Fall break

What is fall break?

Fall break is a short break in the fall semester, usually in October. Not every district has one: it is common in parts of the South and Midwest, while many districts elsewhere only close for a long weekend or not at all until Thanksgiving. Where it exists, fall break can range from a long weekend to a full week.

When is fall break?

Districts set their own dates. Many schedule fall break in early or mid-October, often after the end of the first grading period, and some combine it with Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day on the second Monday in October. Others place it in late October. Because the dates differ so much, check the table above for your district.

Many colleges and universities also have a fall break of a few days, which does not always match the local school district.

Tips for fall break

Fall break is a popular time for a short family trip, to see the fall colors, visit a pumpkin patch or go to a theme park before winter. Because only some districts are off at the same time, destinations are usually less crowded than during summer or spring break. If you need childcare, many community centers and YMCAs offer day camps during the break.