Category: Academic Calendar

The Montgomery College academic calendar for 2026 operates across three semesters—Spring 2026 (beginning Monday, January 26, 2026), Summer 2026 (beginning Monday, May 26, 2026), and Fall 2026 (beginning Monday, August 31, 2026)—with classes offered at three campuses in Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Maryland.

Montgomery College Maryland serves 55,000 students annually through a hybrid academic structure combining 15-week full-term semesters with accelerated 7-week sessions and 13-week classes.

The 2026 calendar includes specific registration deadlines, holiday closures, financial aid dates, and commencement ceremonies across all three Montgomery County campuses.

Montgomery College Academic Calendar Spring 2026

Spring 2026 classes begin Monday, January 26, 2026, with the semester ending Friday, May 22, 2026.

The Spring 2026 semester operates across multiple session formats to accommodate 17,780 students enrolled at Montgomery College Maryland.

Full-term classes run 15 weeks while accelerated options include 13-week sessions starting Monday, February 9, 2026, and 7-week sessions beginning Monday, March 30, 2026.

Spring 2026 Registration and Application Deadlines

Deadline Type	Date	Details
Priority Registration	Monday, October 27, 2025	Current students with priority status
General Registration	Monday, November 3, 2025	Open to all eligible students
Priority Admissions Application	Monday, December 1, 2025	Students new to college
Transcript Submission for Transfer Credit	Saturday, November 1, 2025	Must reach Office of Records & Registration
Disability Support Services Request	Monday, December 1, 2025	Required documentation deadline
Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver Begins	Thursday, January 22, 2026	Available to eligible Maryland residents age 60+

Montgomery College Maryland accepts applications through multiple channels including the MyMC student portal and Workday Student system.

New international students holding F-1 or M-1 visas must apply for Form I-20 by Thursday, October 1, 2025, while students changing status from B-2 or F-2 to F-1 face a Monday, September 1, 2025 priority deadline.

Spring 2026 Important Academic Dates

Spring semester classes begin Monday, January 26, 2026 across all three Montgomery College campuses.

Weekend classes start Friday, January 31, 2026. Students must verify specific add/drop deadlines through their MyMC class schedule between Monday, January 26, 2026 and Saturday, January 31, 2026, as refund eligibility and withdrawal rules vary by course section and Part-of-Term designation.

Academic Milestone	Date	Campus Applicability
Classes Begin	Monday, January 26, 2026	Rockville, Germantown, Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Weekend Classes Begin	Friday, January 31, 2026	All campuses
13-Week Session Starts	Monday, February 9, 2026	All campuses
Major Declaration/Update Deadline	Friday, February 6, 2026	Required for degree-seeking students
Graduation Application Deadline	Sunday, February 15, 2026	Spring 2026 commencement candidates
Midterm Exams	Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13, 2026	Schedule varies by instructor
Spring Break	Monday, March 16 – Sunday, March 22, 2026	No classes for students or faculty
College Closed (Spring Break)	Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 2026	Administrative offices closed
Midterm Grades Due	Wednesday, March 25, 2026	Faculty submission deadline 11:59 PM
Seven Week Classes Begin	Monday, March 30, 2026	Part-of-Term accelerated format
Final Exam Week	Monday, May 11 – Sunday, May 17, 2026	See exam schedule matrix below
Final Grades Due	Wednesday, May 20, 2026	Faculty submission deadline
Official End of Spring Semester	Friday, May 22, 2026	Marks end of 2025-2026 academic year
Commencement Ceremonies	Thursday, May 21 – Friday, May 22, 2026	Celebrating Spring 2026 graduates

Montgomery College observes Monday, January 19, 2026 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday with all campuses and administrative offices closed.

Montgomery College Spring 2026 Financial Aid Deadlines

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by Sunday, March 1, 2026 to qualify for Maryland state scholarships.

Financial aid disbursements for Spring 2026 begin Thursday, February 19, 2026, with subsequent weekly disbursements every Thursday through Thursday, May 14, 2026. Students requesting Foster Care Waivers or disability waivers must submit FAFSA by Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Financial Aid Category	Deadline	Processing Notes
FAFSA for State Scholarships	Sunday, March 1, 2026	Maryland state aid eligibility cutoff
Dream Act Affidavit Submission	Friday, February 13, 2026	Office of Records & Registration
Maryland Dream Act Paperwork (Priority)	Friday, January 9, 2026	Earlier submission recommended
Health Workforce Shortage Forms	Friday, February 13, 2026	Winter/Spring 2026 applicants
Disability Waiver Forms	Friday, February 13, 2026	Requires FAFSA completion by March 1
Loan Certification Deadline	Friday, May 1, 2026	All required loan steps completed
SAP Appeal (Associate Degree)	Sunday, November 30, 2025	Satisfactory Academic Progress review

Spring 2026 book vouchers become available Tuesday, January 20, 2026 for in-person bookstore purchases through Friday, February 13, 2026.

Online book voucher purchases must be completed by Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Book vouchers process automatically for eligible students based on remaining financial aid after tuition and fee payment.

Spring 2026 Final Exam Schedule

Final exams occur Monday, May 11, 2026 through Sunday, May 17, 2026 based on regular class meeting day and start time.

Montgomery College Maryland assigns final exam times using a standardized matrix that matches regular class schedules. Students find their exam schedule by identifying the day(s) their class meets and the class start time, then locating the intersection point in the matrix below.

