NPS Determines Tentative Last Day of School for SY2025-26

Dear NPS Community,

We understand that the extension of our tentative last day of school to Thursday, June 25 has been an adjustment for some families, and we want to provide clarity around why these changes are necessary.

We recognize that calendar changes impact family schedules, summer plans, and childcare arrangements. Please know that this decision was made thoughtfully and in alignment with state requirements to ensure our students receive the full amount of instructional time mandated by law.

We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership.

NPS Communications

How many days of instruction does the state require?

Connecticut law requires that students attend school for a minimum of 180 days each year AND complete at least 900 instructional hours.

Why can’t we change two-hour dismissal days to full days to make up the time?

Two-hour early dismissal days still count toward the total number of instructional days in the school year and are built into the required 900 instructional hours. In addition, staff professional development days are contractually required under union agreements. The district works collaboratively with bargaining groups when establishing the calendar, and these days cannot be converted into regular instructional days.

Can we make up days by converting full-day staff professional development days into instructional days?

No. There are no remaining full-day staff professional development days on the 2025–2026 calendar that could be converted into instructional days.

How many school days were approved for the 2025-26 calendar?

The Norwalk Board of Education approved 182 school days for the 2025–2026 school year.

• One of those days was included to account for the school closure caused by the fiery crash on I-95 in May 2024. Although the state granted NPS a waiver at the time so the day did not need to be made up during that school year, the district is required to make up that missed instructional day by 2026.
• The second additional day is reserved in the event of further school closures this year due to inclement weather.
• If there are no additional school closures, the last day of school will revert to Wednesday, June 24, pending approval by the Norwalk Board of Education.

What is the tentative last day of school (as of March 5, 2026)?

At this time, the tentative last day of school is Thursday, June 25.

Will the date change if there are additional school closures?

The last day of school would only be extended further if schools must close for more than two additional days this year.

Why hasn't the district announced graduation dates?

Norwalk Public Schools traditionally announces graduation dates in April at a Board of Education business meeting.

Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk has announced its graduation date will be Tuesday, June 16 at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. An exception is being made for this date to stand this year due to the construction of the new Norwalk High School/P-TECH building that prevents them from holding their graduation on campus.