The Chesterfield County school calendar for 2026-27 gives parents, students, teachers, and caregivers the important dates they need to organize the academic year. From the first day of school and student holidays to Thanksgiving break, winter break, spring break, early-release days, grading periods, and the final day of classes, this guide brings the most useful CCPS dates together in one place.
Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) in Virginia approved the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 with 178 instructional days. The school year uses a staggered opening beginning August 24, 2026, includes a two-week winter break and a one-week spring break, and ends June 4, 2027.
Parents searching for the Chesterfield County school calendar should note that different grade levels do not all start on the same day. Grades 1-5, 6, and 9 begin August 24, while grades 7-8 and 10-12 begin August 25. Pre-K and kindergarten students follow a separate staggered-entry schedule.
This article covers the Chesterfield County Public Schools calendar in Virginia, not Chesterfield County School District in South Carolina.
Because school schedules can be changed by weather, emergencies, or district decisions, families should always compare saved dates with the current official Chesterfield County school calendar before making important travel, child-care, or appointment plans.
Quick Answer: Chesterfield County School Calendar 2026-27
If you only need the most important dates, here is a quick overview of the Chesterfield County school calendar:
| Important Event | Date |
| First day for grades 1-5, 6, and 9 | August 24, 2026 |
| First day for grades 7-8 and 10-12 | August 25, 2026 |
| Pre-K and kindergarten staggered start | August 24-27, 2026 |
| All pre-K and kindergarten students attend daily | August 28, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving break | November 25-27, 2026 |
| Winter break | December 21, 2026-January 1, 2027 |
| Spring break | March 29-April 2, 2027 |
| Last day of school | June 4, 2027 |
| Instructional days | 178 |
For most families, these are the dates worth adding to a personal calendar first.
Key Takeaways From the Chesterfield County School Calendar
The Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 includes several dates that parents should know before planning vacations, appointments, and child care.
- Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) approved 178 instructional days for 2026-27.
- The first day varies by grade level.
- Thanksgiving break is November 25-27, 2026.
- Winter break runs December 21, 2026-January 1, 2027.
- Spring break is March 29-April 2, 2027.
- Multiple three-hour early-release days are scheduled.
- The last day of school is June 4, 2027.
- Bellwood Elementary returned to the traditional district calendar.
- Families can subscribe to the official CCPS calendar for future updates.
- Individual schools may have additional event calendars that are not part of the divisionwide schedule.
Complete Chesterfield County School Calendar 2026-27
The following table provides a detailed overview of major dates on the Chesterfield County school calendar.
| Date | Event |
| August 24, 2026 | First day for grades 1-5, 6, and 9 |
| August 25, 2026 | First day for grades 7-8 and 10-12 |
| August 24-27, 2026 | Pre-K and kindergarten staggered opening |
| August 28, 2026 | All pre-K and kindergarten students attend daily |
| September 4, 2026 | Holiday; no school |
| September 7, 2026 | Holiday; no school |
| September 21, 2026 | Holiday; no school |
| October 30, 2026 | End of Quarter 1; three-hour early release |
| November 2, 2026 | Student holiday; parent-teacher conferences |
| November 3, 2026 | Holiday; no school |
| November 13, 2026 | Three-hour early release |
| November 25-27, 2026 | Thanksgiving break |
| December 21, 2026-January 1, 2027 | Winter break |
| January 18, 2027 | Holiday; no school |
| January 22, 2027 | End of Quarter 2; three-hour early release |
| February 5, 2027 | Three-hour early release |
| February 15, 2027 | Holiday; no school |
| March 9, 2027 | Holiday; no school |
| March 25, 2027 | End of Quarter 3 |
| March 26, 2027 | Holiday; no school |
| March 29-April 2, 2027 | Spring break |
| April 23, 2027 | Three-hour early release |
| May 31, 2027 | Holiday; no school |
| June 3, 2027 | Three-hour early release |
| June 4, 2027 | Last day; Quarter 4 ends; three-hour early release |
| June 21, 2027 | Summer school begins |
| July 5, 2027 | Summer-school holiday |
| July 15, 2027 | Summer school ends |
Families should use this table as a planning reference but continue checking the official Chesterfield County school calendar during the year in case the district updates a date.
When Does Chesterfield County School Start in 2026?
One of the most common questions about the Chesterfield County school calendar is when students return to class.
CCPS uses a staggered opening rather than having every grade begin on the same day.
August 24, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026, is the first day for:
- grades 1-5;
- grade 6;
- grade 9.
Students entering sixth and ninth grade therefore begin before the remaining middle- and high-school grade levels.
August 25, 2026
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, is the first day for:
- grades 7-8;
- grades 10-12.
Families with children in multiple grade levels should carefully check the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 because siblings may have different first days.
Pre-K and Kindergarten Start Dates
Prekindergarten and kindergarten students use a separate staggered-entry process.
