Virginia Beach uses a lot of "Staff Days" where students stay home while teachers work. Watch out for Sept 28 (Staff Day), Nov 2-3 (Staff Days/Election Day), and Jan 25-26 (Staff Days). Also, high school students have early dismissals June 8-10.

Thanksgiving break runs Wednesday, Nov 25 through Friday, Nov 27. But look out: November is very choppy. Students are off on Nov 2-3 for Staff Days and Election Day, and off again on Veterans Day (Nov 11). It makes for a lot of long weekends, which is great for quick trips, but tough if you need consistent childcare.

Winter break runs a full two weeks, from Dec 21 through Jan 1. Students return on Jan 4. Right after returning, there are Staff Days on Jan 25-26, giving kids another long weekend. And don't forget the Flex Staff Day on Feb 15 (Presidents Day), which extends the mid-winter break.

Spring break runs from March 29 through April 2, 2027. But the big thing to watch is the end of the year. High school students have early dismissals June 8-10, and there are Staff Days on June 15-17. This means different grade levels might finish at different times, so check your specific school.

Fall break is short but scattered. Students get a day off for Yom Kippur (Sept 21) and a Staff Day (Sept 28). Along with Labor Day and Veterans Day, these long weekends give families a chance to take quick trips to the beach or the mountains before the winter holidays.

The last day of school for students is Friday, June 11, 2027. Teachers have staff days through June 17. Summer in Virginia Beach means hitting the oceanfront or the boardwalk. Just remember that if there are severe weather make-up days used during the year, the end date could be pushed later into June.