School Holidays in the Bahamas: When Are Schools Closed?
Most schools in the Bahamas close for both public holidays and scheduled school breaks. The academic year typically runs late August/early September to late June.
Public Holidays (Schools Closed)
| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|
| Majority Rule Day | January 10 | Commemorates 1967 majority rule |
| Good Friday | March/April | Variable (Christian calendar) |
| Easter Monday | March/April | Variable |
| Whit Monday | May/June | 7th Monday after Easter |
| Labour Day | First Friday in June | |
| Independence Day | July 10 | 1973 independence from UK |
| Emancipation Day | First Monday in August | 1834 slavery abolition |
| National Heroes Day | Second Monday in October | Replaced Discovery Day (2013) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | |
Scheduled School Breaks (Typical)
| Break | Approximate Dates | Duration |
|---|
| Christmas / Winter Break | Dec 20 – Jan 4 | ~2.5 weeks |
| Spring Break | Mar 20 – 31 | ~1.5 weeks |
| Easter Break | Apr 6 – 15 | ~1.5 weeks (may overlap Spring) |
| Summer Break | Jun 25 – Aug 25 | ~9 weeks |
| Mid-term Breaks | Oct, Feb | 1 week each (varies by school) |
Variations
- Private/International schools: May follow different calendars (e.g., US/UK/IB)
- Family Islands: Some adjust for regattas, homecoming, local festivals
- Hurricane closures: Make-up days scheduled if needed
- COVID-19: Disrupted 2020–2022; largely normalized
Planning Tips
- Check specific school calendar (MOE website or school portal)
- Book travel early for peak breaks (Christmas, Summer)
- Summer camps/academic programs widely available
- Many businesses operate normally during school breaks
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