The school calendar is one of the most important tools for organizing the academic year in Chile. This document regulates the start and end times, vacations and holidays, offering clarity to students, teachers and families.
The Chilean education system is organized by region, which means that the school calendar can vary slightly depending on the climatic and cultural conditions of each area. The Ministry of Education (Mineduc) is responsible for establishing general guidelines, while the Regional Ministerial Secretariats of Education (Seremi) can make specific adjustments.
By 2025, the school calendar has been designed with the aim of ensuring a balance between the time dedicated to learning and the necessary rest periods for students and teachers. In addition, the aim is to promote the inclusion of extracurricular activities and spaces for pedagogical innovation.
Start of the 2025 School Year
The official start of the 2025 school year is scheduled for Monday, March 3 in most regions of the country. This date marks the return to classes for preschool, primary and secondary education levels in public and subsidized private schools. However, some private fee-paying schools may adjust their start dates based on their own internal planning.
In extreme areas, such as the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctica, it is common for the school year to start a few days later due to weather conditions. In these regions, the start could be postponed until Monday, March 10 .
Holidays and Easter Vacations
The first major break of the 2025 school year will be during Easter, which this year falls between Thursday 17 and Sunday 20 April . The Good Friday holiday (18 April) will allow families to enjoy a long weekend, offering a respite for students and teachers after the first few weeks of school.
Winter Holidays 2025
Winter break is scheduled for the last two weeks of July, from Monday, July 14th to Friday, July 25th . This period is key for students to rest and recharge their batteries for the second semester of the school year.
In some southern regions of the country, where temperatures tend to be lower, the possibility of extending this break for an additional week is being considered, depending on weather conditions.
Relevant National Holidays
Chile has a wide range of national holidays that also affect the school calendar. Some of the most notable ones for 2025 include:
Labor Day (May 1): This holiday will fall on a Thursday, which could lead to the implementation of a "long weekend" in some institutions.
Fiestas Patrias (September 18 and 19): These dates, which fall on Thursday and Friday respectively, offer a long weekend traditionally dedicated to celebrations throughout the country.
Evangelical and Protestant Churches Day (October 31): This holiday, which also falls on a Friday, will provide an extra break before the final months of the school year.
Summer Holidays 2025
The official end of the 2025 school year is scheduled for Friday, December 19. From this date, summer vacation begins for most students, who will be able to enjoy an extended break before the start of the 2026 school year.
Regional Adaptations
As mentioned above, the school calendar in Chile can vary by region due to factors such as climate, geography, and local traditions. Some of the most common adaptations include:
Northern Regions (Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá, Antofagasta): Due to the high temperatures during the summer months, these regions usually maintain the general calendar dates without significant modifications.
Southern Regions (Los Ríos, Los Lagos, Aysén, Magallanes): In these areas, winter vacations may be extended to protect students' health from low temperatures and respiratory illnesses.
Importance of School Planning
The school calendar not only organizes learning and rest times, but also influences the planning of family activities, cultural events and extracurricular programs. For example, many families plan their annual vacations based on the winter and summer holidays established by the Ministry of Education.
In addition, schools and colleges use this calendar to coordinate their internal programs, such as science fairs, theme weeks, sports activities and workshops. This ensures that there is a balance between the formal curriculum and learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Despite the clarity that the school calendar provides, it also faces challenges that may disrupt its implementation. Some of the main challenges include:
Extreme weather events: Phenomena such as heavy rain, snow or drought can disrupt school activities in certain regions.
Labor disputes: Strikes by teachers or other public officials may lead to the suspension of classes and the rescheduling of activities.
Health Emergencies: As was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, health emergencies may require drastic adjustments to the school calendar.
Looking to the future, the Ministry of Education continues to work on strategies to make the school calendar more flexible and resilient, allowing for rapid adaptations to unforeseen events.
The 2025 school calendar in Chile represents a fundamental guide for the development of the academic year, balancing the needs for learning and rest. By understanding key dates and regional variations, educational communities can adequately prepare for a year full of opportunities and challenges. From the start of classes in March to summer vacation in December, this calendar lays the foundation for a successful and enriching educational cycle for all involved.