Columbus City Schools (CCS) is Ohio’s largest public school district, headquartered at 270 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio, serving approximately 46,000 students across 113 schools, spanning Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. The district is led by Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman and is one of the largest employers in the Columbus metropolitan area, with over 9,000 teachers and staff members.
CCS offers a broad range of academic programmes, including The Academies, Career-Technical Education (CTE), Gifted and Talented programmes, Special Education, and multiple school-choice pathways. The district also operates a Year-Round Calendar as an alternative track alongside its Traditional Calendar, giving families scheduling flexibility.
Academic Programs and Initiatives
CCS prepares students for college and career success through:
- The Academies — specialised focus schools within CCS high schools
- Career-Technical Education (CTE) — including skilled trades aligned with Ohio’s growing vocational needs
- Capital City Teacher Residency Program — supporting individuals transitioning into education careers to address teacher shortages and enhance staff diversity
- Columbus Hearing Impaired Program (C.H.I.P.) — specialised support for hearing-impaired students
- Columbus Promise — college access and affordability initiative
- English as a Second Language (ESL) — serving CCS’s diverse student community
- Adult & Community Education — lifelong learning programmes for community members
School Leadership
Columbus City Schools is led by Superintendent/CEO Dr. Angela Chapman, who oversees a district committed to equity, innovation, and community engagement. The district’s Board of Education meets regularly at 270 E. State Street, Columbus, with meeting dates posted on the CCS website.
District Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 270 E. State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 |
| Main Phone | (614) 365-5000 |
| Superintendent’s Customer Relations | (614) 365-8888 |
| Customer Relations Email | customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us |
| Central Enrollment Center | (614) 365-4011 |
| FACTLine | (614) 221-3228 / factline@columbus.k12.oh.us |
| Website | ccsoh.us |
Columbus City Schools Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates (Traditional Calendar)
The following dates are sourced from the official CCS 2026-2027 Traditional Calendar PDF (available at ccsoh.us/our-district/calendars).
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First Day of School — Grades K–12 | Thursday, 20 August 2026 |
| First Day of School — Kindergarten | Tuesday, 25 August 2026 |
| First Day of School — Pre-K | Tuesday, 8 September 2026 |
| Labor Day (No school) | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| End of Quarter 1 | Wednesday, 15 October 2026 |
| Wellness Week (replaces Thanksgiving Break) | Monday 23 – Friday 27 November 2026 |
| Early Dismissal (K–12, 30 min early; Pre-K no school) | Thursday, 18 December 2026 |
| Winter Break | Sunday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Students Return from Winter Break | Monday, 4 January 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No school) | Monday, 18 January 2027 |
| Spring Break | Friday 26 March – Friday 2 April 2027 |
| Memorial Day (No school) | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Last Day of School (Students) | Thursday, 27 May 2027 |
| Records Day (Staff only, no students) | Friday, 28 May 2027 |
| Juneteenth (State/Federal Holiday) | Thursday, 18 June 2027 |
Quarter End Dates
| Quarter | End Date |
|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | Wednesday, 15 October 2026 |
| Quarter 2 / End of Semester 1 | Late January 2027 |
| Quarter 3 | Mid-March 2027 |
| Quarter 4 / Last Day | Thursday, 27 May 2027 |
Note: CCS also offers a Year-Round Calendar track at select schools — families enrolled in year-round programmes follow different start/end dates. Confirm your school’s specific calendar at ccsoh.us/our-district/calendars. The academic calendar is also subject to revision due to severe weather, energy problems, or other public calamities, per the district’s official disclaimer.
Last verified: 03rd July 2026. Official source: Columbus City Schools — Calendars (2026-2027 Traditional Calendar PDF)
Notable Feature: Wellness Week Instead of Thanksgiving Break
A distinctive feature of the Columbus City Schools calendar is the use of “Wellness Week” in late November — the full week of Thanksgiving, from Monday 23 through Friday 27 November 2026, when all schools are closed. This deliberate rebranding of the traditional Thanksgiving break reflects the district’s emphasis on holistic student wellbeing, encouraging families to use the extended break for rest, mental health, and family connection.
How Families Can Use This Calendar
Knowing the CCS calendar in advance helps families:
- Note the staggered start dates — Grades K–12 start August 20, Kindergarteners start August 25, and Pre-K students start September 8 (the day after Labor Day)
- Plan around the full Wellness Week in late November and the Spring Break running March 26 – April 2
- Be aware of the early dismissal on December 18 — K–12 students leave 30 minutes early, while Pre-K has no school that day
- Confirm whether their child’s school follows the Traditional or Year-Round Calendar, as start and end dates differ between tracks
Enrollment
CCS offers online enrollment for new students, Kindergarten through Grade 12, via the district’s Infinite Campus portal. Required documents include:
- Proof of residency
- Immunisation records
- Birth certificate
- Parent/guardian ID
Enrollment is open year-round, with assistance available through the Central Enrollment Center at (614) 365-4011. School choice options and specialised programme eligibility may have additional deadlines.
Transportation
CCS provides transportation for eligible students living more than two miles from their assigned schools, or those with specific needs outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Families can access route details, bus stop information, times, and bus numbers through the district’s transportation portal.
School Meals
CCS provides nutritious breakfast and lunch daily, including whole-grain cereals, breakfast bars, fruit cups, yogurt, low-fat milk, grilled chicken, hearty sandwiches, vegetarian entrées, fresh salads, and steamed vegetables — all meeting USDA nutrition standards and accommodating dietary needs through allergy-aware, vegetarian, and cultural menu variations.
Employment
CCS employs over 9,000 teachers and staff, offering diverse employment opportunities across teaching, administrative, and support roles, available through ccsjobs.org. The district’s Capital City Teacher Residency Program actively supports career changers entering education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Superintendent of Columbus City Schools?
Dr. Angela Chapman serves as Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools.
When does the 2026-2027 school year start for CCS?
Grades K–12 start Thursday, 20 August 2026. Kindergarteners start on 25 August, and Pre-K students begin on 8 September 2026.
Does CCS have a Thanksgiving break?
CCS calls it “Wellness Week” rather than Thanksgiving break — the full week of 23-27 November 2026 is off for all students.
When is Spring Break for CCS in 2027?
Spring Break runs Friday 26 March – Friday 2 April 2027.
What is the difference between the Traditional and Year-Round calendars?
CCS operates both a Traditional Calendar and a Year-Round Calendar at select schools — families should confirm which track their school follows at ccsoh.us.
How large is Columbus City Schools?
CCS serves approximately 46,000 students across 113 schools, making it Ohio’s largest school district.
