July 28, 2025 – Public school start dates in the U.S. vary widely, typically falling between late July and early September, depending on the region and district.
- Southern and Southwestern states, including Texas, generally begin their school year earliest—most students return between August 7 and August 18. In San Antonio, for example, many districts start between August 4–14 for the 2025–26 school year.
- Northeastern states, such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, often delay the start until after Labor Day, with typical opening dates around September 5 to 8.
What’s driving the variation?
Factors include:
- Climate differences: hotter regions often begin earlier to avoid summer heat.
- Historical agricultural patterns: school calendars were shaped to fit farming schedules.
- Local policy decisions: districts may adjust start dates to fit community needs or to comply with state mandates.
Typical pattern: Nationwide, about 47% of districts start before August 16, about 35% begin between August 16–31, and around 16% start after August 31.
In summary, while the academic year usually runs from late August or early September through late May or June, the actual launch date depends heavily on geography, history, and district-level scheduling.
Here are the first-day dates for the 2025–2026 school year in local Texas districts:…