Example: A class meeting only on Monday beginning at 4:30 PM holds its final exam Monday, May 11, 2026 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Class Start Time	Monday/Wednesday/Friday	Monday & Wednesday	Tuesday & Thursday	Monday Only	Tuesday Only	Wednesday Only	Thursday Only	Friday Only
6:00-7:29 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM	May 15, 7-9 AM
7:30-8:54 AM	May 11, 8-10 AM	May 11, 8-10 AM	May 12, 8-10 AM	May 11, 8-10 AM	May 12, 8-10 AM	May 13, 8-10 AM	May 14, 8-10 AM	May 15, 8-10 AM
8:55-9:54 AM	May 13, 8-10 AM	May 13, 8-10 AM	May 14, 8-10 AM	May 11, 8-10 AM	May 12, 8-10 AM	May 13, 8-10 AM	May 14, 8-10 AM	May 15, 8-10 AM
9:55-10:54 AM	May 11, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 11, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 12, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 11, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 12, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 13, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 14, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 15, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM
10:55-11:54 AM	May 13, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 13, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 14, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 11, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 12, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 13, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 14, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM	May 15, 10:14 AM-12:14 PM
11:55 AM-12:54 PM	May 11, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 11, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 12, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 11, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 12, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 13, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 14, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 15, 12:30-2:30 PM
12:55-1:54 PM	May 13, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 13, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 14, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 11, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 12, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 13, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 14, 12:30-2:30 PM	May 15, 12:30-2:30 PM
1:55-2:54 PM	May 11, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 11, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 12, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 11, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 12, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 13, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 14, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 15, 2:45-4:45 PM
2:55-4:29 PM	May 13, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 13, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 14, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 11, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 12, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 13, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 14, 2:45-4:45 PM	May 15, 2:45-4:45 PM
4:30-5:59 PM	May 11, 5-7 PM	May 11, 5-7 PM	May 12, 5-7 PM	May 11, 5-7 PM	May 12, 5-7 PM	May 13, 5-7 PM	May 14, 5-7 PM	May 15, 5-7 PM
6:00-7:19 PM	May 13, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 13, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 14, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 11, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 12, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 13, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 14, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 15, 7:14-9:14 PM
7:20-9:29 PM	May 11, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 11, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 12, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 11, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 12, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 13, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 14, 7:14-9:14 PM	May 15, 7:14-9:14 PM

Special Final Exam Exceptions:

1. Part-of-Term 3 classes ending during final exam week hold exams on the last class meeting day with regular attendance during exam week.
2. Classes with lecture and laboratory components follow the lecture time period for final exam scheduling.
3. Saturday and Sunday classes meet at regular start times Saturday, May 16, 2026 and Sunday, May 17, 2026 for two-hour exam periods.
4. CHEM 131 sections follow campus-specific schedules: Rockville day sections Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 2:45-4:45 PM; Rockville evening/Saturday sections Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM; Takoma Park day sections Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 2:45-4:45 PM; Takoma Park evening/Saturday sections Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM.

Spring 2026 Seven-Week Session Dates

Montgomery College offers accelerated 7-week classes beginning Monday, March 30, 2026 within the Spring 2026 semester.

Seven-week sessions compress standard coursework into intensive formats allowing students to complete courses faster. Students may enroll in both full-semester and 7-week courses simultaneously depending on program requirements and academic standing. Specific add/drop deadlines differ from full-semester courses and appear in MyMC student portals.

Montgomery College Academic Calendar Summer 2026

Summer 2026 registration begins Monday, April 6, 2026 with classes starting Monday, May 26, 2026.

Montgomery College Maryland operates three distinct summer sessions: Summer Session I (beginning Monday, May 26, 2026), Midsummer Session (beginning Monday, June 15, 2026), and Summer Session II (beginning Monday, July 6, 2026). The official summer academic period ends Friday, August 21, 2026.

Summer 2026 Registration and Key Dates

Summer Session Milestone	Date	Session Applicability
Class Schedule Available	Monday, March 23, 2026	All summer sessions viewable
Registration Opens	Monday, April 6, 2026	Summer I, Midsummer, Summer II
Transcript Submission Deadline	Wednesday, April 1, 2026	Transfer credit evaluation
FAFSA Deadline (Disability Waivers)	Wednesday, April 1, 2026	Required for aid eligibility
Disability Support Services Request	Friday, May 1, 2026	Summer I session only
Senior Citizen Waiver Begins (Summer I)	Thursday, May 21, 2026	Age 60+ Maryland residents
Memorial Day Holiday (Closed)	Monday, May 25, 2026	All campuses and offices
Summer Sessions Begin	Monday, May 26, 2026	Official start of summer term
Summer I Classes Begin	Monday, May 26, 2026	First session starts
Graduation Application Deadline	Monday, June 1, 2026	Summer 2026 completion candidates
Major Declaration Deadline (Summer I)	Friday, June 5, 2026	Required for degree programs
Midsummer Classes Begin	Monday, June 15, 2026	Mid-length accelerated session
Juneteenth Holiday (Closed)	Friday, June 19, 2026	Federal holiday observance
Senior Citizen Waiver Begins (Summer II)	Thursday, July 2, 2026	Second session registration
Independence Day Holiday (Closed)	Friday, July 3, 2026	Observed day before July 4
Summer II Classes Begin	Monday, July 6, 2026	Second session starts
Final Grades Due (Summer I)	Wednesday, July 8, 2026	Faculty submission deadline
Major Declaration Deadline (Summer II)	Friday, July 17, 2026	Second session students
Summer Sessions End	Friday, August 21, 2026	Official conclusion all sessions
Final Grades Due (Summer II)	Wednesday, August 26, 2026	Faculty submission deadline

Summer 2026 book vouchers become available Monday, May 18, 2026 for in-person purchases through Friday, May 29, 2026. Online book voucher purchases must complete by Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The loan certification deadline for Summer 2026 falls on Thursday, August 7, 2026, requiring completion of all loan steps by this date.

Understanding Montgomery College’s Summer Session Structure

Montgomery College Maryland divides summer into three overlapping sessions accommodating different learning speeds and schedules. Summer Session I runs approximately 8 weeks, Midsummer Session operates as an intensive shorter format, and Summer Session II provides another 8-week option.

Students can take courses across multiple sessions to accelerate degree completion or fulfill prerequisite requirements before fall enrollment.

Montgomery College Academic Calendar Fall 2026

Fall 2026 priority registration begins Monday, April 27, 2026 with classes starting Monday, August 31, 2026.

The Fall 2026 semester represents the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year at Montgomery College Maryland. Faculty professional week occurs Monday, August 24, 2026 before student classes commence. The semester officially ends Sunday, December 20, 2026 following final exams.

Fall 2026 Registration Timeline and Application Deadlines

Deadline Category	Date	Details
Health Sciences Application	Sunday, March 1, 2026	Competitive program deadline
Nursing/Health Science Application	Wednesday, April 1, 2026	All health-related programs
Class Schedule Available	Monday, April 13, 2026	Fall 2026 course listings published
Priority Registration Begins	Monday, April 27, 2026	Current students with priority status
General Registration Opens	Monday, May 4, 2026	All eligible students may register

Montgomery College Maryland requires health science program applications months in advance due to competitive enrollment caps and clinical placement coordination. Students planning to enter nursing, radiologic technology, or other health professions programs must submit applications by designated deadlines to receive consideration for Fall 2026 admission.

Fall 2026 Semester Important Dates

Fall semester classes begin Monday, August 31, 2026 with first seven-week session starting simultaneously.

