Published Aug. 7, 2026. Updated Oct. 9, 2026.
Lincoln Public Schools will begin its first quarter break Oct. 15, followed by another no-school day Oct. 19. The 2026-27 calendar also includes Thanksgiving break, a semester break beginning Dec. 23, spring break March 8–12 and a final student day on May 20, 2027.
By Hola Nebraska
LINCOLN, Nebraska — Lincoln Public Schools students are approaching the first major break of the 2026-27 school year, with classes ending for the first quarter Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Students will be out of school Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15–16, for the LPS quarter break. Schools will also remain closed to students Monday, Oct. 19, for a district professional learning and planning day.
The second quarter begins Tuesday, Oct. 20.
LPS fall break runs Oct. 15–19
| Date | LPS calendar |
|---|---|
| Oct. 14, 2026 | Last day of first quarter |
| Oct. 15–16, 2026 | LPS quarter break |
| Oct. 19, 2026 | No school — professional learning and planning day |
| Oct. 20, 2026 | First day of second quarter |
The district lists Oct. 15 and 16 as its official quarter break. Combined with the Oct. 19 staff development day and the weekend, students will be away from classes from Thursday through Monday.
The Lincoln Public Schools academic calendar carries districtwide school dates and no-school days throughout the year.
Thanksgiving break begins Nov. 25
LPS schools will not be in session Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Nov. 27.
Students will also remain out of school Monday, Nov. 30, while district staff have a professional learning and planning day.
| Date | Status |
|---|---|
| Nov. 25–27 | All schools not in session |
| Nov. 30 | No school — professional learning and planning day |
LPS semester break starts Dec. 23
The second quarter ends Tuesday, Dec. 22.
LPS semester break begins Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2026, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027.
The district calendar lists Jan. 4 as an additional student day off, with classes resuming and the third quarter beginning Jan. 5.
LPS spring break is March 8–12, 2027
The third quarter ends Friday, March 5.
LPS spring break is scheduled for Monday, March 8 through Friday, March 12, 2027.
The fourth quarter begins Monday, March 15.
Lincoln Public Schools 2026-27 key dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 12, 2026 | First day for kindergarten, sixth grade and ninth grade |
| Aug. 13, 2026 | Grades 1–5, 7–8 and 10–12 begin classes |
| Aug. 18, 2026 | Early Childhood classes begin |
| Oct. 14, 2026 | First quarter ends |
| Oct. 15–16, 2026 | LPS quarter break |
| Oct. 19, 2026 | No school — professional learning and planning day |
| Oct. 20, 2026 | Second quarter begins |
| Nov. 25–27, 2026 | All schools not in session |
| Nov. 30, 2026 | No school — professional learning and planning day |
| Dec. 22, 2026 | Second quarter ends |
| Dec. 23, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027 | LPS semester break |
| Jan. 4, 2027 | Student day off |
| Jan. 5, 2027 | Third quarter begins; classes resume |
| Jan. 18, 2027 | All schools not in session |
| Feb. 15, 2027 | Schools not in session for students |
| March 5, 2027 | Third quarter ends |
| March 8–12, 2027 | LPS spring/quarter break |
| March 15, 2027 | Fourth quarter begins |
| April 5, 2027 | Schools not in session for students |
| April 30, 2027 | All schools not in session |
| May 20, 2027 | Last day for students |
| May 21–23, 2027 | Comprehensive high school graduation weekend |
LPS also offers subscriptions to its district academic calendar and individual school calendars. The LPS calendar subscription service can add the district calendar to Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or other calendar applications.
Individual schools may have additional dates and events
Districtwide breaks and no-school days apply across LPS, but individual elementary, middle and high schools maintain separate calendars for conferences, activities, performances, athletics and school-specific events.
Lincoln Public Schools serves more than 42,000 students in more than 60 schools and programs. The district’s main office is at 5905 O St. in Lincoln and can be reached at 402-436-1000.
The next districtwide break begins Thursday, Oct. 15. Students return for the start of the second quarter Tuesday, Oct. 20.
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