Assigned attendance takes place between August 24 and August 27. All pre-K and kindergarten students are scheduled to begin daily attendance on:
Friday, August 28, 2026.
Parents should follow the start information provided directly by their child’s school because younger students may be assigned different staggered-entry dates.
Chesterfield County School Holidays 2026-27
The Chesterfield County school calendar includes individual no-school days in addition to Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break.
| Date | Student Schedule |
| September 4, 2026 | No school |
| September 7, 2026 | No school |
| September 21, 2026 | No school |
| November 2, 2026 | Student holiday/conferences |
| November 3, 2026 | No school |
| January 18, 2027 | No school |
| February 15, 2027 | No school |
| March 9, 2027 | No school |
| March 26, 2027 | No school |
| May 31, 2027 | No school |
Parents should pay attention to the difference between a holiday and an early-release date. On a student holiday, regular classes are not held. On an early-release date, students still attend school but leave approximately three hours earlier than usual.
Chesterfield County Thanksgiving Break 2026
According to the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27, Thanksgiving break is scheduled for:
- Wednesday, November 25- Friday, November 27, 2026.
- Students have no regular classes during those three weekdays.
Classes are scheduled to resume:
Monday, November 30, 2026.
Because Thanksgiving break connects with the weekend, students effectively have five consecutive days away from regular school. Parents planning Thanksgiving travel should verify the live Chesterfield County school calendar before purchasing nonrefundable tickets or accommodations.
Chesterfield County Winter Break 2026-27
Winter break is one of the most important periods on the Chesterfield County school calendar.
The break begins:
Monday, December 21, 2026
and ends:
Friday, January 1, 2027.
Students are scheduled to return:
Monday, January 4, 2027.
| Winter Break Milestone | Date |
| Last regular weekday before break | December 18, 2026 |
| Winter break begins | December 21, 2026 |
| Winter break ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Classes resume | January 4, 2027 |
The approved Chesterfield County Public Schools calendar provides a two-week winter break, giving families an extended period for holiday travel, activities, and child-care planning.
Chesterfield County Spring Break 2027
Spring break is another high-interest date for families searching the Chesterfield County school calendar.
Chesterfield County spring break 2027 is scheduled for:
Monday, March 29-Friday, April 2, 2027.
Classes are expected to resume on:
Monday, April 5, 2027.
There is also a student holiday on:
Friday, March 26, 2027.
That means students are scheduled to finish regular classes on Thursday, March 25, and return Monday, April 5. Families who plan vacations around spring break should check the official Chesterfield County school calendar shortly before traveling in case a districtwide change has been made.
Chesterfield County Early-Release Days 2026-27
Early-release dates are some of the easiest dates to overlook on the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27. Students still attend school on these days but are dismissed three hours early.
| Date | Calendar Event |
| October 30, 2026 | End of Quarter 1; three-hour early release |
| November 13, 2026 | Three-hour early release |
| January 22, 2027 | End of Quarter 2; three-hour early release |
| February 5, 2027 | Three-hour early release |
| April 23, 2027 | Three-hour early release |
| June 3, 2027 | Three-hour early release |
| June 4, 2027 | Last day; Quarter 4 ends; three-hour early release |
Early-release days can affect:
- bus schedules
- parent pickup
- after-school care
- sports and extracurricular activities
- medical appointments
- work schedules
Families should check their individual school’s dismissal time because CCPS schools do not all follow the same daily bell schedule.
Chesterfield County Grading Period Dates
The Chesterfield County school calendar is divided into four grading periods.
| Grading Period | Scheduled End |
| Quarter 1 | October 30, 2026 |
| Quarter 2 | January 22, 2027 |
| Quarter 3 | March 25, 2027 |
| Quarter 4 | June 4, 2027 |
The ending date of a grading period does not necessarily mean students receive their report cards that same day. Parents can use ParentVUE to monitor grades, assignments, attendance, and other student information throughout the school year.
When Is the Last Day of Chesterfield County School?
The final scheduled student day on the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 is:
Friday, June 4, 2027.
June 4 is also:
- the end of Quarter 4
- a three-hour early-release day
- the final regular student day
There is another three-hour early release on Thursday, June 3, meaning the final two days of the academic year both operate on shortened schedules. Parents arranging transportation or child care should plan accordingly.
How Many School Days Are in the Chesterfield County School Calendar?
The approved Chesterfield County school calendar contains:
178 instructional days.
Virginia school divisions can meet statewide instructional requirements through the required number of teaching hours or school days.
For parents and students, the practical takeaway is simple: the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 was designed with 178 scheduled instructional days.
Does the Chesterfield County School Calendar Apply to Every School?
The divisionwide Chesterfield County school calendar provides the main dates used across Chesterfield County Public Schools.
