Finding out if it’s a school holiday in Maryland can be tricky. This article clarifies how to determine school closures in Maryland, focusing on public school holidays for 2025.
School holidays in Maryland are determined by a combination of federal, state, and local regulations. While some holidays are observed statewide, others are left to the discretion of individual school boards. This can lead to variations in school calendars across different counties.
Understanding Maryland School Holiday Designations
Maryland law dictates that if federal and state holidays fall on different days, each local Board of Education decides which date will be observed as a holiday in its public schools. This flexibility allows school systems to tailor their calendars to the specific needs of their communities.
2025 Maryland Public School Holidays
The following table lists the anticipated holidays for Maryland public schools in 2025:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 (Wednesday) | New Year’s Day |
| January 20 (3rd Monday) | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday (observed) |
| February 17 (3rd Monday) | Presidents’ Day |
| April 18 (Friday) | Good Friday through Monday after Easter** |
| May 26 (Last Monday) | Memorial Day |
| November 27 (4th Thursday) | Thanksgiving Day through Sunday |
| December 25 (Thursday) | Christmas Day through New Year’s Day** |
Note: While most school systems schedule breaks around Easter and Christmas/New Year’s, variations exist. The dates listed above indicate commonly observed periods. If Congress designates a different date for a federal holiday, that date becomes the official observance.
How to Confirm School Closures
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on school closures:
- Consult your local school system’s website: This is the primary source for specific school calendar information, including any unscheduled closures due to inclement weather or other emergencies.
- Check the Maryland State Department of Education website: While not providing specific school calendars, the state website offers general information about school holidays and closures.
- Review your child’s school handbook or calendar: These resources typically outline the planned school year, including holidays and breaks.
For a comprehensive list of Maryland public school system websites, visit: www.marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/School-Systems/Open-Closing-Dates.aspx
Stay Informed About Maryland School Holidays
Staying informed about school holidays requires proactive engagement with local school resources. By utilizing available online resources and school communications, parents and students can ensure they are aware of all scheduled and unscheduled school closures. Remembering that variations exist between districts is key to accurately determining “is it a holiday for schools today?” in Maryland.
