Close to Simpatico: Area Public School Instructional Calendars for 2026-2027

As students across Doña Ana County return to classrooms, the region’s three public school districts will begin the 2026-27 academic year on slightly different schedules while remaining closely aligned on most major holidays and semester breaks. Las Cruces Public Schools welcomes students back on Monday, July 27, while Gadsden Independent School District and Hatch Valley Public Schools begin classes the following week.

Although each district maintains its own instructional calendar, all three observe Labor Day, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Martin Luther King Jr. Day on similar schedules. The greatest differences occur at the beginning of the school year, district-specific professional development days and parent-teacher conference schedules. Families with students attending schools in multiple schools and/or districts are encouraged to review each calendar carefully for important dates throughout the year.

Las Cruces Public Schools

Las Cruces Public Schools begins the school year in phases, with kindergarten, sixth-grade and ninth-grade transition students returning July 24, followed by all remaining elementary, middle and high school students on Monday, July 27. The district’s calendar includes an October fall break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break beginning Dec. 21 and several educator planning days throughout the year.

Arrowhead Park Early College High School operates on a schedule modified to accommodate the school’s coordination with Doña Ana Community College. Please refer to the calendar provided, and stay aware of the differences.

Las Cruces Public Schools
2026-2027 School Board Meeting Schedule

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Gadsden Independent School District

Gadsden Independent School District students return to classrooms on Monday, Aug. 3, following a week of staff professional development and teacher workdays. Like neighboring districts, GISD observes Labor Day, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break, while incorporating several virtual learning days and districtwide professional development days during the school year.

Hatch Valley Public Schools

Hatch Valley Public Schools also begins classes on Monday, Aug. 3, after staff return at the end of July for professional development. The district’s instructional calendar closely mirrors neighboring school systems, with Fall Break in October, Thanksgiving Break in November and Winter Break beginning in late December before students return to class in early January.