day, time not printed) and Wednesday, May 24 (half day, time not printed) are for every school.
How do I put the KCS 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, line by line. Then we checked each one against the KCS calendar page.
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. 10: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Tuesday, August 10 First Day for Students (1/2 Day)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Tuesday, August 10 First Day for Students (Half-Day for students)".
- Last day, May 24: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, May 24 Last Day for Students (1/2 Day); End Fourth 9-weeks Grading Period; End Second Semester". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Wednesday, May 24 Last Day for Students (Half-Day)".
- Teacher in-service and workdays, Aug. 3 to 9: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, list rows "Tuesday, August 3 First Day for Teachers (School Based In-Service Day)", "Wednesday August 4 Systemwide In-Service Day (PreK-12)", "Thursday, August 5 Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day)", "Friday, August 6 Systemwide In-Service Day (1/2 Day School-based); Administrative Day (1/2 Day Teacher Work Day); 6th and 9th Grade Orientation", "Monday, August 9 Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: Aug. 3 to 9, same wording.
- Labor Day, Sept. 6: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, September 6 Labor Day Holiday (Knox County Schools Closed)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Monday, September 6 Labor Day - Holiday (Knox County Schools Closed)".
- Fall break, Oct. 11 to 15: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, October 11 - Friday, October 15 Fall Break". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- In-service day (no school for students), Nov. 2: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Tuesday. November 2 Systemwide In-Service Day (PreK-12) (Student Holiday)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Tuesday, November 2 Systemwide In-Service Day (PreK-12)(Student Holiday)".
- Thanksgiving break, Nov. 24 to 26: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, November 24 - Friday, November 26 Thanksgiving Holidays (Knox County Schools Closed)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- Winter break, Dec. 20 to 31: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, December 20 - Monday, January 3 Winter Break"; Jan. 3 is listed apart as an in-service day. Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Monday, December 20 - Monday, January 3 Winter Break".
- In-service day (no school for students), Jan. 3: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, January 3 Systemwide In-service Day (1/2 Day School-based; Administrative Day (1/2 Day Teacher Work Day)"; students return "Tuesday, January 4". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: Jan. 3, same wording; "Tuesday, January 4 First Day for Students after Winter Break (Full Day)".
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 17: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, January 17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Knox County Schools Closed)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- In-service day (no school for students), Feb. 21: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, February 21 Systemwide In-Service Day (PreK-12) (Student Holiday)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- Spring break, March 6 to 10: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, March 6 - Friday, March 10 Spring Break". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- Holiday, April 14: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Friday, April 14 Holiday (Knox County Schools Closed)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- In-service day (no school for students), April 17: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday. April 17 Inservice (Building) (Student Holiday)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- Teacher workday, May 25: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Thursday, May 25 Administrative Day (Teacher Work Day) - Last Day for Teachers". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: same.
- Memorial Day, May 29: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Monday, May 29 Memorial Day (Knox County Schools Closed)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Monday, May 29 Memorial Day - Holiday (Knox County Schools Closed)".
- Juneteenth, June 19: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Monday, June 19 Juneteenth - Holiday (Knox County Schools Closed)". Also: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), "Monday, June 18 Juneteenth Holiday (Knox County Schools Closed)" (June 18, 2028 is a Sunday).
- Half day on the first day, Aug. 10: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Tuesday, August 10 First Day for Students (1/2 Day)". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "First Day for Students (Half-Day for students)".
- Half day, Sept. 15: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, September 15 Half Day for Students". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Half-Day for Students".
- Half day, Nov. 17: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, November 17 Half Day for Students". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Half-Day for Students".
- Half day, end of first semester, Dec. 17: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Friday, December 17 1/2 Day for Students; End Second 9-weeks Grading Period; End First Semester". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Half-Day for Students; End Second 9-weeks Grading Period; End First Semester".
- Half day, Feb. 2: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, February 2 Half Day for Students". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Half-Day for Students".
- Half day, March 22: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, March 22 Half Day for Students". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Half-Day for Students".
- Half day on the last day, May 24: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, May 24 Last Day for Students (1/2 Day); End Fourth 9-weeks Grading Period; End Second Semester". Also: Knox County Schools Calendar: Detailed Calendar, Next Year (2027-28), Detailed Calendar, Next Year: "Last Day for Students (Half-Day)".
- 1st nine weeks: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Friday, October 8 End First 9-weeks Grading Period".
- 2nd nine weeks: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Friday, December 17 ... End Second 9-weeks Grading Period; End First Semester".
- 3rd nine weeks: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Friday, March 17 End Third 9-weeks Grading Period".
- 4th nine weeks: 2027-2028 Knox County Schools Calendar (the district's Google Doc "Printer Friendly Version", saved as PDF), page 1, "Wednesday, May 24 ... End Fourth 9-weeks Grading Period; End Second Semester".