(Nexstar) – While it might feel like the lazy days of summer are still lingering, millions of kids across the U.S. are gearing up to head back to school.
The tradition of returning to class post-Labor Day is becoming increasingly uncommon in 2025. In fact, some schools have already been in session for a few weeks!
In Arizona, students began their school year as early as July 16 this year. Similarly, kids in Jackson, Mississippi, were back in class on July 28. Meanwhile, an elementary school in Chula Vista, California, had students attending as of July 23.
A survey from Pew Research conducted in 2023 on 1,500 public school districts highlighted the diverse starting dates across the country. Many schools resumed classes as early as mid-July, while others didn’t open until early September, with the most typical opening timeframe falling between August 14 and 18.
In general, schools located in the South and Southwest tend to kick off their academic year earlier. However, there are notable exceptions in different states, even among schools that are close to each other.
Historically, things have shifted quite a bit. Back in the 1980s, it was the norm to start school after Labor Day. By the 1990s, schools were shifting toward August start dates.
So, what prompted this change?
Some districts have adjusted their calendars to make room for longer holiday breaks, like in Oakland, California, where public schools now allow a week off for Thanksgiving. This shift in the academic schedule was implemented to better spread out student holidays.
A local principal noted that starting school earlier helps with logistics too. It gives students more time to prep for standardized tests in the spring, which, I suppose, makes sense.
In hotter climates, there’s also the consideration of returning students to classrooms sooner. This is something mentioned in reports from Arizona.
August start dates are often better aligned with local universities’ academic calendars, which can be helpful for families juggling schedules between older and younger kids.
In some places, like Minnesota, laws have been implemented to prevent early start dates. Schools there must begin after Labor Day, a move that advocates believe benefits local tourism. Wisconsin has a similar requirement but allows some exceptions. Maryland, which used to have laws mandating a post-Labor Day start, recently overturned this regulation.