Montgomery College Maryland operates Fall 2026 with staggered start dates across different session formats. Weekend classes begin Saturday, September 12, 2026 and Sunday, September 13, 2026 depending on course scheduling.

The 13-week accelerated session starts Monday, September 14, 2026, while second seven-week classes begin Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Fall 2026 Milestone	Date	Campus Coverage
Fall Classes Begin	Monday, August 31, 2026	Rockville, Germantown, Takoma Park/Silver Spring
First Seven-Week Session Begins	Monday, August 31, 2026	Part-of-Term accelerated format
Labor Day Holiday (Closed)	Monday, September 7, 2026	All campuses and offices
Weekend Classes Begin	Saturday, September 12 – Sunday, September 13, 2026	Schedule varies by course
13-Week Session Begins	Monday, September 14, 2026	Mid-length term format
MC Day (No Classes)	Tuesday, October 20, 2026	Non-instructional faculty duty day
Second Seven-Week Session Begins	Wednesday, October 28, 2026	Part-of-Term accelerated format
Fall Break (Closed)	Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29, 2026	Thanksgiving holiday closure
Final Exam Week	Monday, December 14 – Sunday, December 20, 2026	Exam schedules posted by instructors
Official End of Fall Semester	Sunday, December 20, 2026	Concludes Fall 2026 term
Non-Instructional Faculty Days	Monday, December 21 – Wednesday, December 23, 2026	Students not on campus
Winter Break (Closed)	Wednesday, December 24, 2026 – Thursday, January 1, 2027	Extended holiday closure

MC Day on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 represents a non-instructional duty day for faculty. Students do not attend classes while faculty engage in professional development, curriculum planning, and administrative responsibilities. This date differs from standard holiday closures since faculty remain on duty.

Fall 2026 Financial Aid and Book Voucher Schedule

First Fall 2026 financial aid disbursement occurs Thursday, September 25, 2025 for students enrolled in Fall 2025 semester. Subsequent disbursements process weekly every Thursday through Thursday, December 11, 2025. Students must complete loan certification by Friday, December 5, 2025 to receive federal loan funding for Fall 2025.

Fall 2025 book vouchers become available in-person Monday, August 25, 2025 through Friday, September 19, 2025. Online book voucher purchases must complete by Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The Satisfactory Academic Progress appeal deadline for associate degree students falls on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, while certificate program students must submit appeals by Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Montgomery College Academic Calendar 2026: Understanding Part-of-Term Sessions

Montgomery College Maryland operates Part-of-Term sessions including 15-week full semesters, 13-week classes, and 7-week accelerated sessions.

Part-of-Term designations identify course length and start dates within standard semesters. Students accessing MyMC portals see course codes indicating session length: full 15-week terms, 13-week sessions starting after the semester begins, first 7-week sessions starting with the semester, and second 7-week sessions starting mid-semester.

Seven-Week Session Benefits and Structure

Seven-week accelerated courses compress standard 15-week content into intensive formats requiring approximately double the weekly time commitment. Students complete courses in half the time of traditional formats, allowing flexibility to:

• Fulfill prerequisites faster before subsequent course enrollment
• Accelerate degree completion by taking multiple 7-week sessions per semester
• Balance work schedules with shorter course commitments
• Focus intensively on challenging subjects without competing coursework

First seven-week sessions align with semester start dates (Monday, January 26, 2026 for Spring 2026; Monday, August 31, 2026 for Fall 2026). Second seven-week sessions begin mid-semester (Monday, March 30, 2026 for Spring 2026; Wednesday, October 28, 2026 for Fall 2026).

Thirteen-Week Session Scheduling

Thirteen-week classes begin after full-semester courses start, providing alternative scheduling for students with conflicts during the first weeks of the term. Spring 2026 thirteen-week classes begin Monday, February 9, 2026 (two weeks after the Monday, January 26, 2026 semester start). Fall 2026 thirteen-week classes begin Monday, September 14, 2026 (two weeks after the Monday, August 31, 2026 semester start).

Students selecting 13-week courses receive the same credit hours as 15-week equivalents but attend compressed schedules over a shorter timeframe. Add/drop deadlines, tuition refund policies, and withdrawal rules differ for 13-week sessions compared to full-semester courses.

Montgomery College Campus Locations and Contact Information

Montgomery College Maryland operates three campuses in Montgomery County: Rockville Campus at 51 Mannakee Street, Rockville, MD 20850; Germantown Campus at 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD 20876; and Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus at 7600 Takoma Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912.

Rockville Campus

The Rockville Campus serves as Montgomery College Maryland’s largest location and administrative headquarters. Students access the Office of Records & Registration (Raptor Central) for academic calendar questions, transcript requests, and enrollment verification at 240-567-5000 or registrars@montgomerycollege.edu.

Germantown Campus

Located in upper Montgomery County, the Germantown Campus provides convenient access for students in northwestern Maryland. Campus-specific programs include specialized health sciences facilities and expanded parking options compared to the Rockville location.

Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus

The Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus serves students in southeastern Montgomery County with proximity to Washington D.C. Metro stations. This location offers specialized programs in arts, humanities, and social sciences alongside general education courses.

Academic Calendar Applicability Across Campuses

Montgomery College academic calendar dates apply uniformly across all three campuses. Registration deadlines, semester start dates, holiday closures, and final exam periods remain consistent regardless of campus enrollment. Students may take courses at multiple campuses within the same semester depending on course availability and personal scheduling preferences.

Montgomery College vs Montgomery County Public Schools Calendar 2026

Montgomery College Maryland operates as a community college with the academic calendar described above, while Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) operates a separate K-12 school system with different calendar dates.

Montgomery County Public Schools begins the 2026-2027 school year Monday, August 18, 2026, nearly two weeks before Montgomery College’s Monday, August 31, 2026 fall semester start. Parents and guardians searching for “Montgomery County 2026 calendar” should verify whether they need the community college schedule or the K-12 public school calendar.

MCPS serves approximately 160,000 students in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. Montgomery College serves 55,000 credit and noncredit students annually in post-secondary education programs. The two institutions operate independently despite serving the same geographic area.

How to Access the Montgomery College Academic Calendar Through MyMC and Workday

Students access personalized academic calendars through the MyMC portal and Workday Student system.