These generally include:
- first and last days of school
- district holidays
- Thanksgiving break
- winter break
- spring break
- early-release dates
- grading-period endings
However, individual schools may maintain additional calendars for local events.
These can include:
- open houses
- athletics
- concerts
- school performances
- clubs
- testing
- picture days
- PTA or PTO meetings
- graduation activities
- specialty-program events
Parents should therefore use both the districtwide Chesterfield County school calendar and their child’s individual school calendar.
Bellwood Elementary Returns to the Traditional Calendar
One important change related to the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 involves Bellwood Elementary. Bellwood began following a year-round school calendar in 2018.
The Chesterfield County School Board later approved Bellwood’s return to the traditional calendar beginning with the 2026-27 school year. This means Bellwood families no longer need to follow a separate year-round schedule for the current academic year.
What’s New for Chesterfield County Schools in 2026-27?
Families comparing an older Chesterfield County school calendar with the 2026-27 schedule may notice several changes.
- Later August Opening
The 2026-27 academic year uses a staggered opening beginning August 24.
- Bellwood Calendar Change
Bellwood Elementary returns to the traditional district calendar.
- Deep Creek Elementary
Deep Creek Elementary opened for the 2026-27 school year, expanding CCPS elementary-school capacity.
- New Bensley Elementary Building
The new Bensley Elementary facility also opened for the 2026-27 school year. These changes make it important for parents to use a current Chesterfield County school calendar rather than relying on an older article or saved calendar.
Chesterfield County School Hours 2026-27
School dates are only one part of planning around the Chesterfield County school calendar. Start and dismissal times are also important.
Elementary School Hours
CCPS elementary schools operate on multiple schedule tiers. Common published schedules include:
- 7:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
- 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- 9:25 a.m.-3:55 p.m.
The exact schedule depends on the school.
Middle School Hours
Most physical CCPS middle schools operate at approximately:
7:35 a.m.-2:05 p.m.
High School Hours
Most traditional Chesterfield County high schools generally operate on a later schedule than middle schools. Specialty programs and Career and Technical Centers may use different schedules.
What Time Is Early Release?
A three-hour early release does not mean every Chesterfield County school dismisses at the same time. Because regular school hours vary by building, parents should check their child’s individual school schedule.
What Happens If the Chesterfield County School Calendar Changes?
Although the Chesterfield County school calendar is approved before the academic year, unexpected events can still result in changes.
Possible reasons include:
- severe weather
- power outages
- emergencies
- election-related school closures
- other districtwide circumstances
This is why families should avoid relying permanently on a printed copy or screenshot.
The live Chesterfield County school calendar should always be treated as the best source for current scheduling information.
Chesterfield County School Closures and Bad Weather
Snow, ice, severe storms, flooding, or other emergencies can affect the Chesterfield County school calendar during the year.
CCPS may decide to:
- close schools
- delay opening
- dismiss students early
Families should monitor official district communications when bad weather is expected. Parents should also keep their contact information current in ParentVUE, so emergency text and email notifications reach the correct contact details.
Attendance, Vacations, and the Chesterfield County School Calendar
Families often use the Chesterfield County school calendar to determine the best times for vacations and appointments.
Students are expected to attend school daily and arrive on time.
Whenever practical, families should schedule longer vacations during established breaks such as:
- Thanksgiving break
- winter break
- spring break
- summer vacation
Parents should avoid assuming that an early-release day is equivalent to a holiday. It remains an instructional day. Using the Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 before making travel plans can help students avoid unnecessary absences.
How to Subscribe to the Official Chesterfield County School Calendar
One of the easiest ways to keep track of dates is to subscribe to the official Chesterfield County school calendar.
A calendar subscription can help families:
- automatically add district dates
- receive synced calendar changes
- view school events alongside personal appointments.
Google Calendar
Families can add the district calendar to Google Calendar by opening the public calendar and choosing the + Google Calendar option.
Apple Calendar and Outlook
CCPS also provides an iCal option that works with compatible apps such as Apple Calendar and Outlook.
Why Calendar Subscription Is Better Than a Screenshot
A screenshot records the Chesterfield County school calendar at one moment in time. If CCPS later updates a date, the screenshot remains unchanged. A subscribed calendar can reflect future changes, making it more useful for long-term planning.
ParentVUE and StudentVUE
ParentVUE and StudentVUE complement the Chesterfield County school calendar by giving families access to student-specific information.
Parents can use ParentVUE to review information such as:
- grades
- assignments
- attendance
- teacher contact details
- school calendars
- transportation-related information
Families with multiple students can generally access their children’s information through the same parent account.
Chesterfield County School Registration 2026-27
Families moving into the area may be looking for the Chesterfield County school calendar while also preparing to enroll a child. CCPS allows families to begin registration through an online preregistration process.After preregistration is submitted, the student’s school contacts the family to complete the remaining steps.
