In a survey, Loudoun County Public Schools considered earlier dates for the start of school in the 2026-2027 school year, as well presenting a draft for possible year round school calendars.
Administrators obtained more than 20,000 responses to a survey from the community regarding the upcoming school calendar. Approximately 14,400 respondents had agreed that they’d prefer an adoption of a new school calendar, so the school board proposed a few options.
The first option suggests school beginning on a Monday rather than a Thursday, where school would begin on August 18 and finish on June 11. This option is most similar to our current calendar.
The following options, two and three, suggest far earlier start dates August 4 and August 12, with both potential calendars ending on May 28.
The final and fourth option would have spring break after Easter, spacing breaks throughout the year, and the first day of school would be on August 13, with the last day falling on May 28.
In addition, the board asked if families and staff would be interested in year round school and what that could possibly look like. The school year would run from the middle of July to June, including a two week break in the fall, a three week winter break, and another two weeks off in the spring. In order for it to be year round, every 45 days of school would be followed by a ten day break.
Students hold strong opinions on these potential calendar drafts for year round school, as it would reduce summer break and allow for earlier school. This may cause vacationing to be difficult, student’s may not be able to partake in summer camps, and not allow for summer jobs.
Yet, it may also be beneficial as student’s wouldn’t face summer learning loss, since it allows consistency in academics. The breaks imply a balanced education and promotes a more structured environment for students and teachers.
However, this will not be of concern for at least a few years, as only 27% of respondents were in favor of year round school, thus eliminating this possibility due to the majority swinging toward a regular school year.
As of now, the survey results display a relatively normal and nearly unchanged school year, albeit the majority of respondents are in favor of the school year starting two weeks before labor day, as well as wanting a decrease in the amount of holidays throughout the year.
Upon publication, the definite calendar regarding the 2026-2027 school year has not yet been released by the board.
