As families prepare for Presidents Day 2026, a common question on everyone’s mind is is there school on presidents day in palm beach county? This February holiday — officially observed on Monday, February 16 — is a federal holiday known for honoring past presidents of the United States and offering many people a long weekend. But when it comes to school schedules, the answer isn’t the same everywhere in Florida. Keep reading to understand what the Palm Beach County School District has planned and how this holiday affects students and families.
Check your calendar and plan ahead — many parents and students want clarity on this important school schedule question.
Wondering how your student’s school calendar affects Presidents Day plans? Continue reading to get all the essential details.
Why Presidents Day Matters for School Calendars
Presidents Day is a national observance that falls on the third Monday in February each year. In 2026, that date is February 16. Most federal offices, banks, and many workplaces observe the holiday with closures, and public schools in many areas traditionally close for the day as well.
However, because school calendars are set locally — often by individual districts rather than statewide mandates — not all students get the day off. This means that in some parts of Florida and across the U.S., school may or may not be in session on Presidents Day based on the district’s academic calendar.
What the Palm Beach County School District Has Scheduled
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Palm Beach County School District’s calendar contains multiple listed holidays and breaks, but Presidents Day is not explicitly listed as a no-school day in the official district calendars available online.
Instead, the holiday schedule includes common closures such as Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Spring Break, and Memorial Day, among others, for student time off.
Public data compiled from district calendars indicates that while holidays and professional development days are marked on the student calendar PDF, Presidents Day (Feb. 16, 2026) does not appear as a student day off on the district’s published materials, suggesting students are expected to attend school that day in Palm Beach County unless the district has updated its calendar since publication.
This aligns with reports noting that Palm Beach County is one of four Florida counties where schools will be open on Presidents Day, while most other counties in the state have scheduled the day as a holiday.
Parents and students who rely on traditional federal holiday closures should not assume that the district mirrors that practice. Instead, the local school calendar and district official notifications are the authority on whether there is school on that holiday.
How Palm Beach County’s Approach Compares to Others
Across Florida, policy varies widely:
- Most Florida counties give students Monday off for Presidents Day, creating a three-day weekend.
- However, Columbia, Highlands, Osceola, and Palm Beach Counties are reported to have school in session on Monday, Feb. 16.
This variation highlights the decentralized nature of Florida’s education calendar system, where each district independently sets its schedule based on instructional requirements and state educational statutes.
What This Means for Students and Families
If you’re part of the Palm Beach County School District community, here’s what you should know:
Students Likely Have a Regular School Day
Unless the district issues an updated calendar or announces a special closure, students in Palm Beach County should plan to attend school on Presidents Day. Even though it is a federal holiday, the local academic calendar doesn’t designate it as a student holiday.
District and Staff Schedules May Vary
While students may be in class, staff schedules could include professional development days or other adjustments around the holiday period. Always check official district communication channels for any last-minute calendar changes.
Parents Should Confirm With Individual Schools
Schedules for specific schools — especially charter or private institutions — may differ. It’s wise to confirm with your student’s school directly whether they’ve planned any closures or special events around Presidents Day.
Why the Difference Exists in Palm Beach County
There are a few reasons the school district might choose not to close on Presidents Day:
- Instructional time requirements: Florida mandates certain hours of instruction each academic year. Making up holidays like Presidents Day with instructional hours may help districts meet those requirements without extending the school year.
- Calendar planning flexibility: District planners balance holidays with other breaks and professional development days to create a balanced year that fits state and district needs.
- Local decision-making: Each district interprets statewide guidelines and student needs differently, leading to variation across counties.
Tips for Families Affected by the Schedule
If your student will be attending school on Presidents Day in Palm Beach County, consider these practical tips:
- Adjust holiday plans early. Don’t assume a long weekend just because federal offices are closed.
- Check school calendars often. District calendars can change, and schools may add professional development days or emergency makeup days.
- Plan for childcare or activities after school if needed. If you work a federal holiday schedule, you might want plans ready for afternoon or evening.
- Follow official communication from the district. Updates about calendar changes usually come through newsletters, school apps, or the district website.
Closing Thoughts
Locally decided calendars mean that is there school on Presidents Day in Palm Beach County isn’t a simple yes or no based on federal holidays. Instead, it reflects how the school district organizes instructional time and academic breaks for its students.
If you have experiences or questions about school schedules and holidays like Presidents Day, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or check your district’s calendar for up-to-date details.