MyMC provides individual class schedules showing specific add/drop deadlines, withdrawal dates, and tuition refund eligibility periods based on enrolled courses. Students log into MyMC using their Montgomery College credentials to view:

• Individualized course schedules with meeting times and locations
• Specific deadlines for adding, dropping, or withdrawing from each course
• Tuition payment deadlines and refund eligibility windows
• Financial aid disbursement status and book voucher availability
• Final exam schedules once published by instructors

Workday Student integrates with MyMC for registration, grade viewing, and academic planning. The Workday system manages enrollment transactions, waitlist processing, and prerequisite verification during registration periods.

Montgomery College Academic Calendar 2026-2027 Fall Semester Planning

The Fall 2026 semester belongs to the 2026-2027 academic year, distinct from Spring 2026 which concludes the 2025-2026 academic year.

Students planning enrollment across calendar year 2026 must understand that “Montgomery College 2026 calendar” references two different academic years:

• Spring 2026 (January 26 – May 22, 2026): Concludes the 2025-2026 academic year
• Fall 2026 (August 31 – December 20, 2026): Begins the 2026-2027 academic year

Academic transcripts, financial aid awards, and degree progress tracking organize by academic year rather than calendar year. Students graduating in Spring 2026 receive diplomas dated 2026 despite beginning their final year in Fall 2025.

Montgomery College Commencement 2026 Dates

Montgomery College holds Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies Thursday, May 21, 2026 and Friday, May 22, 2026.

Graduation application deadlines require submission by Sunday, February 15, 2026 for Spring 2026 completion candidates and Monday, June 1, 2026 for Summer 2026 completion candidates. Students must apply for graduation even if all degree requirements complete, as diplomas do not automatically generate.

Commencement ceremonies occur after final grades submit and degree audits complete. Students completing requirements in Spring 2026 participate in May 2026 ceremonies, while Summer 2026 graduates typically join the following year’s commencement unless special arrangements occur.

Montgomery College Holiday Closures 2026

Montgomery College Maryland observes the following holidays with campus closures in 2026:

Holiday	Date	Academic Impact
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	Monday, January 19, 2026	Spring semester not yet started
Spring Break	Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 2026	Offices closed (students/faculty off full week)
Memorial Day	Monday, May 25, 2026	Day before Summer I session starts
Juneteenth	Friday, June 19, 2026	During Summer I session
Independence Day (Observed)	Friday, July 3, 2026	Between Summer I and Summer II sessions
Labor Day	Monday, September 7, 2026	First week of Fall semester
Thanksgiving Break	Wednesday, November 25 – Sunday, November 29, 2026	Extended closure during Fall semester
Winter Break	Wednesday, December 24, 2026 – Thursday, January 1, 2027	After Fall semester ends

Students must note that MC Day (Tuesday, October 20, 2026) cancels classes but does not close the college. Faculty remain on duty while students do not attend classes.

Transfer Student Calendar Considerations at Montgomery College Maryland

Montgomery College maintains articulation agreements with University of Maryland (UMD), University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), and Universities at Shady Grove (USG) for seamless transfer pathways.

Transfer students must plan Montgomery College academic calendar dates around four-year institution application deadlines. University of Maryland typically requires transfer applications by March 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. Students completing associate degrees at Montgomery College should:

1. Submit transcripts to Montgomery College by designated deadlines (Monday, November 1, 2025 for Spring 2026; Wednesday, April 1, 2026 for Summer 2026)
2. Apply for graduation one semester before degree completion
3. Request official transcripts sent to transfer institutions after final grades post
4. Verify transfer credit acceptance through university articulation databases

Montgomery College ranks as the #1 community college in Maryland and #17 nationally according to WalletHub 2025 rankings, strengthening transfer student competitiveness for selective four-year programs.

Frequently Asked Questions Montgomery College Academic Calendar 2026

The Montgomery College academic calendar for 2026 provides structured semester schedules accommodating diverse student needs through full-term, 13-week, and 7-week session formats across three Maryland campuses in Rockville, Germantown, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring. For more on the Montgomery College academic calendar 2026, visit the Montgomery College Calendar Website.

The school calendar 2026 defines the official academic year structure for all public schools in South Africa. It specifies start and end dates, term lengths, school holidays, and public holidays that affect teaching and learning.

The Department of Basic Education published the school calendar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, establishing term dates for all public schools across South Africa.

The 2026 academic year begins on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and concludes on Friday, December 11, 2026, for educators, with learners finishing on Wednesday, December 9, 2026.

The school calendar 2026 applies uniformly across all nine provinces, including Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape.

This represents a significant change from previous years, when inland and coastal provinces followed different schedules. The 2026 calendar includes 200 actual teaching days distributed across four terms, with scheduled breaks and public holidays integrated throughout the academic year.

Parents, educators, and learners can use this calendar to plan family vacations, examination schedules, childcare arrangements, and leave from work.

The calendar accounts for all South African public holidays that fall within school terms, including Good Friday, Freedom Day, Workers’ Day, Youth Day, National Women’s Day, and Heritage Day.

Check Out: South Africa School Calendar 2027

Official 2026 School Calendar for South Africa

Public schools across South Africa follow a standardized four-term academic structure in 2026. Each term includes a specific number of weeks and instructional days calculated after public holidays are deducted.

Check Out: TVET College Calendar 2026-2027

Complete 2026 Term Date Overview

Term	Start Date	End Date	Duration (Weeks)	Calendar Days	Public Holidays	Actual School Days
Term 1	Wednesday, January 14, 2026	Friday, March 27, 2026	11	53	0	53
Term 2	Wednesday, April 8, 2026	Friday, June 26, 2026	12	58	4	54
Term 3	Tuesday, July 21, 2026	Wednesday, September 23, 2026	10	47	1	46
Term 4	Tuesday, October 6, 2026	Wednesday, December 9, 2026	10	47	0	47
Total	–	–	43	205	5	200

Term 1: January to March 2026

Term 1 runs from Wednesday, January 14, 2026, to Friday, March 27, 2026. Schools open following the summer holiday period, with educators returning on Monday, January 12, 2026, for administrative preparation.

Term 1 provides 53 uninterrupted school days with no public holidays falling within this period. Schools use this term to establish academic routines, conduct baseline assessments, and introduce curriculum content for the year. The term spans 11 weeks, making it one of the longer instructional periods in the 2026 calendar.

Learners complete orientation activities, receive textbooks, and begin formal lessons during this term. Schools conduct placement verifications for Grade 1 and Grade 8 learners who were admitted through provincial online application systems.

Term 2: April to June 2026

Term 2 begins on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and ends on Friday, June 26, 2026. This term includes multiple public holidays that reduce the number of teaching days.

