When do kids go back to school 2024 to 2025?

As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents are beginning to prepare for the upcoming academic year. While the exact start date can vary slightly depending on your region, most kids across the U.S. will be heading back to school around the same time in late August or early September. In this article, I’ll tell you to navigate to the typical back-to-school timelines for different regions and share some thoughtful gift ideas to help make this transition smoother and more enjoyable for both students and teachers.

What time does school start in the US?

When it comes to the school calendar in the U.S., both the start of the school year after summer vacation and the return from spring break are important milestones that vary depending on the region and school district.

Start of the school year after summer vacation:

Southern states:

• Georgia: Schools in Georgia often start very early, with many districts kicking off the school year in the first week of August. For instance, Cobb County schools start around August 1st or 2nd.
• Florida: In Florida, schools also tend to start in early August. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, for example, usually begin around August 14th.
• Texas: Texas districts, like those in Houston, often start around mid-August, with the first day of school falling between August 15th and 20th.

Midwestern states:

• Illinois: In Illinois, schools start in mid-to-late August. Chicago Public Schools usually start around August 21st, but this can vary slightly depending on the district.
• Ohio: Schools in Ohio often begin around the third week of August. Columbus City Schools, for instance, typically start around August 23rd.

Northeastern states:

• New York: In New York, schools often start just after Labor Day. New York City Public Schools begin in the first week of September, with the first day often around September 5th or 6th.
• Massachusetts: Schools in Massachusetts, like those in Boston, start in the last week of August or the first week of September, often depending on the local district.

Western states:

• California: California schools have a wide range of start dates, but many districts begin in mid-to-late August. For example, Los Angeles Unified School District usually starts around August 14th.
• Washington: In Washington state, schools like those in Seattle start later, often in the last week of August or the first week of September.

Spring break:

Southern states:

• Florida: In Florida, spring break often occurs in mid-March. For example, Orange County Public Schools in Orlando usually schedule spring break for the second or third week of March.
• Texas: Texas schools, like those in the Dallas Independent School District, often have spring break during the second or third week of March as well, aligning with the local university schedules.

Midwestern states:

• Illinois: In Illinois, spring break usually falls at the end of March. Chicago Public Schools take a break during the last week of March, often aligning it with Easter if it falls within that time frame.
• Michigan: In Michigan, spring break is usually in early April. For example, schools in Grand Rapids often schedule their break for the first week of April.

Northeastern states:

• New York: In New York, spring break is often scheduled for the week leading up to Easter Sunday, in April. New York City Public Schools take their break in the first or second week of April.
• Massachusetts: Schools in Massachusetts, like those in Boston, often have spring break in mid-April, traditionally around the time of Patriots’ Day, a state holiday on the third Monday of April.

Western states:

• California: In California, spring break can vary but often occurs in late March or early April. The Los Angeles Unified School District takes its break in late March.
• Oregon: Schools in Oregon, like those in Portland, often have their spring break in the last week of March, aligning with the local university schedules.

Special cases:

• Year-round schools: In some districts, schools operate on a year-round schedule, which means shorter breaks spread throughout the year instead of one long summer vacation. These schools might start the new academic year as early as late July and have several shorter breaks throughout the year, including in October, December, and March.
• Private and charter schools: Private and charter schools may have different calendars compared to public schools, with some starting later in September or offering more extended spring breaks.

When do kids go back to school 2024 to 2025?

Region	States	Start date	Examples
Southern states	Georgia, Florida, Texas	Early to Mid-August	– Georgia: Cobb County Schools – August 1-2
			– Florida: Miami-Dade Schools – August 14
			– Texas: Houston Schools – August 15-20
Midwestern states	Illinois, Ohio, Michigan	Mid to Late August	– Illinois: Chicago Public Schools – August 21
			– Ohio: Columbus City Schools – August 23
			– Michigan: Detroit Schools – August 26-30
Northeastern states	New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey	Late August to Early September	– New York: NYC Public Schools – September 5-6
			– Massachusetts: Boston Schools – Late August
Western states	California, Washington, Oregon	Mid to Late August, Early September	– California: LAUSD – August 14
			– Washington: Seattle Schools – Late August/Early September
			– Oregon: Portland Schools – Late August/Early September

When do the kids go back to school? The earliest & latest states in US

When it comes to the back-to-school race, some states are practically sprinting out of the summer gate, while others are still lounging by the pool, soaking up those last rays of freedom. So, who’s first in line for the school bus, and who’s fashionably late? Let’s find out!

The early birds: Georgia

In Georgia, kids are heading back to school while there’s still sand in their flip-flops. Seriously, by early August—sometimes even the first—those kiddos are already cracking open the textbooks. It’s like Georgia took the “early bird gets the worm” thing a bit too seriously. They’re not messing around!

The late arrivals: New York

On the flip side, New York is the cool kid that shows up to the party just as everyone else is getting ready to leave. Schools here often start after Labor Day, around the first week of September. While the rest of the country is knee-deep in homework, New Yorkers are still enjoying their last licks of summer ice cream. It’s like they’ve got summer on speed dial, refusing to hang up until the very last second.

