ARTICLE 3. Saturdays and Holidays [37220. - 37223.]

Cal. Education Code - EDC 3.

in effect

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37220. Section 37220.

(a) Except as otherwise provided, the public schools shall close on the following holidays: (1) January 1. (2) The third Monday in January or the Monday or Friday in the week in which January 15 occurs, known as “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.” On the Friday preceding the day on which schools are closed, schools shall include exercises commemorating and directing attention to the history of the civil rights movement in the United States and particularly the role therein of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (3) The Monday or Friday of the week in which February 12 occurs, known as “Lincoln Day.” On the day that school is in session prior to the day on which schools are closed for that purpose, all public schools and educational institutions throughout the state shall hold exercises in memory of Abraham Lincoln. (4) The third Monday in February, known as “Washington Day.” On the Friday preceding, all public schools and educational institutions throughout the state shall hold exercises in memory of George Washington. (5) The last Monday in May, known as “Memorial Day.” (6) July 4. (7) The first Monday in September, known as “Labor Day.” (8) November 11, known as “Veterans Day.” (9) That Thursday in November proclaimed by the President as “Thanksgiving Day.” (10) December 25. (11) All days appointed by the Governor for a public fast, thanksgiving, or holiday, and all special or limited holidays on which the Governor provides that the schools shall close. (12) (A) All days appointed by the President as a public fast, thanksgiving, or holiday, unless it is a special or limited holiday. (B) For purposes of this paragraph, “appointed by the President” includes the President signing into law legislation that creates a nationwide federal holiday, including the legal public holidays listed in subsection (a) of Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code, but does not include Columbus Day. This definition is declaratory of existing law. (13) Any other day designated as a holiday by the governing board of the school district. (b) When any of the holidays on which the schools would be closed falls on Sunday, the public schools shall close on the Monday following. (c) When any of the holidays on which the schools would be closed falls on Saturday, the public schools shall close on the preceding Friday, and that Friday shall be declared a state holiday. (d) If any holiday on which the public schools are required to close pursuant to subdivision (a) occurs under federal law on a date different from the date specified in subdivision (a), the governing board of any school district may close the public schools of the district on the date recognized by federal law and maintain classes on the date specified in subdivision (a). (e) Except for Veterans Day, as designated in paragraph (8) of subdivision (a), the governing board of a school district, by adoption of a resolution, may revise the date upon which the schools of the district close in observance of any of the holidays identified in subdivision (a). (f) The governing board of a school district may not request a waiver of paragraph (8) of subdivision (a) from the state board. (g) This section does not prohibit a school district from authorizing its facilities or grounds to be used in accordance with Section 38131 on those days on which the public schools are closed.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37220.5. Section 37220.5.

(a) In addition to the holidays prescribed in Section 37220, public schools may be closed on March 31, known as “Cesar Chavez Day,” or the appropriate Monday or Friday following or preceding that date, if the governing board, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Chapter 10.7 (commencing with Section 3540) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code, agrees to close schools for that purpose. (b) On March 31 or on the day determined by the governing board, public schools and educational institutions throughout the state may include exercises, funded through existing resources, commemorating and directing attention to the history of the farm labor movement in the United States and particularly the role therein of Cesar Chavez. The State Board of Education shall adopt a model curriculum guide to be available for use by public schools for exercises related to Cesar Chavez Day.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37220.6. Section 37220.6.

(a) There is hereby created the Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning program to promote service to the communities of California in honor of the life and work of Cesar Chavez. The program shall be administered by the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, in collaboration with the California Conservation Corps. (b) The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism may make grants based on proposals selected through a competitive process from local and state operated Americorps, National Senior Service Corps, Learn and Serve, or Conservation Corps programs that submit proposals to engage pupils through their schools and school districts in community service that qualifies as instructional time on Cesar Chavez Day, pursuant to Section 37220.5, and that honors the life and work of Cesar Chavez. The programs shall be created and organized in consultation with community groups. The Americorps, National Senior Service Corps, Learn and Serve, or Conservation Corps programs may implement or administer the programs in collaboration with community groups and nonprofit organizations. The proposals shall demonstrate all of the following: (1) The ways and extent to which the program will be a collaborative effort between schools and the Americorps, National Senior Service Corps, Learn and Serve, or Conservation Corps program. (2) The ways that the service will be connected to instruction on the life and work of Cesar Chavez provided on Cesar Chavez Day. (3) The way in which the service provided will make a meaningful contribution to the community. (c) Grants made pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be in the amount of one dollar ($1) for each participating pupil, or two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each school, whichever is greater. The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism may, at its discretion, adjust the grant amount to account for school district size, the size of the project, and the demand on existing funding. Under no circumstances may the amount granted exceed the amount of funding appropriated to carry out this section. (d) In order for the community service performed under this program to be counted as instructional time, the service shall be performed under the supervision of a teacher, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 46300. (e) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall develop or revise, as needed, a model curriculum on the life and work of Cesar Chavez and submit the model curriculum to the State Board of Education for adoption pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 37220.5. Upon adoption, the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall distribute the model curriculum to each school. (f) It is the intent of the Legislature that nothing in this section, or in the act that adds this section, shall be construed to impose a mandate on school districts. (g) For the purposes of this section, “school district” includes school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37220.7. Section 37220.7.

(a) In addition to the holidays prescribed in Section 37220, public schools may be closed on April 24, known as “Genocide Remembrance Day,” the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year, known as “Diwali,” and the fourth Friday in September, known as “Native American Day,” if the governing board, pursuant to a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Chapter 10.7 (commencing with Section 3540) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code, agrees to close schools for that purpose. (b) On the fourth Friday in September, or if schools are closed on that date as specified in subdivision (a), on an alternate day determined by the governing board, public schools and educational institutions throughout this state may include exercises, funded through existing resources, commemorating and directing attention to the many contributions that Native Americans have made to this country. The State Board of Education may adopt a model curriculum guide to be available for use by public schools for exercises related to Native American Day. (c) On April 24, or if schools are closed on that date as specified in subdivision (a), on an alternate day determined by the governing board, public schools and educational institutions throughout this state may include exercises, funded through existing resources, remembering and honoring the many contributions that survivors of genocide have made to this country. The State Board of Education may adopt a model curriculum guide to be available for use by public schools for exercises related to Genocide Remembrance Day. (d) On the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year, or if schools are closed on that date as specified in subdivision (a), on an alternate day determined by the governing board, public schools and educational institutions throughout this state may include exercises, funded through existing resources, acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali. The State Board of Education may adopt a model curriculum guide to be available for use by public schools for exercises related to Diwali.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37221. Section 37221.

Unless closed by the governing board pursuant to paragraph (13) of subdivision (a) of Section 37220, the public schools shall remain open on, but shall celebrate with appropriate commemorative exercises, the following holidays: (a) The anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, on or near which date schools shall include exercises and instruction in the purpose, meaning, and importance of the Constitution of the United States, including the Bill of Rights. (b) March 7, the anniversary of the birthday of Luther Burbank, known as Conservation, