NYC Public Schools Extend Winter Break

Families in New York City celebrate the extended winter break with holiday cheer.

News Summary

The NYC Department of Education has announced an extension of winter break for students and staff, now totaling 12 days off. This change allows for a more seamless transition back to school after the holidays. Rather than returning on January 2, students will resume classes on January 5, giving families more time to enjoy the festive season. The update responds to previous feedback from the community and aims to prevent calendar-related confusion, while maintaining instructional commitments and introducing a citywide smartphone ban during school hours.

New York City – The NYC Department of Education has updated its public school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year, officially extending winter break for students and staff. The change allows for a smoother transition back to school after the winter holidays, as students will now have a total of 12 days off, from December 24, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

Previously, the school schedule indicated that classes would resume on Friday, January 2, 2026, creating an awkward situation with only a single school day between New Year’s Day and the weekend. Now, students will return to their classrooms on Monday, January 5, 2026, giving families more time to enjoy the holiday season without the stress of schoolwork looming just days after New Year celebrations.

The change was announced by the United Federation of Teachers, which played a significant role in advocating for the reevaluation of the school calendar. The decision was influenced by past experiences where confusion regarding the school calendar led to unnecessary complications. Mayor Eric Adams had previously responded to community concerns by canceling a school day in December 2024 following a petition initiated by a student, highlighting the importance of listening to the needs of the community.

This early announcement aims to prevent any last-minute ambiguities regarding school dates, which have been problematic in previous years. Families can now comfortably plan their holiday activities, knowing that there will not be an academic commitment on January 2.

In addition to the extended winter break, the NYC Department of Education plans to introduce new rules to enforce a citywide smartphone ban during school hours for the 2025-2026 school year. This policy change is part of a larger initiative to create a focused and distraction-free learning environment for students.

Parents are encouraged to note the extended winter break on their calendars and ensure their children are adequately prepared to return to school after the holiday. However, it is important to be aware that extending the winter recess may come with certain trade-offs. Instead of adding an academic day in June to compensate for the time off, the city will repurpose existing teacher training days.

The updated school calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year not only accommodates the extended winter break but also reflects a commitment to celebrate various holidays throughout the year, including Diwali, while maintaining state-mandated instructional days. The announcement of the revised calendar demonstrates a proactive approach by the NYC Department of Education to balance the needs of families, students, and educators.

This change signifies a shift towards greater flexibility and responsiveness within the public school system, aiming to enhance the overall educational experience for students in New York City. As families adjust to the updated school calendar, the expectation is that students will return refreshed and ready to engage in their studies after the extended holiday break.