Most public schools in the United States do not have classes on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but you must check your own school’s calendar to be sure.

What MLK Day Is

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. observed on the third Monday of January each year.
  • It honors Dr. King’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and is often linked with community service and reflection on equality.

Do Schools Have Class?

  • Most K–12 public school districts close on MLK Day and do not hold classes that Monday.
  • Many colleges and universities also cancel classes, though some campuses stay open or run special events instead.

Why You Must Check Locally

  • Each district, private school, and college sets its own academic calendar, so a few schools may still have classes or special programs that day.
  • The only way to know for sure is to look at your school or district’s official calendar or recent announcements (website, email, or app).

Quick How-To Check

  • Search “[your school or district name] academic calendar 2025–2026” and look at January’s holidays.
  • Or, check recent emails/texts from your school; many send a reminder that there is no school on MLK Day.