UPDATE 12/18/25: The Board of Education adopted the 2026-2027 school year calendar this week. However, the board has scheduled a special meeting Monday, Dec. 22, at 12 pm, to reconsider the decision.
2026-27 Academic Calendar
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education chose to return to a traditional academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year during its meeting on Tuesday night.
For the past two years, the district has used a modified calendar with earlier start and end dates to the school year, which allows the first semester to end before winter break. However, new legislation under consideration by the General Assembly would introduce financial penalties for districts that don’t comply with the law that requires the first day of school be no earlier than the Monday before August 26.
The board considered one traditional calendar and one modified calendar on Tuesday. The two calendars have start dates, end dates, and graduation dates staggered two weeks apart, but both options include 178 student instructional days, 16 reserve days for staff, and a spring break from March 26 to April 2.
While some board members spoke in support of the modified calendar, a 5-4 majority agreed to the traditional calendar, with school beginning August 24, 2026. The calendar will be posted on the WS/FCS homepage within the next few days.
Advanced Learning Enrollment Increases
During the Curriculum Committee meeting, the board heard updates on advanced learning programs throughout the district. Advanced placement courses, Career & College Promise dual enrollment courses, and the International Baccalaureate program are attracting more students than ever in 2025, and data shows that they’re also passing exams at higher rates. The programs are also making strides towards greater diversity in enrollment.
“If we look at overall enrollment trends, I think there’s a lot of good news to celebrate,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Paula Wilkins.
New Year of Board Business
The Board of Education also adopted its 2026 meeting calendar, which will maintain the same schedule as 2025. The 2026 calendar can be viewed here. The board members were originally set to elect a new chair and vice chair during Tuesday’s meeting, but no nominee for chair received a majority vote. The issue will be considered again at their first meeting in January.
Holiday Card Winners Recognized
The special guests at Tuesday’s meeting were the student artists whose designs were chosen in this year’s Holiday Card contest. All of this year’s selections can be viewed here.
The Board of Education will meet again on Tuesday, January 13.