The Yakima School District (YSD7) has published its official 2025–2026 school year and assessment calendar, providing families, students, and educators with a clear outline of key academic dates, testing windows, and professional development periods. With a focus on consistency, learning, and community support, this calendar helps ensure a smooth and organized school year across all Yakima public schools.
School Year period
The first day of school for Yakima students will be Wednesday, August 27, 2025, marking the start of an exciting new academic journey. The last day of school is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, completing a total of 180 instructional days.
The school year is divided into two semesters:
- First Semester: August 27, 2025 – January 22, 2026
- Second Semester: January 23, 2026 – June 10, 2026
Each semester includes 90 school days, providing a balanced structure for instruction, assessment, and enrichment activities.
Quarter Schedule for Elementary & Middle Schools
For elementary and middle school students, the academic year is divided into four quarters, each lasting approximately 45 days:
- First Quarter Ends: October 29, 2025
- Second Quarter Ends: January 22, 2026
- Third Quarter Ends: March 27, 2026
- Fourth Quarter Ends: June 10, 2026
Quarterly grading periods allow teachers and families to monitor student progress closely and celebrate achievements throughout the year.
Assessment Calendar Highlights
The Yakima School District conducts a series of statewide and district-level assessments throughout the year to monitor student learning, identify academic needs, and guide instruction.
Fall 2025 Assessments
- WIDA Screener: August 27, 2025 – June 10, 2026 (for English language learners)
- Universal Screener (ELA Grades 6–12): August 28 – September 16, 2025
- Universal Screener (Math K–12): August 28 – September 22, 2025
- DIBELS/Lectura (K–5): September 2 – September 16, 2025
- WaKIDS Kindergarten Assessment: September 2 – November 15, 2025
- Read 180 Placement & Monitoring: September 2 – September 26, 2025
These early assessments help teachers establish academic baselines for each student, ensuring instruction starts strong.
Winter 2025–2026 Assessments
- Universal Screener (All Subjects): January 5 – January 23, 2026
- SEL Screener (Social-Emotional Learning): January 12 – January 30, 2026
- WIDA ACCESS & Alternate ACCESS: January 26 – March 20, 2026
- Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement (WA-AIM): January 26 – May 1, 2026
- Full RAN Testing (for identified students): January 26 – February 6, 2026
These midyear assessments allow the district to measure academic growth and adjust instructional plans to meet student needs.
Spring 2026 Assessments
- Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA – ELA & Math): March 2 – June 4, 2026
- WCAS (Science): April 6 – June 4, 2026
- SBA/WCAS Paper & Braille Testing: April 6 – May 15, 2026
- OSPI Developed Assessments (CBAs): April 13 – June 4, 2026
- Universal Screener (Final Round): May 18 – June 4, 2026
These end-of-year assessments measure student proficiency in core subjects and readiness for the next grade level.
Professional Development & Conference Days
Teacher development is an essential part of YSD’s commitment to educational excellence. Throughout the school year, staff engage in professional learning, curriculum collaboration, and parent-teacher conferences.
- Conference Half-Days: Early dismissal at 11:15 a.m. for middle/high schools and 12:00 p.m. for elementary schools.
- Monday Early Release: 1:30 p.m. for middle schools, 1:35 p.m. for high schools, and 2:15 p.m. for elementary schools.
These sessions support continuous improvement in teaching strategies and student engagement.
Snow Make-Up Days & Summer Learning
The district has designated snow make-up days in case of weather-related closures. If no closures occur, these dates will be treated as no-school days.
Following the regular year, summer school programs will be available for students who wish to catch up or get ahead academically.
Assessment Summary Table
| Assessment | Window | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| WIDA Screener | Aug 27, 2025 – Jun 10, 2026 | K–12 |
| Universal Screener (ELA/Math) | Aug–Sep 2025, Jan 2026, May–Jun 2026 | K–12 |
| WaKIDS | Sep 2 – Nov 15, 2025 | Kindergarten |
| CogAT Full Battery | Nov 17 – Dec 19, 2025 | Grades 2 & 6 |
| WIDA ACCESS | Jan 26 – Mar 20, 2026 | K–12 |
| WA-AIM | Jan 26 – May 1, 2026 | Selected students |
| SBA (ELA/Math) | Mar 2 – Jun 4, 2026 | Grades 3–8, 10 |
| WCAS | Apr 6 – Jun 4, 2026 | Grades 5, 8, 11 |
| CBAs | Apr 13 – Jun 4, 2026 | Varies by subject |
Conclusion
The Yakima School District 2025–2026 calendar is designed to keep students, families, and educators informed and prepared for the year ahead. With balanced semesters, structured assessment periods, and dedicated teacher development days, YSD continues to promote student success through thoughtful planning. Families are encouraged to review the district’s website regularly for updates, resources, and event notifications, ensuring every Yakima student has the opportunity to thrive throughout the school year.