With the arrival of a new year, parents, students, and teachers begin to wonder about the 2025 school calendar in Chile . Knowing in advance when classes start, which weeks are designated for winter and summer vacations, and which holidays interrupt or extend the school year is key to organizing the family, work, and academic year for millions of Chileans.
Each year, the Chilean Ministry of Education (Mineduc) publishes a reference school calendar, which serves as a basis for educational institutions—both public and private—to develop their own schedules. Although many dates are common nationwide, there are also differences depending on the region, climatic conditions, and educational modalities.
Start of classes in Chile 2025
The 2025 school calendar calls for classes to start during the first week of March for most of the country's schools, especially municipal and subsidized establishments. Classes generally begin between March 3 and 5 , although some private schools begin as late as February.
The first day is usually marked by welcoming events, distribution of materials, and reunion with teachers and classmates. At the earliest levels, such as pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, many institutions opt for gradual adaptation days to ease the transition to the new school year.
If you'd like to see specific dates by school level and region, you can check out the complete 2025 school calendar with updated details.
Winter Break 2025
Winter break in Chile is a highly anticipated break for students, teachers, and families. It typically lasts two weeks and takes place during the month of July. By 2025, it is estimated to run from July 7 to 20 , although this may vary slightly by region.
These dates not only allow a break from the academic calendar, but many families also take advantage of the opportunity to travel within the country or participate in recreational and cultural workshops. Furthermore, school maintenance and teacher training activities are scheduled during this period.
We recommend visiting the winter and summer vacation calendar for details by region and educational level.
Summer holidays 2025–2026
The school year generally ends in the second half of December. Students in their final year of secondary school finish earlier, as they must take the PAES (Higher Education Access Test). In contrast, elementary and middle school levels end around December 20th , with some regional or specific exceptions.
Summer vacation extends until late February or early March, representing the longest break of the year. It's ideal for family trips, camping, academic reinforcement, or simply relaxing.
Holidays during the school year
Chile has several national holidays that influence the academic calendar. In 2025, the following stand out:
- Good Friday: April 18
- Labor Day: Thursday, May 1
- Naval Glories Day: Thursday, May 21
- Saints Peter and Paul: Monday, June 30
- Fiestas Patrias: Thursday, September 18th and Friday, September 19th
- Meeting of Two Worlds: Sunday, October 12
- All Saints' Day: Saturday, November 1
- Immaculate Conception: Monday, December 8
These holidays, especially when they fall on Mondays or Fridays, create long weekends that can be used for recreational activities or additional rest.
What differences exist by region?
Chile is a country with great geographic diversity, which directly influences the school calendar. In extreme areas such as Aysén or Magallanes, the start and end of the school year may be adjusted due to climate change. Similarly, some municipalities may request exceptions to the national calendar due to local events or health emergencies.
Schools must comply with a minimum of 38 teaching weeks for preschool education and 40 weeks for elementary and secondary education, which determines any modification to the regional calendar.
Tips for parents and guardians
- Plan ahead: Use the school calendar as a basic tool to coordinate vacations, work leaves, or extracurricular activities.
- Check with your school: The official Ministry of Education dates are guidelines. Each school may vary slightly.
- Take advantage of the holidays: Plan family outings or getaways, taking advantage of the long weekends throughout the year.
- Maintain contact with teachers: Especially during the weeks before vacations or evaluations.
School calendar and family planning
Knowing the school calendar in advance allows families to plan their year more confidently. It's a useful tool for making decisions such as:
- Book family vacations and avoid penalties for date changes.
- Schedule academic reinforcements or winter/summer workshops.
- Coordinate transfers if children change schools or cities.
- Evaluate your workload to balance study and rest.
Where can I find official information?
In addition to the Ministry of Education website and each school's official channels, you can stay informed on portals like CalendarioChile.com , where we constantly update the school calendar and key dates.
Final reflection
The 2025 school year presents a new opportunity to advance learning, build an educational community, and strengthen family ties. Having clarity about important dates allows you to face the school year with greater organization and less stress.
Whether it's packing a backpack, planning a trip, booking vacations, or scheduling meetings, the school calendar should be an ally for everyone involved in the Chilean education system.
Ready to plan your 2025? Save this calendar, share it, and stay informed month by month with us.