In the United States, each school district decides on it's vacation schedule. In addition private schools and universities and colleges have their own calendars as well. You also have many people who visit popular amusement parks with young children (not yet in school), by themselves, or many people will have the kid stake a day of school to try to avoid the crowds.
TRADITIONAL SCHOOL YEARProbably 60% or more of schools still have a traditional school calendar - but that number is dropping.School starts up the week before or after Labor Day and runs through early/mid June. Winter Break is usually one or two weeks starting anytime from the week before Christmas to the day before and returning up to a week after New Years. Spring Break at one point was the week before or week after Easter, but now it can be at anytime, usually during March or April.
MODIFIED SCHOOL YEAR These schools tend to go back mid to end of July, have two weeks off in October, two weeks for winter and two weeks in Spring and get out early June.
YEAR-ROUND SCHOOLSThe kids are on different tracks so you always have some kids in school and some out.
HOME SCHOOLThey is a growing trend in home schooling. These students will go on field trips and outings throughout the year.
HOLIDAYS REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE
These usually mean 3 day weekends for schools. Section 37220 requires schools to close on the following days:
- New Years Day: January 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: A Monday or Friday in the week of Jan 15
- Lincoln Day: A Monday or Friday in the week of Feb 12
- Washington Day: The 3rd Monday in Feb
- Memorial Day: The last Monday in May
- Independence Day: July 4
- Labor Day: The 1st Monday in Sept
- Veterans Day: November 11
