Palm Beach County School Calendar 2024–2025: Full Guide for Parents, Students & Educators
The Palm Beach County school calendar is more than just a collection of dates—it’s the foundation of the academic year, shaping how families plan their vacations, how students prepare for exams, and how teachers structure instruction. For the 2024–2025 school year, staying informed about key dates such as holidays, early release days, and testing periods is essential for success.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down the Palm Beach County School Calendar 2024–25, offer planning tips for families, and answer the most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a parent planning around school breaks, an educator organizing curriculum, or a student preparing for a successful year, this resource is here to help.
Key Academic Dates: Palm Beach County School Calendar 2024–2025
Let’s start with the most important dates you need to know for the upcoming school year:
- First Day of School: Monday, August 12, 2024
- Labor Day (No School): Monday, September 2, 2024
- Fall Holiday: Monday, October 14, 2024
- Thanksgiving Break: Monday, November 25 – Friday, November 29, 2024
- Winter Break: Monday, December 23, 2024 – Monday, January 6, 2025
- Spring Break: Monday, March 17 – Friday, March 21, 2025
- Last Day of School: Friday, May 30, 2025
These dates apply to all Palm Beach County public schools and have been approved by the School District of Palm Beach County.
What to Expect on August 12, 2024: First Day of School
The 2024–2025 academic year begins on Monday, August 12, 2024. This first day sets the tone for the rest of the year. Students will meet their teachers, receive class schedules, and go through orientation activities. For younger students, it’s a day to get comfortable with routines. For high schoolers, it’s a chance to begin goal setting and academic planning.
Checklist for Day One:
- Pack all school supplies
- Prepare lunch or lunch money
- Double-check transportation arrangements
- Print or save the academic calendar
- Review any school-specific requirements or welcome letters
Early Release Days: Plan Ahead
Early release days are essential for professional development and teacher training. On these days, schools release students approximately two hours earlier than usual. Parents should plan transportation and after-school care in advance.
2024–2025 Early Release Schedule:
- August 28, 2024
- September 25, 2024
- October 30, 2024
- November 20, 2024
- January 29, 2025
- February 26, 2025
- April 30, 2025
Early release Wednesdays are strategically placed to give educators valuable time to collaborate and enhance classroom strategies.
School Breaks and Holidays
Breaks throughout the school year give students and teachers time to recharge. They are also great opportunities for family trips, holiday celebrations, or simply taking a break from the routine.
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Thanksgiving Break (Nov 25–29, 2024)
This full week off is perfect for family gatherings and a much-needed pause before the second half of the first semester.
Winter Break (Dec 23, 2024 – Jan 6, 2025)
Winter Break spans two weeks and covers Christmas, New Year’s, and plenty of downtime for rest or travel.
Spring Break (March 17–21, 2025)
Spring Break arrives just before Florida’s main standardized testing season, allowing students time to reset and refocus.
Standardized Testing Periods & Academic Exams
Testing is an integral part of the academic calendar in Florida. Palm Beach County schools schedule multiple assessments throughout the year, which help measure progress and guide future instruction.
Key Testing Dates:
- FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) Progress Monitoring
- End-of-Course Exams (EOC) for high school students
- SAT/ACT test dates
- Statewide Science and Math assessments
It’s important for students to:
- Get a full night’s sleep before exams
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Arrive early with required materials
High schoolers aiming for college should mark SAT and ACT dates early to avoid schedule conflicts.
How to Download the Official Palm Beach County School Calendar
To access the official and most updated calendar:
- Go to palmbeachschools.org
- Navigate to the “Students & Parents” section
- Click on “Calendars”
- Download the 2024–2025 academic calendar in PDF format
The calendar is available in both English and Spanish and is designed to be mobile-friendly and printable.
Weather & Hurricane Make-Up Days
Florida’s unpredictable weather requires some built-in flexibility. The district sets aside hurricane make-up days, which are activated if schools are closed due to storms or emergencies.
Families should:
- Stay subscribed to district email alerts
- Follow Palm Beach County Schools on social media for updates
- Keep an eye on local news during hurricane season
Considerations for Religious Holidays
Palm Beach County schools are mindful of religious observances. While not all holidays are official school closures, many teachers avoid major assessments during:
- Jewish High Holidays
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
- Other major religious observances
If your family observes specific holidays not listed on the calendar, communicate with school staff early in the year.
Tips for Parents: Making the Most of the School Year
Balancing work, school, and family can be challenging. With proper planning around the calendar, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure your child is prepared and engaged throughout the year.
Here’s how to use the calendar to your advantage:
- Book family vacations during official breaks
- Schedule medical appointments on early release or teacher workdays
- Sign up for camps or enrichment programs during long breaks
- Track report card and conference dates to monitor academic progress
- Prepare for standardized tests by reviewing testing windows in advance
Why the Palm Beach County School District Stands Out
Palm Beach County School District is among the largest in the state, with over 190,000 students enrolled in 180+ schools. It serves a diverse student body and offers various magnet programs, dual-language academies, and career-focused initiatives.
The district is recognized for:
- Strong academic performance
- Innovative STEM and arts programs
- Community partnerships
- Clear communication with families
Having a well-structured and transparent school calendar helps reinforce this commitment by giving families the tools they need to succeed.
Summary of the Palm Beach County School Calendar 2024–2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | August 12, 2024 |
| Labor Day | September 2, 2024 |
| Fall Holiday | October 14, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving Break | November 25–29, 2024 |
| Winter Break | December 23, 2024 – January 6, 2025 |
| Spring Break | March 17–21, 2025 |
| Last Day of School | May 30, 2025 |
| Early Release Days | Monthly – see section above |
Final Thoughts
The Palm Beach County School Calendar 2024–2025 is more than a list of dates—it’s a tool that empowers families, teachers, and students to plan for success. By staying informed and prepared, you can reduce last-minute stress, support academic goals, and enjoy quality time with your family.
Bookmark the calendar, stay up to date with school announcements, and revisit this guide throughout the year to make the most of every academic moment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does school start in Palm Beach County for 2024?
A: The first day of school is Monday, August 12, 2024.
Q: How long is winter break?
A: Winter break runs from December 23, 2024, through January 6, 2025.
Q: Where can I get the official school calendar?
A: Visit palmbeachschools.org and download it from the Calendars section.
Q: Is Thanksgiving Break a full week?
A: Yes, schools are closed from November 25 to November 29, 2024.
Q: When is Spring Break scheduled?
A: Spring Break will be observed from March 17 to March 21, 2025.
Q: Are there any hurricane make-up days listed?
A: Make-up days will be determined and announced if closures occur due to hurricanes or severe weather.
