Guilford County Schools (GCS) is a large public school district serving Greensboro, High Point, and surrounding communities in Guilford County, North Carolina. GCS is the third-largest school district in North Carolina, serving nearly 70,000 students across 126 schools, spanning Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.
The district’s mission — preparing students to be responsible citizens capable of pursuing careers of their choice — is reflected in a comprehensive academic programme combining rigorous core instruction with diverse specialist pathways and strong community engagement. GCS is governed by an elected Board of Education working alongside the Superintendent and district administrators.
Guilford County Schools Calendar 2026-2027
Community-Driven Calendar Process
GCS develops academic calendars every other year in the late fall of even-numbered years, following Policy 3300 School Calendar and Time for Learning. Draft calendars are created with input from a diverse calendar committee comprising parents, community and faith representatives, teachers, principals, and district personnel.
After committee review, calendars are presented to the Board of Education for a first reading, followed by public comment, before final adoption. The 2026-2027 Traditional Calendar was officially approved by the Board on 14 January 2025.
North Carolina state law requires the school year to begin no earlier than the Monday closest to 26 August and end no later than the Friday closest to 11 June, with 185 instructional days or 1,025 hours required statewide (GCS provides 180 instructional days and 1,080 student hours under its approved calendar).
Guilford County Schools Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates (Official, Board-Approved)
The following dates are sourced directly from the FINAL Traditional Academic Calendar 2026-2027 (Approved 14 January 2025), available from the official GCS Finalsite PDF.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Mandatory Teacher Workdays (no students) | Mon–Thu, 17–20 August 2026 |
| Optional Teacher Workday | Friday, 21 August 2026 |
| First Day of School for Students | Monday, 24 August 2026 |
| Labor Day Holiday (no school) | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| End of Q1 (45 days) | Wednesday, 28 October 2026 |
| Optional Teacher Workday (GHOE) | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 |
| Mandatory Teacher Workday — Election Day (no students) | Tuesday, 3 November 2026 |
| Veterans Day Holiday | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Holidays | Wednesday–Thursday, 25–26 November 2026 |
| Optional Teacher Workday | Friday, 25 October 2026 |
| Winter Vacation Days begin | Monday, 21 December 2026 |
| Winter Holidays (Christmas/New Year) | Thursday 24 Dec – Monday 28 Dec 2026 |
| Vacation Days | Tuesday 29 – Thursday 31 December 2026 |
| New Year’s Day Holiday | Friday, 1 January 2027 |
| Optional Teacher Workday | Monday, 4 January 2027 |
| First Day of Second Semester / Q3 | Tuesday, 6 January 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday | Monday, 18 January 2027 |
| End of Q2 (45 days) | Friday, 22 January 2027 |
| Mandatory Teacher Workday | Monday, 25 January 2027 |
| Mandatory Teacher Workday | Monday, 15 February 2027 |
| Spring Vacation Days | Monday–Thursday, 22–25 March 2027 |
| Spring Holiday | Friday, 26 March 2027 |
| End of Q3 (43 days) | Friday, 2 April 2027 |
| Mandatory Teacher Workday | Monday, 5 April 2027 |
| Memorial Day Holiday | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Last Day for Students / End of Q4 (47 days) | Thursday, 10 June 2027 |
| Mandatory Teacher Workday | Friday, 11 June 2027 |
Academic Calendar Summary
- Student Days: 180
- Student Hours: 1,080
- Holidays: 11
- Vacation Days: 10
- Mandatory Teacher Workdays: 9
- Optional Teacher Workdays: 5
Last verified: 16 July 2026. Official source: Guilford County Schools — Final Traditional Academic Calendar 2026-2027 (Board-Approved 14 January 2025)
Academic Programmes
GCS offers a comprehensive and diverse academic programme including:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses across multiple subjects
- STEM Education — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-focused programmes
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) — hands-on vocational training aligned with workplace needs
- Choice Schools and Magnet Programmes — including IB (International Baccalaureate), STEM academies, performing arts, language immersion, and CTE specialisations; admission typically by application and lottery
- Blended Learning (Pre-K–12) — combining online digital media with traditional classroom instruction
- English Learners (EL) Programme — specialised support for non-English speaking students
- Exceptional Children — programmes for students with disabilities and gifted learners
- PowerSchool Parent Portal — real-time access to grades, attendance, and academic progress
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Office Address | 712 N. Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 |
| PO Box | P.O. Box 880, Greensboro, NC 27402 |
| Main Phone | (336) 370-8100 |
| Franklin Blvd Office Phone | (336) 370-2300 |
| High Point Line | (336) 889-5303 |
| News Media Phone | (336) 370-8307 |
| News Media Email | newsmedia@gcsnc.com |
| General Feedback Email | feedback@gcsnc.com |
| Choice Schools | (336) 574-5721 / gcschoice@gcsnc.com |
| Website | gcsnc.com |
Nutrition Services
GCS provides nutritious school meals daily. Families can apply for free or reduced-price lunch through the online application portal, with eligibility determined by household income. Under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), eligible schools provide free meals to all students regardless of income. Meal accounts can be managed online, with monthly menus available on the district website. Special dietary needs are accommodated with appropriate documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026-2027 school year start for GCS?
The first day of school for students is Monday, 24 August 2026, per the board-approved traditional calendar.
When is Spring Break for GCS in 2027?
Spring Vacation Days run Monday–Thursday, 22–25 March 2027, with Friday 26 March as a Spring Holiday.
When is the last day of school?
The last day for students is Thursday, 10 June 2027, marking the end of Q4 (47 instructional days).
How large is Guilford County Schools?
GCS is North Carolina’s third-largest district, serving nearly 70,000 students across 126 schools.
How can I apply for Choice Schools?
Contact the GCS Choice Schools office at (336) 574-5721 or gcschoice@gcsnc.com. Application windows typically open in early calendar year — check gcsnc.com for current dates.
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