Public holidays during Term 2 include:

• Friday, April 3, 2026: Good Friday
• Monday, April 6, 2026: Family Day
• Monday, April 27, 2026: Freedom Day
• Friday, May 1, 2026: Workers’ Day
• Monday, June 15, 2026: Special school holiday (gazetted by the Department of Basic Education)
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Youth Day

The special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, creates an extended long weekend leading into Youth Day. This gazetted holiday is unique to the 2026 calendar and allows families additional time for mid-year planning.

After accounting for these holidays, Term 2 provides 54 actual teaching days across 12 calendar weeks. Schools conduct mid-year assessments and complete significant portions of the annual curriculum during this term.

Term 3: July to September 2026

Term 3 spans from Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. This winter term follows the mid-year break and focuses on curriculum completion ahead of final examinations.

One public holiday falls during Term 3:

• Sunday, August 9, 2026: National Women’s Day
• Monday, August 10, 2026: Public holiday observed

The term includes 46 actual teaching days over 10 weeks. Schools emphasize syllabus completion, revision activities, and examination preparation. Grade 12 learners focus intensively on National Senior Certificate examination readiness during this period.

Term 4: October to December 2026

Term 4 is the final academic term, running from Tuesday, October 6, 2026, to Wednesday, December 9, 2026, for learners. Educators continue until Thursday, December 11, 2026, to complete administrative year-end tasks.

No public holidays interrupt Term 4, providing 47 uninterrupted school days over 10 weeks. Heritage Day falls on Thursday, September 24, 2026, after Term 3 concludes.

Schools conduct final examinations, issue reports, and determine learner progression outcomes during this term. Grade 12 learners write National Senior Certificate examinations beginning in late October 2026.

School Calendar 2026: Provincial Considerations

Unified Calendar Across All Provinces

The 2026 school calendar applies to all nine provinces without regional variations. The Department of Basic Education eliminated the previous distinction between inland and coastal province calendars.

All provinces follow identical dates for:

• Term start and end dates
• School holiday periods
• Public holiday observances
• Total teaching days

Gauteng School Calendar 2026

Gauteng public schools follow the national calendar with terms beginning on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The Gauteng Department of Education aligns with the Department of Basic Education requirements for all ordinary public schools in the province.

Gauteng learners benefit from the extended June long weekend created by the special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026. The province includes major urban centers such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni, where families can access detailed calendar information through the Gauteng Department of Education website.

Western Cape School Calendar 2026

Western Cape public schools commence the 2026 academic year on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The Western Cape Education Department implements the nationally gazetted calendar for all public schools under its jurisdiction.

The province maintains consistent term dates with other regions, ensuring families relocating between provinces experience no scheduling conflicts. Western Cape learners follow the same holiday schedule, including the winter break from Friday, June 27, 2026, to Monday, July 20, 2026.

Eastern Cape and Other Provincial Calendars

Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape provinces all implement the standard 2026 calendar. Provincial education departments may schedule additional administrative days for educators, but learner attendance dates remain consistent nationwide.

Schools in rural areas follow identical term dates to urban institutions. Provincial departments communicate directly with schools regarding any localized arrangements for sports events, cultural activities, or professional development days that do not affect the official term schedule.

South Africa Public Holidays and School Holidays 2026

Complete Public Holiday Schedule

South Africa observes 12 national public holidays in 2026, with several falling during school terms. Schools close on all public holidays in accordance with national labor regulations and education policy.

Date	Day	Holiday Name	Status
Thursday, January 1, 2026	Thursday	New Year’s Day	Public Holiday
Saturday, March 21, 2026	Saturday	Human Rights Day	Public Holiday
Friday, April 3, 2026	Friday	Good Friday	Public Holiday
Monday, April 6, 2026	Monday	Family Day	Public Holiday
Monday, April 27, 2026	Monday	Freedom Day	Public Holiday (observed Monday, April 28)
Friday, May 1, 2026	Friday	Workers’ Day	Public Holiday
Monday, June 15, 2026	Monday	Special School Holiday	School Holiday (gazetted)
Tuesday, June 16, 2026	Tuesday	Youth Day	Public Holiday
Sunday, August 9, 2026	Sunday	National Women’s Day	Public Holiday (observed Monday, August 10)
Thursday, September 24, 2026	Thursday	Heritage Day	Public Holiday
Wednesday, December 16, 2026	Wednesday	Day of Reconciliation	Public Holiday
Friday, December 25, 2026	Friday	Christmas Day	Public Holiday
Saturday, December 26, 2026	Saturday	Day of Goodwill	Public Holiday

School Holiday Periods in 2026

Four scheduled school holiday periods provide breaks between academic terms. These holidays allow learners rest time while enabling schools to conduct administrative activities and facility maintenance.

Autumn Holiday: Saturday, March 28, 2026, to Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (11 days)

Winter Holiday: Saturday, June 27, 2026, to Monday, July 20, 2026 (24 days)

Spring Holiday: Thursday, September 24, 2026, to Monday, October 5, 2026 (12 days)

Summer Holiday: Thursday, December 10, 2026, to Monday, January 11, 2027 (33 days)

The winter holiday represents the longest break during the academic year, providing families with the opportunity for extended travel and rest. The special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026, extends the Youth Day weekend, creating additional planning flexibility for families.

Private and Independent School Calendars 2026

ISASA School Calendar Guidelines

Private schools affiliated with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) begin the 2026 academic year on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Independent schools conclude on Friday, December 4, 2026, five days earlier than public schools.

ISASA member schools operate under different term structures:

Four-term private schools: Follow a system similar to public schools with 183 school days in 2026, one fewer than the 184 days in 2025.

Three-term private schools: Operate 180 school days in 2026, three fewer than four-term independent schools.

Private School Calendar Variations

No universal term dates apply to all independent schools in South Africa. Private institutions follow one of three calendar approaches:

1. Public school alignment: Many independent schools adopt the Department of Basic Education calendar exactly
2. Association calendar: ISASA member schools may follow Central Region guidelines published by the calendar committee
3. Institution-specific calendar: Some independent schools create customized academic schedules

The ISASA Central Region (covering Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape) publishes calendar guidelines for member schools. Schools in this region are not required to follow these guidelines, though most do.

Private schools in KwaZulu-Natal often implement four-term systems similar to public schools. Parents should confirm specific term dates directly with their child’s school, as variations exist between institutions.

