Overview
- According to the SEP’s published 2025–2026 calendar, winter recess runs from Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, to Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, totaling 22 consecutive days.
- The adjustment applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in public and private schools incorporated into the national system.
- The SEP cites family time, physical and emotional recovery, and alignment with December holidays as the reasons for lengthening the break.
- Some outlets list Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, as the student return date, while others note classes resume Monday, Jan. 12, and teachers report earlier for a Jan. 7 workshop.
- With an Orange Alert for cold weather in central states, the SEP says there are no changes to the calendar for now and the school year remains at 185 instructional days.