Are schools closed on columbus day in USA

Do Kids Have School on Columbus Day 2026? New Jersey School Closures

Updated: October 12, 2026

Parents and students across New Jersey may be wondering: Do kids have school on Columbus Day 2026? Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. However, whether students get the day off depends on the school district and its official academic calendar.

Do Kids Have School on Columbus Day 2026?

The answer depends on the school district. Some New Jersey public schools are closed for Columbus Day, while school schedules should be checked individually rather than assuming every school follows the same calendar.

For example, Union City Public Schools lists October 12, 2026, as a school-closure day for Columbus Day. Jersey City Public Schools also lists Columbus Day as a school-closed day. Elizabeth Public Schools marks the date as Columbus Day observance on its district calendar.

These examples show why families should consult their own district's calendar before making plans.

When Is Columbus Day in 2026?

• Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Day of the week: Monday
• Holiday: Columbus Day
• Location covered: United States, including New Jersey

According to the official New Jersey state holiday calendar, Columbus Day is observed on October 12 in 2026. However, a state-government holiday does not automatically mean that every school, college, or private educational institution must close.

Which New Jersey Schools Are Closed on Columbus Day?

Several New Jersey school districts publish their own calendars showing whether schools are open or closed on October 12.

1. Union City Public Schools

The district's October 2026 events calendar lists Columbus Day as a school-closure day on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Official calendar: Union City Public Schools

2. Jersey City Public Schools

Jersey City Public Schools lists Columbus Day as a school-closed day on October 12, 2026. Families should still check their individual school's announcements for any additional arrangements.

Official school notice: Jersey City Public Schools calendar notice

3. Elizabeth Public Schools

Elizabeth Public Schools lists Columbus Day observance on its October 12 calendar. Parents can consult the district's calendar and school-year documents for the applicable schedule.

Official calendar: Elizabeth Public Schools calendar

Important: These are examples, not a complete list of all New Jersey districts. School schedules may differ across neighboring communities.

Why Do Some Schools Close on Columbus Day?

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States and is observed on the second Monday in October. Some school districts include it as a holiday in their academic calendars, while others remain open.

School calendars are developed around local educational requirements, instructional days, staff schedules, and district decisions. As a result, the holiday's status can vary between public schools, private schools, charter schools, and colleges.

Some communities also recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date. The name used for the observance and the decision to close schools depend on the relevant government or educational institution.

How to Check Whether Your Child's School Is Open

If you are unsure whether your child has classes on Columbus Day 2026, follow these steps:

1. Visit your school district's official website.
2. Open the 2026–2027 academic calendar.
3. Look for Monday, October 12, 2026.
4. Check whether the date is marked as a school holiday, staff-development day, or regular school day.
5. Review recent emails, text messages, or announcements from the school.
6. Contact the school office if the calendar is unclear.

Checking the official calendar is the most reliable way to avoid confusion about school attendance, transportation, meal services, and after-school activities.

Are Colleges and Universities Closed on Columbus Day?

College and university schedules may differ from public-school calendars. Some institutions observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, while others continue classes and campus operations.

Students should check their institution's academic calendar to confirm whether lectures, examinations, administrative offices, libraries, and campus services will operate as usual.

What Should Parents Do if Schools Are Closed?

If your school district confirms that classes are canceled for Columbus Day, planning ahead can help families manage the day.

• Arrange childcare if needed.
• Confirm whether school buses and meal services are suspended.
• Check whether extracurricular activities or sports practices will continue.
• Use the day for reading, educational activities, family time, or outdoor recreation.
• Look for any changes to the schedule of the next school day.

Remember that school closures do not necessarily mean every community service or private childcare provider will be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do kids have school on Columbus Day 2026?

It depends on the school district. Some New Jersey districts list October 12, 2026, as a school-closure day, while families should verify the schedule for their own school.

What date is Columbus Day in 2026?

Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Are New Jersey public schools closed on October 12, 2026?

Some districts are closed, including Union City and Jersey City according to their published calendars. There is no basis for assuming that every New Jersey school follows the same schedule.

Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

Yes. Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed on the second Monday in October.

Is Indigenous Peoples Day on the same day?

Many communities observe Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October, the same date as Columbus Day in 2026. Local terminology and observances vary.

Where can parents find the correct school calendar?

Visit the official school district website, review the 2026–2027 academic calendar, and contact the school office if you need confirmation.

Conclusion

Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12. Some New Jersey school districts have announced closures for the holiday, but school schedules are not identical across the state.

Parents should check their district's official academic calendar before deciding whether children need to attend school. Confirming the schedule directly with the school is the safest way to get accurate information.

Editorial note: This article summarizes publicly available holiday and school-calendar information. School schedules can change, so readers should verify details with their school district.