School Calendar 2026: Planning Applications

Family Holiday Planning

The 2026 school calendar enables families to coordinate vacations with term breaks and public holidays. Strategic planning around long weekends maximizes time away while minimizing work leave requirements.

Long weekend opportunities in 2026 include:

• April 3-6, 2026: Good Friday to Family Day (4-day weekend)
• June 14-16, 2026: Special school holiday extending Youth Day (4-day weekend with Friday leave)
• August 9-10, 2026: National Women’s Day observed on Monday (3-day weekend)
• September 24-27, 2026: Heritage Day through spring holiday (extended break)

Families booking accommodation for school holidays should note peak demand during the 24-day winter holiday from late June to mid-July 2026. Coastal destinations experience the highest occupancy during this period.

Examination and Assessment Scheduling

Schools structure continuous assessment and examinations according to term schedules. Grade 12 learners prepare for National Senior Certificate examinations during Term 4.

Assessment timelines typically follow this structure:

• Term 1: Baseline assessments, diagnostic testing, first formal assessments
• Term 2: Mid-year examinations (May-June 2026)
• Term 3: Continuous assessments, trial examinations for Grade 12
• Term 4: Final examinations, National Senior Certificate examinations

Parents receive formal reports at the end of each term. Schools communicate assessment schedules at the beginning of each term, allowing families to plan appropriate study support.

Employer Leave Coordination

Working parents use the school calendar to request annual leave in advance. Coordinating leave with school holidays prevents childcare gaps and enables family time.

Employers in South Africa typically receive high leave requests during:

• June-July 2026: Winter school holiday period
• December 2026: Summer holiday season
• Long weekends: When families extend breaks with minimal leave days

Parents should submit leave applications early in 2026 to secure preferred dates, particularly for the winter holiday period when demand peaks across industries.

How to Access the Official School Calendar 2026

Department of Basic Education Resources

The Department of Basic Education published the official 2026 school calendar through Government Gazette No. 51289. Parents and educators access authoritative calendar information through the Department of Basic Education website at education.gov.za.

The official calendar includes:

• Complete term dates for all four terms
• Public holidays with dates and observance information
• Special school holidays gazetted by the Department
• Administrative guidelines for educators

Provincial Education Department Resources

Provincial education departments provide regional calendar information and school-specific guidance. Each of South Africa’s nine provinces maintains an education department website with calendar resources.

Provincial websites include:

• Gauteng Department of Education (gde.gov.za)
• Western Cape Education Department (wced.school.za)
• KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (kzneducation.gov.za)
• Eastern Cape Department of Education (ecdoe.gov.za)

Provincial sites offer additional resources such as school location tools, admission information, and curriculum support materials aligned with term schedules.

Verification of Calendar Information

Parents should verify calendar information through official sources only. Unofficial calendars circulate on social media platforms and may contain incorrect dates.

Reliable sources for calendar verification include:

• Department of Basic Education official publications
• Provincial education department announcements
• School principals and administrative offices
• Government Gazette publications

Schools distribute printed calendars to learners at the start of the academic year. Parents who lose this information should contact the school administrative offices directly rather than relying on unverified online sources.

School Calendar 2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Planning for the 2026 Academic Year

The school calendar 2026 provides a comprehensive framework for academic planning across South Africa. Parents, educators, and learners benefit from advanced knowledge of term dates, enabling effective scheduling of educational activities, family commitments, and personal development.

The unified calendar system implemented in 2026 eliminates regional scheduling conflicts and simplifies planning for families with children in different provinces. The inclusion of a special school holiday on Monday, June 15, 2026 demonstrates responsiveness to family needs for extended break opportunities.

Schools use the calendar structure to pace curriculum delivery, schedule assessments, and plan professional development activities for educators. The distribution of 200 teaching days across four terms balances instructional time with necessary rest periods for learners.

Parents should maintain copies of the official calendar throughout the year for reference when planning family activities, coordinating childcare, and supporting academic schedules. Schools provide calendar information at the start of the year and through regular communication channels.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Department of Basic Education website and provincial education department resources. Official sources ensure families access verified calendar information for successful academic year planning.

The school calendar 2027 for South Africa was officially published by the Department of Basic Education on Thursday, February 26, 2025, establishing a unified academic framework for all nine provinces.

This marks the continuation of the national standardization policy that eliminated the historic Inland-Coastal divide, ensuring learners in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Free State, and Northern Cape follow identical term dates.

The academic year comprises four distinct terms spanning January through December, with teachers reporting on Monday, January 11, 2027, and learners commencing classes on Wednesday, January 13, 2027.

The calendar was gazetted under the National Education Policy Act and published in Government Gazette Notice No. 2027/DBE-001, providing legal authority for the 197 instructional days scheduled for learners across public schools.

Parents, educators, and employers rely on this calendar to coordinate annual leave, plan family travel during school holidays, and structure assessment schedules.

The 2027 calendar integrates all nationally recognized public holidays, including Freedom Day, Youth Day, and Heritage Day, which reduce classroom time but do not alter term boundaries.

Provincial education departments—including the Gauteng Department of Education, Western Cape Education Department, and Eastern Cape Department of Education—implement these dates uniformly, though individual schools may schedule specific events like sports days or parent-teacher conferences on different dates within the prescribed framework.

Official 2027 School Term Dates and Structure

Term 1: January to March 2027

The first term of 2027 begins on Wednesday, January 13, 2027, and concludes on Friday, March 19, 2027. Teachers return to school two days earlier on Monday, January 11, 2027, for administrative preparation and planning sessions. This 10-week period delivers 48 instructional days for learners, with no public holidays interrupting the academic schedule.

Term 1 establishes foundational learning outcomes across all grades. Primary schools focus on literacy and numeracy baselines, while secondary schools introduce annual curriculum content aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Grade 12 learners begin preparation for the National Senior Certificate examinations scheduled for October and November 2027.

The term ends before the Easter period, which falls on Friday, March 26, 2027 (Good Friday) through Monday, March 29, 2027 (Easter Monday). This timing allows families to observe religious holidays during the scheduled school break without classroom disruption.

Check Out: TVET College Calendar 2026-2027.

Term 2: April to June 2027

Term 2 spans from Tuesday, April 6, 2027, to Friday, June 25, 2027, covering 12 weeks with 56 instructional days. This term experiences the highest concentration of public holidays, reducing the 59 potential school days by three statutory closures:

Public Holiday	Date	Day of Week
Special School Holiday	Monday, April 26, 2027	Monday
Freedom Day	Tuesday, April 27, 2027	Tuesday
Youth Day	Wednesday, June 16, 2027	Monday

The Department of Basic Education designated Monday, April 26, 2027, as a special school holiday to create an extended four-day weekend when combined with Freedom Day on Tuesday, April 27, 2027. This administrative decision acknowledges family travel patterns and reduces student absenteeism that typically occurs when public holidays fall mid-week.

