Watch for split schedules: 1st–12th grade starts Sept 2, but preschool and kindergarten start Sept 8. Middle schools stay open during Nov 23–25 elementary conferences, and every Wednesday is an early release day. Check your specific school for exact times.

Thanksgiving break is just Thursday and Friday, Nov 26–27. But watch out for the days before. Elementary and K-8 schools are closed Nov 23–25 for parent-teacher conferences, while most middle schools stay open. If you have kids in different schools, check their schedules. For the long weekend, many Seattle families head to the mountains for early snow or stay local for the holiday.

Winter break runs a full two weeks, from Dec 21 through Jan 1. Students return on Monday, Jan 4. Right before the break, Dec 18 is a 1-hour early dismissal. And don't forget mid-winter break in February—Feb 15–19 is a full week off, including Presidents Day. It's a great time for a quick trip to the coast or a rainy-day museum visit before the final stretch of the school year.

Spring break is late in Seattle, running April 12–16, 2027. If you're planning a trip, keep in mind that testing season picks up right after. Also, there are a couple of odd days off before spring break: Jan 28 is a day between semesters (and a potential make-up day), and Feb 15–19 is mid-winter break. Spring is a good time to explore local trails or the tulip fields up north.

The last day of school is Monday, June 21, 2027, with a 1-hour early dismissal. But keep an eye on June 22 and 23—those are reserved emergency make-up days if the district has to cancel school for snow. If winter is mild, summer starts June 22. Once school's out, enjoy the long Seattle days at Green Lake, Alki Beach, or a ferry ride to the islands.