Kindergarten Age Requirement
Children must be:
5 years old on or before September 30
of the school year to be eligible for kindergarten.
For the 2026-27 academic year, kindergarten preregistration opened March 2, 2026.
Common Registration Documents
Families may need:
- a birth certificate
- proof of residency
- parent or guardian identification
- emergency contact details
- health and immunization records
- previous school information when applicable
- custody documentation when applicable.
Families who are unsure which Chesterfield County school serves their home should verify their assigned school before completing enrollment.
Chesterfield County Summer School 2027
The Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 also includes general summer-school dates after the regular academic year.
| Summer School Event | Date |
| First day | June 21, 2027 |
| Summer-school holiday | July 5, 2027 |
| Last day | July 15, 2027 |
Specific summer courses, programs, and registration periods may have different requirements. Families should verify their student’s program rather than assuming every summer course follows the same schedule.
Best Ways to Use the Chesterfield County School Calendar
Parents can get more value from the Chesterfield County school calendar by using it as an active planning tool rather than simply checking dates occasionally.
- Add Major Breaks First
Add Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break to your personal calendar early.
- Mark Early-Release Days
These dates can easily be overlooked because students still attend school.
- Check Each Child’s First Day
Families with children in different grades may have more than one first-day date.
- Confirm School Hours
School schedules vary by building.
- Keep ParentVUE Updated
Current contact details can help families receive important notifications.
- Subscribe to the Live Calendar
A calendar subscription helps reduce the risk of relying on outdated information.
- Check Dates Before Travel
Compare your saved dates with the official Chesterfield County school calendar before booking nonrefundable travel.
Chesterfield County School Calendar Planning Checklist
Use this Chesterfield County school calendar checklist to stay organized throughout the year:
- Confirm the correct first day for every child.
- Add all student holidays.
- Add Thanksgiving break.
- Add winter break.
- Add spring break.
- Mark every early-release day.
- Add grading-period endings.
- Confirm school start and dismissal times.
- Verify transportation details.
- Keep ParentVUE contact information current.
- Subscribe to the official district calendar.
- Check the individual school’s event calendar.
- Arrange child care for early-release days.
- Recheck dates before booking vacations.
- Prepare for weather-related schedule changes.
- Confirm arrangements for the shortened final day.
Looking Ahead: Chesterfield County School Calendar 2027-28
Families using the Chesterfield County school calendar for long-term planning already have several important 2027-28 dates available.
The Chesterfield County School Board approved the 2027-28 calendar in June 2026.
| 2027-28 Calendar Feature | Approved Detail |
| Instructional days | 178 |
| Staggered opening | August 23-24, 2027 |
| Winter break | Two weeks |
| Spring break | April 3-7, 2028 |
| Last day of school | June 1, 2028 |
Families planning the following academic year should use the separate Chesterfield County school calendar 2027-28 rather than assuming holidays and breaks will fall on the same dates as 2026-27.
Conclusion: The Chesterfield County School Calendar
The Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 gives families a clear framework for planning the academic year from the staggered opening on August 24-25, 2026, through the final student day on June 4, 2027.
The most important dates on the Chesterfield County school calendar include Thanksgiving break from November 25-27, winter break from December 21-January 1, and spring break from March 29-April 2. Families should also pay attention to student holidays, grading-period endings, and three-hour early-release days throughout the year.
Parents with children in multiple grades should confirm each student’s first day because CCPS uses a staggered opening. Families should also check school-specific bell schedules, use ParentVUE for student information, and subscribe to the official Chesterfield County school calendar whenever possible.
For travel, appointments, child care, and other important planning, always compare saved dates with the live Chesterfield County school calendar. Keeping the official calendar bookmarked or subscribed can help families stay current if CCPS updates the schedule during the school year.
The Chesterfield County School Calendar FAQs
1. When does Chesterfield County school start in 2026?
According to the Chesterfield County school calendar, grades 1-5, 6, and 9 begin August 24, 2026. Grades 7-8 and 10-12 begin August 25.
2. When is Chesterfield County Thanksgiving break 2026?
The Chesterfield County school calendar 2026-27 lists Thanksgiving break for November 25-27, 2026.
3. When is Chesterfield County spring break 2027?
The Chesterfield County school calendar lists spring break for March 29-April 2, 2027.
4. Does Chesterfield County have early-release days?
Yes. Several three-hour early-release days appear throughout the Chesterfield County school calendar, including dates in October, November, January, February, April, and June.
5. Does Bellwood Elementary still use a year-round school calendar?
No. Bellwood Elementary returned to the traditional Chesterfield County school calendar beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.
6. Can the Chesterfield County school calendar change?
Yes. Weather, emergencies, or district decisions can sometimes change the Chesterfield County school calendar. Families should check current CCPS information throughout the year.