Secondary schools conduct mid-year examinations during June 2027, with Grade 12 trial examinations often scheduled in the final two weeks of the term. These assessments provide critical feedback for curriculum pacing adjustments in the second half of the academic year.

Term 3: July to September 2027

The third term operates from Monday, July 20, 2027, to Friday, October 1, 2027, delivering 46 instructional days across 11 weeks. National Women’s Day on Monday, August 9, 2027, falls on a weekend and does not affect the school schedule. Heritage Day occurs on Friday, September 24, 2027, after the term concludes.

This term represents the shortest instructional period in the 2027 calendar but maintains intensive curriculum coverage. Teachers accelerate syllabus completion to ensure Grade 12 learners finish content before final examinations begin in late October. Primary and intermediate grades complete formal assessments required under national policy.

Winter weather conditions in provinces like the Free State, Eastern Cape, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal may affect attendance, but schools remain obligated to deliver the full 46 days of instruction. The Department of Basic Education does not permit provincial variations in term dates based on climate factors.

Term 4: October to December 2027

Term 4 commences on Monday, October 11, 2027, and ends on Wednesday, December 8, 2027, for learners, with teachers concluding duties on Friday, December 10, 2027. This nine-week period provides 43 instructional days for grades 1-11, while Grade 12 learners begin National Senior Certificate examinations instead of attending regular classes.

The final term focuses on academic reporting, promotion decisions, and year-end assessments. Primary schools complete formal tasks required under the National Protocol for Assessment, while secondary schools finalize subject marks for annual promotion. Schools submit learner performance data to provincial education departments before the December closure.

Heritage Day on Friday, September 24, 2027, occurs during the spring holiday between Term 3 and Term 4, eliminating any instructional impact. Day of Reconciliation falls on Thursday, December 16, 2027, after schools close for the summer break.

Complete School Calendar 2027 Overview

Term	Start Date	End Date	Weeks	Instructional Days	Public Holidays
Term 1	Wednesday, January 13, 2027	Friday, March 19, 2027	10	48	0
Term 2	Tuesday, April 6, 2027	Friday, June 25, 2027	12	56	3
Term 3	Tuesday, July 20, 2027	Friday, October 1, 2027	11	46	0
Term 4	Monday, October 11, 2027	Wednesday, December 8, 2027	9	43	0

Total instructional days for 2027: 193 days for learners (teachers work 195 days, including January 11-12, 2027, and December 9-10, 2027).

School Holidays Between Terms in 2027

Autumn Break: March to April 2027

The autumn school holiday extends from Saturday, March 20, 2027, to Sunday, April 5, 2027, spanning 17 days. This break coincides with the Easter period, with Good Friday occurring on Friday, March 26, 2027, and Easter Monday on Monday, March 29, 2027. Human Rights Day falls on Sunday, March 21, 2027, the day after Term 1 ends.

Families traditionally use this period for domestic travel to coastal regions or visits to extended family. Tourism data from 2024-2026 indicates 68% of South African households with school-age children travel during the Easter break, making it the second-busiest holiday period after December.

Winter Break: June to July 2027

The winter school holiday runs from Friday, June 26, 2027, to Sunday, July 19, 2027, providing 24 days of recess. This represents the longest mid-year break in the 2027 calendar, allowing families to plan extended trips or international travel during June and July.

Winter holiday programs offered by municipalities, sports clubs, and educational institutions operate during this period. Schools in provinces with significant snowfall, such as parts of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg region, remain closed for facility maintenance and heating system inspections.

Spring Break: September to October 2027

The spring holiday occurs from Friday, October 2, 2027, to Sunday, October 10, 2027, covering 9 days. Heritage Day on Friday, September 24, 2027, falls during this break, creating an extended rest period before the final term commences.

This shorter holiday allows schools to complete the academic year by early December while providing learners with recovery time after the intensive Term 3 curriculum delivery. Secondary schools often schedule Grade 12 examination preparation sessions during this break, though attendance remains voluntary.

Summer Break: December 2027 to January 2028

The summer school holiday begins on Thursday, December 9, 2027, and extends to Tuesday, January 12, 2028, spanning approximately 35 days. This period represents the longest continuous break in the South African school calendar, coinciding with Christmas Day (Saturday, December 25, 2027) and New Year’s Day (Friday, January 1, 2028).

The 2028 academic year commences on Wednesday, January 13, 2028, following the same January mid-month pattern established in 2026 and 2027. Teachers report two days earlier on Monday, January 11, 2028, maintaining the standard preparation protocol.

Public Holidays Affecting the 2027 School Year

Holidays During School Terms

Three public holidays occur during instructional periods in 2027, reducing classroom time by three days. The Department of Basic Education accounts for these statutory closures when calculating the minimum 190 instructional days required under national policy.

Holiday	Date	Day	Term	Impact
Special School Holiday	Monday, April 26, 2027	Monday	Term 2	Creates 4-day weekend
Freedom Day	Tuesday, April 27, 2027	Tuesday	Term 2	Statutory closure
Youth Day	Monday, June 16, 2027	Monday	Term 2	Statutory closure

The special school holiday on Monday, April 26, 2027, was specifically designated by the Department of Basic Education to prevent disruption from anticipated absenteeism when Freedom Day falls on Tuesday. This administrative holiday does not reduce the required instructional days but redistributes them within the term structure.

Holidays During School Breaks

Seven public holidays fall outside school terms in 2027, requiring no instructional adjustments. These dates align with scheduled school holidays, allowing uninterrupted family celebrations and religious observances.

Holiday	Date	Day	Period
New Year’s Day	Friday, January 1, 2027	Friday	Summer Break
Human Rights Day	Sunday, March 21, 2027	Sunday	Autumn Break
Good Friday	Friday, March 26, 2027	Friday	Autumn Break
Easter Monday	Monday, March 29, 2027	Monday	Autumn Break
Workers’ Day	Saturday, May 1, 2027	Saturday	Weekend
National Women’s Day	Sunday, August 9, 2027	Sunday	Weekend
Heritage Day	Friday, September 24, 2027	Friday	Spring Break
Day of Reconciliation	Thursday, December 16, 2027	Thursday	Summer Break
Christmas Day	Saturday, December 25, 2027	Saturday	Summer Break
Day of Goodwill	Sunday, December 26, 2027	Sunday	Summer Break

Workers’ Day and National Women’s Day both fall on weekends in 2027, eliminating potential mid-week disruptions to the school schedule. The Department of Basic Education does not designate substitute holidays when public holidays occur on weekends.

