The Edmonton Catholic School Division (ECSD) has officially released its 2025–2026 academic calendar, outlining all important term dates, holidays, and professional development days for students, staff, and families across Edmonton, Alberta.
Whether you are a parent planning vacations, a student tracking school breaks, or an educator organizing lessons, this guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the ECSD calendar for the 2025–2026 school year.
School Year Overview
- First Day of Operation: August 28, 2025
- First Day of Instruction: September 2, 2025
- Last Day of Instruction: June 23, 2026
- Last Day of Operation: June 24, 2026
This calendar ensures a total of 190 operational days, including 184 instructional days, giving students and teachers a well-balanced academic schedule with ample time for learning, holidays, and development.
Key Term Dates and Breaks
1. Fall Term (September – December 2025)
- First Day of Classes: September 2, 2025
- Labour Day: September 1, 2025 (Holiday)
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: September 30, 2025 (Holiday)
- Thanksgiving Day: October 13, 2025
- Remembrance Day & Fall Break: November 10–12, 2025
- Christmas Vacation: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
The fall term begins right after Labour Day, with students settling into new classes and routines. The inclusion of Truth and Reconciliation Day ensures the division continues to honor Indigenous history and learning.
2. Winter Term (January – March 2026)
- School Resumes: January 5, 2026
- Family Day: February 16, 2026
- Faith Development Day / Professional Development: February 25, 2026
- Teachers’ Convention: February 26–27, 2026
- Spring Break: March 30 – April 6, 2026
The winter term features a mix of academic activity and reflection. February includes key faith-based and professional development days, providing teachers opportunities for growth and collaboration.
3. Spring Term (April – June 2026)
- Good Friday: April 3, 2026
- Easter Monday: April 6, 2026
- Victoria Day Weekend: May 15–18, 2026
- Last Day of Classes: June 23, 2026
- Last Operational Day: June 24, 2026
The spring term concludes with final lessons, exams, and celebrations. Students and teachers finish the school year before the summer holidays begin.
Statutory and Named Holidays 2025-26
The Edmonton Catholic School Division recognizes the following holidays during the 2025–2026 school year:
| Holiday | Date(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Day | September 1, 2025 | Schools Closed |
| Truth & Reconciliation Day | September 30, 2025 | Schools Closed |
| Thanksgiving Day | October 13, 2025 | Schools Closed |
| Remembrance Day & Fall Break | November 10–12, 2025 | Schools Closed |
| Christmas Vacation | December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 | Schools Closed |
| Family Day | February 16, 2026 | Schools Closed |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Schools Closed |
| Easter Monday | April 6, 2026 | Schools Closed |
| Victoria Day Weekend | May 15–18, 2026 | Schools Closed |
These holidays allow students and staff time for rest, celebration, and reflection—important for maintaining balance throughout the academic year.
Non-Instructional and PD Days
Edmonton Catholic schools include specific non-instructional days dedicated to teacher training, professional development (PD), and faith formation.
These dates include:
- Faith Development Day: February 25, 2026
- Teachers’ Convention: February 26–27, 2026
These days are essential for continuous improvement, ensuring teachers have access to the latest educational strategies aligned with Alberta’s Catholic education values.
Monthly Instructional Days (2025–2026)
| Month | Operational Days | Instructional Days |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 2 | 0 |
| September 2025 | 20 | 20 |
| October 2025 | 22 | 22 |
| November 2025 | 17 | 17 |
| December 2025 | 15 | 15 |
| January 2026 | 20 | 20 |
| February 2026 | 19 | 16 |
| March 2026 | 20 | 20 |
| April 2026 | 18 | 18 |
| May 2026 | 19 | 19 |
| June 2026 | 18 | 17 |
| Total | 190 | 184 |
This schedule balances instruction and downtime to support both academic excellence and well-being.
About Edmonton Catholic Schools
The Edmonton Catholic School Division (ECSD) is one of Alberta’s largest publicly funded Catholic education systems. It serves over 43,000 students across elementary, junior high, and high schools.
ECSD’s mission is to offer faith-based education grounded in Catholic values, emphasizing excellence, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
For updates, parents and students can visit the official ECSD website at ecsd.net.
Why Knowing the Calendar Matters
Planning ahead with the official Edmonton Catholic School Calendar 2025–2026 helps:
- Parents organize family vacations and childcare.
- Students prepare for assignments and exams efficiently.
- Teachers plan lesson schedules and evaluations.
- Community members align local programs and activities with school events.
Summary of Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School | September 2, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Holiday | October 13, 2025 |
| Remembrance Break | November 10–12, 2025 |
| Christmas Vacation | December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
| Family Day | February 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | March 30 – April 6, 2026 |
| Victoria Day Weekend | May 15–18, 2026 |
| Last Day of Classes | June 23, 2026 |
Final Note
The Edmonton Catholic School Calendar 2025–2026 reflects ECSD’s dedication to organized, balanced, and faith-inspired learning. Families are encouraged to bookmark the official ECSD calendar page for updates and future announcements.
From the first day of classes on September 2, 2025, to the last day on June 23, 2026, the year promises structured learning, community engagement, and spiritual growth across all schools in Edmonton.