School Calendar Update: Snow Days and 2026–2027 Calendar
Dear Taunton Public Schools Families,
Taunton Public Schools is still determining the final day of school for the 2025–2026 school year following this winter’s severe weather.
On March 4, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released guidance for school districts that experienced significant weather cancellations. This guidance allows districts to apply for a waiver from the 180-day school year requirement.
To qualify for a waiver, districts must show that students will still receive the required instructional hours:
900 hours for elementary students
990 hours for middle and high school students
Districts must also schedule the school calendar through Friday, June 26, 2026, and convert any remaining districtwide professional development days or school closure days into regular school days.
In Taunton, there are no full professional development days left on the calendar this year. The only remaining possible adjustment would be to make Good Friday a school day.
Students who observe Good Friday for religious reasons would be able to request a religious exemption in accordance with district policy.
April Vacation would not be changed or canceled.
The School Committee is expected to discuss this issue at its March 18 meeting. Once a decision has been made, the district will share a clear update with families about the final day of school for this year.
At its March 4 meeting, the Taunton School Committee also approved the 2026–2027 school calendar, allowing families to begin planning ahead.
Key dates for the 2026–2027 school year include:
Educator First Day: August 24, 2026
First Day of School for Students (Grades 1–12): August 27, 2026
First Day of School for PreK and Preschool: September 2, 2026
School vacation weeks:
Thanksgiving Break: November 25–27, 2026
Winter Break: December 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027
February Break: February 15–19, 2027
April Break: April 19–23, 2027
High School Graduation: June 6, 2027
Last Day of School: June 17, 2027 - Early Release(if no snow days are needed)
Early Release Days:
October 7, 2026
November 19, 2026 (Conferences)
January 27, 2027
March 3, 2027
May 12, 2027
Families can view the full calendar here:
www.tauntonschools.org/schoolcalendar
Thank you for your continued patience and partnership. We will continue to keep families informed as decisions regarding the 2025–2026 school calendar are finalized.
Sincerely,
Taunton Public Schools
