Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has announced that families, staff, students, and community members are invited to provide input on the 2026–27 school calendar through an annual survey available until October 17.
According to PWCS, the development of the 2026–27 school calendar options involved contributions from parents, teachers, principals, support staff, students, and community partners. This process included two in-person calendar committee meetings and presentations to the Superintendent’s Advisory Council on Instruction and the Superintendent’s Principal Advisory Council. More than 150 community members contributed priorities and feedback to ensure that the calendars reflect learning needs, family schedules, staff planning, and the diverse needs of the community.
The four calendar options include key dates such as teacher report days (August 17), first day of school (August 24 or 25), winter and spring breaks, last day for students (June 15 or 17) and teachers (June 16 or 21), preservice and professional development days, early releases, and major holidays. These options are compared with nearby districts.
PWCS invites families, staff, and community members to complete the calendar survey by Friday, October 17. The responses will be presented to the School Board in November with a final decision expected at the December 3 board meeting. Each option reflects PWCS’ commitment to learning and achievement for all students, a positive climate and culture, collective input from the community, and requirements from the Virginia Department of Education. Printable versions of all four options are available online for review.
As reported by PWCS, it is the second-largest school division in Virginia and ranks as the 32nd largest in the nation. It serves over 90,000 students across various educational programs including elementary through high school levels as well as preschool and specialty programs. PWCS offers academic specialty programs such as two Governor’s Schools along with dual enrollment opportunities; Advanced Placement; Cambridge Programme; International Baccalaureate courses; career technology certifications; robotics; instruction in ten world languages; sustainability initiatives; family engagement support covering 174 languages; partnerships with businesses; plus community organizations’ involvement. Under Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade’s leadership—PWCS reports a graduation rate of 94.3% on-time completion alongside more than $123 million in scholarships awarded for its class graduating year-round within this timeframe while being governed by an eight-member elected School Board.