So there you have it: Georgia’s the kid who shows up early to class, eager and ready, while New York’s still hitting the snooze button, dragging out summer as long as possible. 

10 best Back to School gifts you can prepare

Time to think about Back to Schol gifts to help students, teachers, and even parents kick off the year right.

1. Personalized notebooks

A personalized notebook is more than just a place to take notes—it’s a way to express yourself. Whether it’s their name, a favorite quote, or a cool design, a customized notebook adds that extra special touch.

Who it’s for: Students of all ages, teachers, or even parents who love to stay organized. It’s a thoughtful gift that shows you really care about their personal style.

2. Stylish backpacks

A fresh school year calls for a fresh backpack. Look for something that’s not just stylish but also functional—think durable materials, plenty of pockets, and a design that stands out from the crowd.

Who it’s for: This one’s a no-brainer for students gearing up for the new year, but it’s also a great pick for teachers who lug around a lot of stuff or parents who need a versatile bag for everyday use.

3. Reusable water bottles

Staying hydrated is key, and a reusable water bottle makes it easy. Go for one that’s insulated to keep drinks cold all day, and make sure it’s leak-proof and easy to clean.

Who it’s for: Ideal for students, teachers, and anyone who needs to stay refreshed throughout the day. It’s an eco-friendly choice that’s good for them and the planet.

4. Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush

The Laifen Wave Electric Toothbrush isn’t just any toothbrush—it makes things totally different by simultaneously oscillating and vibrating. Iit gives a deep clean that’s gentle on teeth and gums. You can customize the brushing modes and timer with an app.

Who it’s for: This is a fantastic gift for students, especially teens who are starting to take their own hygiene seriously. It’s also a great pick for teachers or parents who want to step up their oral care game. And since it’s compact, it’s good enough for traveling too.

5. Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer

The Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer is the ultimate in lightweight, high-speed styling. Its advanced ionic technology helps reduce frizz and boost shine, giving you that polished look every day. And it’s powerful enough to get the job done fast without damaging your hair.

Who it’s for: Students who want to start their day looking sharp, or for teachers who need a quick and effective styling tool in the morning. It’s also a solid choice for parents who want salon-quality results at home. It’s also one of the Back to School supplies for teachers to streamline their busy teaching days.

6. Customized stationery sets

A set of customized stationery makes note-taking, list-making, and letter-writing feel a little more special. Think monogrammed pens, personalized sticky notes, and more.

Who it’s for: Students who love to stay organized or for teachers who appreciate a touch of elegance in their everyday tools. It’s also a nice way to encourage younger kids to take pride in their work.

7. Tech accessories (Like wireless earbuds or phone chargers)

Let’s face it—tech is a big part of school life now. Whether it’s wireless earbuds for listening to lessons on the go or a portable charger to keep devices powered up, these accessories are super handy.

Who it’s for: Tech-savvy students, busy teachers, or parents who want to stay connected throughout the day. These gifts are all about convenience and staying prepared.

8. Lunchboxes with insulated compartments

An insulated lunch box keeps food fresh and delicious until it’s time to eat. Plus, with so many stylish options out there, packing lunch can be fun.

Who it’s for: Students who bring lunch from home, teachers who need a mid-day meal, or parents who pack lunches for the whole family. It’s a practical gift that everyone can appreciate.

9. Desk organizers

A tidy desk makes for a tidy mind, and a good desk organizer helps keep everything in its place. Think about one with compartments for pens, notebooks, and even a spot for a phone.

Who it’s for: Students who need to keep their study space organized, teachers who have a lot of materials to manage, or parents working from home. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost productivity.

10. Inspirational Wall Art

Why It’s Awesome: A little inspiration goes a long way. Whether it’s a motivational quote or a piece of art that brings joy, wall art can set the tone for a productive and positive school year.

Who it’s for: Students who want to personalize their study space, teachers who want to add a touch of inspiration to their classrooms, or parents who enjoy uplifting decor. It’s a thoughtful and encouraging gift.

Specific regions: When?

When do kids go back to school in Florida?

In Florida, kids usually head back to school in early to mid-August, with most districts starting around August 10-14. It’s one of the earlier start dates compared to other states, so parents and students start preparing for the new school year pretty soon after summer begins winding down.

When do kids go back to school in california?

In California, the school year starts in mid-August, with most kids returning between August 14-18. The exact date can vary depending on the district, but mid-August is when you’ll see students getting back into the swing of things.

When do kids go back to school in Texas?

Texas schools open their doors again in mid-August, with start dates commonly falling between August 15-20. It’s a busy time as students gear up for a new year with a few more weeks of summer left to enjoy.

When do kids go back to school in Georgia?

Georgia is known for having one of the earliest start dates, with kids going back to school around August 1-4. This early start means that summer break wraps up quickly, and families are already thinking about school supplies and new routines by late July.

When do kids go back to school after spring break?

Students generally return to school the Monday after their spring break, which usually occurs in mid-to-late March. The exact dates can vary, but schools plan for a week off, and then it’s right back to the classroom the following Monday.

When do kids go back to school in Arizona?

In Arizona, the school year kicks off in early August, with most kids going back to school around August 5-10. It’s one of the states that starts earlier, so families are often ready to dive back into the school routine as the summer heat continues.