San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) is the second-largest school district in California and the seventh-largest in the United States, serving approximately 95,000 students across 176 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the city of San Diego. The district’s main office is located at the Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103.
SDUSD is governed by a Board of Education that approves all major district decisions, including the annual academic calendar. The district serves one of the most diverse student populations in California, with students speaking over 60 languages at home and a significant English Learner community representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
Semester Alignment with Community Colleges
A distinctive feature of SDUSD’s calendar is its deliberate alignment with San Diego community colleges, established as a board priority in 2014. The goal is for the first semester to end at Winter Break — enabling high school students enrolled in college-level or dual enrollment courses to complete both their school and college semester at the same time, reducing scheduling conflicts for students earning college credits while still in high school.
Start Date: One Week Earlier for 2026-2027
SDUSD implemented a policy of starting the school year one week earlier than its previous August schedule, a change that affects summer program planning for many families. The district provides an FAQ page at sandiegounified.org specifically addressing questions about the earlier start. This earlier calendar start creates the scheduling conditions needed to complete the full semester before Winter Break, as required by the community college alignment policy.
San Diego Unified School District Calendar 2026-2027 — Key Dates
The following dates are sourced from CaliforniaSchools.us, which lists original data as verified against the official SDUSD district publications on 20 June 2026, consistent with CalendarStates.com data.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (Observed) — offices closed | Friday, 3 July 2026 |
| First Day of School | Monday, 10 August 2026 |
| Labor Day (Holiday — no students) | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| Non-Instructional Day (no students) | Monday, 12 October 2026 |
| Veterans Day (Holiday — schools closed) | Wednesday, 11 November 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Monday 23 – Friday 27 November 2026 |
| Winter Break Begins | Sunday, 21 December 2026 |
| Winter Break (incl. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve) | 21 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Non-Instructional Day | Monday, 4 January 2027 |
| Students Return from Winter Break | Tuesday, 5 January 2027 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Holiday) | Monday, 18 January 2027 |
| Lincoln Day (Holiday) | Friday, 12 February 2027 |
| Presidents’ Day (Holiday) | Monday, 15 February 2027 |
| Non-Instructional Day | Monday, 8 March 2027 |
| Spring Recess Begins | Sunday, 22 March 2027 |
| Spring Recess (including Non-Instructional Days) | 22 March – 2 April 2027 |
| Students Return from Spring Recess | Monday, 1 April 2027 |
| Memorial Day (Holiday — offices closed) | Monday, 31 May 2027 |
| Last Day of School | Tuesday, 26 May 2027 |
| Juneteenth (Observed — offices closed) | Thursday, 18 June 2027 |
Note: Sources vary slightly on the first day (Aug 10 vs Aug 31) and the last day (May 26 vs Jun 9/16). CaliforniaSchools.us and CalendarStates.com both cite August 10 and May 26 as the first and last days, based on data verified against official SDUSD publications in June 2026. Families should always confirm final dates at sandiegounified.org/academics/academic_calendars before finalising plans, as the district updates its calendar throughout the year.
Last verified: 06 July 2026. Official source: San Diego Unified School District — Academic Calendars (CaliforniaSchools.us data verified 06 July 2026)
District Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103 |
| Main Phone | (619) 725-8000 |
| Neighborhood Schools & Enrollment Options | (619) 260-2410 |
| Website | sandiegounified.org |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 7:45 am – 5:00 pm |
Academic Programs
SDUSD offers a comprehensive academic programme focused on equity, innovation, and student success, including:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exam preparation
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at select high schools
- Career Technical Education (CTE) — vocational pathways aligned with San Diego’s major industry sectors
- Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) — expanding early education access
- Ethnic Studies — curriculum reflecting the diversity of the San Diego community
- English Learner programmes — supporting students in over 60 languages
- Special Education services — providing tailored instruction and resources for students with disabilities throughout the year
- TEACH-LEAD San Diego — a programme supporting career changers entering education
Enrollment
SDUSD offers online enrollment for neighborhood school assignment, with required documents including a birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunisation records. For families interested in schools outside their designated area, the Choice Enrollment option allows applications to other district schools during specified periods. Contact the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options office at (619) 260-2410 for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026-2027 school year start for SDUSD?
Instruction begins for the 2026-27 school year on August 10, 2026.
When is Thanksgiving Break for SDUSD in 2026?
Thanksgiving Break runs from November 23–27, 2026.
When is Winter Break for SDUSD in 2026-2027?
Winter Break begins December 21, 2026, including holidays on December 24, 25, and 31.
When is Spring Recess for SDUSD in 2027?
Spring Break is scheduled from approximately March 22 through April 2, 2027, with non-instructional days included.
When is the last day of school?
The last day of school for the San Diego Unified School District is May 26, 2027.
How large is the San Diego Unified School District?
SDUSD serves approximately 95,000 students across 176 schools, making it the second-largest district in California.
Why does SDUSD start school in early August?
SDUSD starts one week earlier than its previous schedule to ensure the first semester ends at Winter Break, aligning with San Diego community college calendars.
Who do I contact for enrollment queries?
Contact the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options office at (619) 260-2410, or visit sandiegounified.org.