The 2025–2026 Prairie Spirit academic year begins on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and concludes on Thursday, June 25, 2026. It includes the traditional breaks and statutory holidays, aligning with provincial education standards and ensuring consistency across Saskatchewan schools.
The school year is divided into four quarters (Q1–Q4) to provide structured assessment periods for both semestered and non-semestered schools.
Quarter System Breakdown
| Quarter | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | September 2 – November 7, 2025 | 11 weeks |
| Q2 | November 10, 2025 – January 30, 2026 | 11 weeks |
| Q3 | February 2 – April 21, 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Q4 | April 22 – June 26, 2026 | 9 weeks |
Each quarter includes evaluation periods, professional learning opportunities, and flexible days for schools to support local learning goals.
Key Dates and Holidays (2025–2026)
Below are the major holidays and school closures recognized across Prairie Spirit schools:
September 2025
- September 1 – Labour Day (no classes)
- September 2 – First Day of Classes for Students
- September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (no classes)
October 2025
- October 13 – Thanksgiving Day (no classes)
- Professional Development and school-based planning days may occur as scheduled by each school.
November 2025
- November 11 – Remembrance Day (no classes)
- November 10 – Start of Quarter 2
December 2025
- December 25 – Christmas Day
- December 26 – Boxing Day
The winter break extends through the end of December and into early January.
January 2026
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- January 30 – End of Quarter 2, marking the mid-year academic transition.
February 2026
- February 2 – Start of Quarter 3
- February 16 – Family Day (no classes)
February typically includes a Professional Development day, giving teachers time for collaboration and reflection.
March 2026
- March includes instructional days leading into the spring term, with localized PD or non-instructional time determined by each school.
April 2026
- April 3 – Good Friday (no classes)
- April 6 – Easter Monday (no classes)
- April 21 – End of Quarter 3
- April 22 – Start of Quarter 4
May 2026
- May 18 – Victoria Day (no classes)
May also brings continued assessment preparation and school events celebrating learning milestones.
June 2026
- June 25 – Last Day of Classes for Students
- June 26 – Official school year end date for teachers and administrative closure.
Instructional Structure and Professional Learning
The Prairie Spirit School Division prioritizes professional learning as an integral part of its educational strategy. Throughout the year, specific Professional Development (PD) days and Preparation Time are designated for teachers to enhance instruction and align with provincial curriculum goals.
Schools also have flexibility to select one Operational Day before September 1, allowing teachers to organize classrooms, plan instruction, and prepare learning materials prior to the first student day.
Assessment and Exam Periods
Prairie Spirit schools use Summative Evidence Collection periods, which function as final evaluation or exam days.
These occur at the end of each semester or term, depending on the school’s internal scheduling system.
High schools operating under semestered or block schedules follow the division’s standardized timelines for consistency in reporting and grading.
Major Observances and Breaks
Students benefit from regular holidays and observances that allow time for rest, family engagement, and reflection:
- Statutory Holidays: Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Victoria Day.
- School Holidays: Scheduled breaks such as Winter and Spring Breaks that align with provincial norms.
- Cultural Recognition: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ensures students and staff take time to learn about Canada’s Indigenous history and reconciliation efforts.
These breaks ensure a healthy balance between learning and well-being for all students.
School Year Planning
Parents and guardians are encouraged to mark important dates early to plan vacations and family events around key school days. The Prairie Spirit School Division calendar is crafted to ensure a consistent, province-wide rhythm that meets both academic and community needs.
Families can also check with individual schools for local school-based professional days, assemblies, and community events that complement the division’s official calendar.
Key Highlights of the 2025–2026 Prairie Spirit Calendar
- First Day for Students: September 2, 2025
- Last Day for Students: June 25, 2026
- Four Academic Quarters structure learning evenly through the year.
- Professional Learning Days embedded for continuous teacher growth.
- Balanced Instructional Time for both core and elective subjects.
This well-structured calendar ensures students across the division benefit from high-quality education while maintaining time for rest and reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does the Prairie Spirit 2025–26 school year start?
The first day of classes for students is September 2, 2025.
2. When does the school year end?
The last day for students is June 25, 2026, with staff concluding on June 26.
3. How many quarters are in the school year?
There are four quarters:
Q1 (Sep–Nov), Q2 (Nov–Jan), Q3 (Feb–Apr), Q4 (Apr–Jun).
4. Are there days for teacher training?
Yes, several PD and operational days allow teachers to focus on instructional improvement.
5. When are the major holidays?
Major holidays include Labour Day, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas, Family Day, Good Friday, and Victoria Day.
Conclusion
The Prairie Spirit School Division 2025–2026 calendar offers a balanced academic schedule built on student success, teacher growth, and community connection. With clear term divisions, well-placed holidays, and professional learning opportunities, the year ahead supports an engaging and effective educational journey for all.