The Bolivar School Board approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar at their February 19th meeting, providing families and staff with key dates and several intentional adjustments designed to support both student learning and staff professional growth.

The first day of school for students will be Monday, August 24, 2026, marking a full first week of instruction. Missouri law does not allow public schools to start more than two weeks before Labor Day, making August 24 the earliest possible start date for the 2026-2027 school year. The calendar includes 169 student attendance days and features built-in flexibility for inclement weather.

“Our goal each year is to create a calendar that supports student success while also providing consistency for families and staff,” said Dr. Michael Methvin, Superintendent of Bolivar Schools. “This calendar maintains traditions our community values, builds in flexibility for Missouri weather, and prioritizes high-quality instruction throughout the entire school year.”

Key Dates for 2026-2027:

• First Day of School: Monday, August 24, 2026

• Thanksgiving Break: November 23–27 (Full Week)
  
  

• End of First Semester: Friday, December 18
  
  

• Christmas Break: December 21–January 1 (Two Full Weeks)
  
  

• Second Semester Begins: Tuesday, January 5
  
  

• Spring Break: March 22–26 (Full Week)
  
  

• Graduation: Sunday, May 16
  
  

• Last Day of School: Wednesday, May 26
  
  

The district will continue its tradition of a full week for both Thanksgiving and Spring Break, as well as two full weeks at Christmas. The first semester concludes on Friday, December 18, allowing families to begin winter break before the holidays.

A notable addition to the 2026-2027 calendar is the implementation of early dismissal on Fridays. Each Friday, students will be released exactly one hour earlier to provide dedicated professional development time for staff.

“High-quality professional learning directly impacts student achievement,” said Dr. Tim Garber, Assistant Superintendent of Academics. “By building in consistent, weekly collaboration time, we are investing in our teachers so they can continue refining instruction and meeting the diverse needs of our students.”