Building a successful academic year in one of Maryland’s largest school districts requires more than just a sharp pencil—it requires a reliable roadmap. The Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) 2023–2024 academic calendar serves as this essential guide, aligning the schedules of over 80,000 students with their classrooms and communities.
From the staggered openings in August to the final dismissal in June, this calendar highlights the milestones that define the AACPS experience:
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Phased Academic Start: Specialized start dates for elementary, middle, and high school transition grades to ensure every student feels welcomed.
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Cultural and Religious Inclusion: A schedule that respects a diverse community by recognizing major observances and providing protected “no-testing” windows.
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Professional Development & Unity Days: Strategically placed early dismissal days and “Project Unity” sessions focused on equity and educator growth.
By keeping these key dates at the center of your planning, the Anne Arundel community can foster a well-balanced year that prioritizes both rigorous instruction and necessary restorative breaks.
Key Academic Dates
The calendar outlines important milestones that guide families and staff throughout the year:
- First Day of School: The exciting start of the academic year.
- Last Day of School: A celebration of the year’s achievements as classes conclude.
- Progress Reports and Report Cards: Scheduled updates to monitor academic progress.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: Opportunities to discuss student success and strategies for improvement.
These dates provide a structured timeline to ensure a productive year for students and educators.
Holidays and Breaks
The school calendar includes holidays and breaks to promote balance and rest:
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
These breaks offer valuable time for relaxation and family engagement, helping students and staff recharge.
Teacher Workdays
Teacher workdays are built into the calendar to enhance the quality of education:
- Purpose: Focus on lesson planning, curriculum updates, and professional development.
- Timing: Strategically scheduled to avoid classroom interruptions.
These days help ensure teachers are well-prepared to deliver effective instruction.
Early Dismissal Days
Early dismissal days support teacher collaboration and training while minimizing disruptions:
- Shortened School Day: Students are dismissed earlier than usual.
- Professional Development: Teachers use the time for planning and teamwork.
- Family Planning: Parents should arrange after-school care for these days.
These adjustments reflect the district’s commitment to continuous improvement in education.
Engaging Events and Activities
The Anne Arundel County school calendar includes various events that enrich the student experience:
- Sports Events: Promoting teamwork and school spirit.
- Music and Art Programs: Showcasing creativity and talent.
- STEM Fairs: Encouraging hands-on learning and innovation.
- Community Outreach Projects: Strengthening bonds between schools and local families.
These activities provide students with opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Emergency Closures and Makeup Days
The calendar includes provisions for unforeseen closures:
- Makeup days are built into the schedule to recover lost instructional hours.
- Families should monitor official district updates for changes due to emergencies.
This proactive approach ensures minimal disruption to the academic year.
Navigating the AACPS Advantage
Because Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) manages a diverse landscape—stretching from the urban centers of Annapolis to the rural communities of South County—the calendar is designed with flexibility and inclusivity in mind. Understanding these specific district features can help you better manage your family’s schedule.
The “Staggered Start” Strategy
Unlike smaller districts, AACPS often utilizes a phased opening to reduce first-day jitters.
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Transition Grades: Typically, students entering Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade start a day earlier than others. This allows these “transition” students to learn their new buildings and meet teachers without the full student body present.
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Pro-Tip: Check the calendar specifically for “Grade Level Only” days to ensure your student heads to the bus stop on the correct morning.
Cultural and Religious Observances
AACPS is known for a calendar that reflects its diverse population. The district often designates certain days as “No Testing/No Homework” windows in observance of major religious or cultural holidays.
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Planning Ahead: These designations mean students won’t face high-stakes exams or major project deadlines immediately following specific holidays, allowing families to observe their traditions without academic penalty.
The “Project Unity” and Early Release Rhythm
Periodically throughout the year, the calendar includes Early Dismissal days often tied to “Project Unity” or professional development.
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What to Expect: These are not just “half-days” for students; they are high-value training sessions for staff focused on school safety, equity, and curriculum alignment.
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Childcare Coordination: Because these days typically fall on Wednesdays or Thursdays, it is helpful to establish a “backup” childcare plan or coordinate with local community centers (like the YMCA or County Parks & Rec), which often offer “Schools Out” programming specifically for the AACPS schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Anne Arundel County school year begin and end?
The school year typically starts in late August and concludes in mid-June. Exact dates are available on the district’s official website.
What holidays are included in the calendar?
The calendar observes major holidays, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Memorial Day.
What are teacher workdays?
Teacher workdays are days dedicated to lesson planning, curriculum improvement, and professional training.
Are early dismissal days part of the schedule?
Yes, early dismissal days are included to allow teachers time for collaboration and development.
Where can I access the complete Anne Arundel County school calendar?
The full calendar is available on the Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ official website or through your child’s school.
Are makeup days included for emergencies?
Yes, the calendar includes designated makeup days to ensure students meet instructional hour requirements.
The Anne Arundel County school calendar ensures a well-balanced academic year, combining essential learning, restorative breaks, and engaging events for all.