City Schools announces winter break, reopens January 5 with supports for families

Baltimore City Public Schools informed families on December 22 that classes would pause for winter break starting Wednesday, December 24 and resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. District offices will be closed December 24 through December 26 and again December 31 through January 2, a schedule families should note when seeking administrative services over the holiday period.

The district’s announcement included targeted resources for students and caregivers to bridge the break. For pre K through 5 students the district provided learning guides and pre K activity resources to maintain basic skill practice. Digital reading access was highlighted through the Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Sora digital library to support literacy while physical branches are closed or have limited hours. Mental health supports through Hazel Health were offered to families in need of counseling or crisis services during the break. The announcement also encouraged student creative participation by promoting Lyric Baltimore’s Dream Big contest, with a submission deadline of February 20, 2026.

For Baltimore families the timing and length of the break matters for household planning. With schools closed from December 24 through January 4 inclusive, parents and guardians will need to arrange child care, manage household schedules around reduced district office availability, and plan for potential changes to meal access for students who rely on school nutrition programs. The district’s emphasis on library and digital resources aims to reduce learning loss and provide low cost or free options for families during the closure.

Economically the pause in school operations concentrates demand for child care and seasonal services, while the district provided online and community resource referrals to ease those pressures. The call for student submissions to the Dream Big contest offers an avenue for ongoing engagement into the new year, and the mental health referral is a reminder that social emotional support remains part of school services even when buildings are closed.

Families seeking help during the break should use the district’s listed online supports, the Pratt Library’s free book options, and Hazel Health for mental health needs while keeping the district office holiday schedule in mind.