Provincial Implementation and National Consistency

Unified Calendar Across All Provinces

All nine South African provinces implement identical school term dates in 2027, following the national calendar published by the Department of Basic Education. This standardization eliminated the historic Inland-Coastal split that previously allowed Western Cape and Eastern Cape coastal schools to operate on different schedules.

Provincial education departments—Gauteng Department of Education, Western Cape Education Department, Eastern Cape Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, Limpopo Department of Education, Mpumalanga Department of Education, North West Department of Education, Free State Department of Education, and Northern Cape Department of Education—enforce compliance through annual school compliance audits.

School-Specific Variations Within the Framework

Individual schools may schedule non-instructional events on different dates within the national term structure. These variations include:

• Parent-teacher conference days
• School sports days and cultural events
• Staff development workshops
• Governing body meetings
• Specialized assessment sessions

Independent schools registered with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) and schools following the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum may adopt different academic calendars entirely, as they operate outside the direct jurisdiction of provincial education departments. However, schools registered under the South African Schools Act must comply with the gazetted 2027 calendar.

Downloadable School Calendar 2027 Resources

Official Department of Basic Education Documents

The official 2027 school calendar is available as a PDF document published in Government Gazette Notice No. 2027/DBE-001. Parents and educators can access this document through the Department of Basic Education website at www.education.gov.za or through provincial education department portals.

The PDF includes:

• Complete term dates for all four quarters
• Public holiday annotations
• Teacher reporting dates
• Instructional day calculations
• Provincial education department contact information

Schools receive printed copies of the calendar during January 2027 orientation sessions, but digital versions provide greater accessibility for parents managing multiple children across different schools.

Adding Term Dates to Digital Calendars

School holidays and term dates can be imported into Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Apple Calendar through ICS file downloads. This process requires three steps:

1. Download the official school calendar ICS file from the Department of Basic Education website
2. Import the file into the preferred calendar application through the “Import” or “Add Calendar” function
3. Enable notifications for term start dates, public holidays, and school holiday periods

Digital calendar integration allows automatic updates if the Department of Basic Education issues amendments to the 2027 calendar, though such changes occur rarely and only under exceptional circumstances like extended school closures.

Planning Family and Work Schedules Around the School Calendar 2027

Strategic Leave Planning for Extended Breaks

Parents can maximize family time by coordinating annual leave with school holiday periods, particularly during the winter and summer breaks. The 2027 calendar offers specific opportunities for extended family travel:

April Extended Weekend: Taking leave from Wednesday, April 28, 2027, through Friday, April 30, 2027, creates a nine-day break when combined with the special school holiday (Monday, April 26) and Freedom Day (Tuesday, April 27).

December Holiday Extension: Using five days of annual leave from Thursday, December 9, 2027, through Wednesday, December 15, 2027, extends the summer break to 41 consecutive days before schools reopen in January 2028.

Employers in sectors with high concentrations of working parents—education, healthcare, financial services, and retail—typically experience increased leave requests during June-July and December-January periods. Human resources departments use the school calendar to forecast workforce availability and schedule critical projects outside these periods.

Childcare Arrangements During School Holidays

School holiday programs operated by municipalities, private providers, and sports organizations offer structured activities during break periods. These programs typically run Monday through Friday during the 24-day winter break and selected weeks of the summer holiday.

Options include:

• Municipal recreational programs offering sports, arts, and educational activities at subsidized rates
• Private holiday camps specializing in specific skills like coding, robotics, or outdoor adventure
• Faith-based organizations providing community programs during December holidays
• School-based programs where facilities remain open for supervised activities

Parents should register for popular holiday programs before May 2027 for winter break activities and before October 2027 for summer programs, as capacity limitations often result in waiting lists at high-demand facilities.

Curriculum Planning and Assessment Schedules

Annual Teaching Days and Curriculum Coverage

The 2027 school calendar provides 193 instructional days for learners, exceeding the statutory minimum of 190 days required under national education policy. This allocation allows curriculum coverage across all learning areas while accommodating potential disruptions from weather events, infrastructure failures, or public health concerns.

The Department of Basic Education distributes these days across four terms with varying lengths:

• Term 1: 48 days for curriculum introduction and diagnostic assessment
• Term 2: 56 days for content delivery and mid-year examinations
• Term 3: 46 days for accelerated syllabus completion
• Term 4: 43 days for final assessments and year-end procedures

Teachers structure curriculum pacing guides to align with these allocations, ensuring Grade 12 learners complete syllabi before National Senior Certificate examinations commence in late October 2027. The South African Council for Educators (SACE) requires schools to demonstrate curriculum coverage through submitted annual teaching plans.

Grade 12 Examination Period

National Senior Certificate examinations for Grade 12 learners begin on Monday, October 25, 2027, and conclude on Tuesday, November 24, 2027, according to preliminary schedules from Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training. These dates fall within Term 4 but operate independently of regular school attendance requirements.

Grade 12 learners do not attend regular classes after Tuesday, October 20, 2027, instead focusing on examination preparation and attending scheduled assessment sessions. Schools provide supervised study facilities during this period, though attendance remains optional.

Frequently Asked Questions About School Calendar 2027

Using the School Calendar 2027 for Effective Planning

The 2027 school calendar provides a legally binding framework for academic planning across all South African public schools, with term dates, school holidays, and public holidays published by the Department of Basic Education on Thursday, February 26, 2025.

The calendar delivers 193 instructional days distributed across four terms, ensuring compliance with national education policy while accommodating family planning needs and employer workforce management.

Parents benefit from early access to verified calendar information, allowing strategic annual leave coordination, childcare arrangements, and family travel bookings during the 17-day autumn break, 24-day winter break, 9-day spring break, and 35-day summer holiday.

Educators use the structured term framework to pace curriculum delivery, schedule assessments, and complete Grade 12 examination preparation before National Senior Certificate examinations commence on Monday, October 25, 2027.

The unified national calendar eliminates provincial variations, ensuring consistent academic schedules across Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and all other provinces. Verification through official Department of Basic Education sources remains essential to avoid misinformation from unofficial calendar vendors or outdated social media posts.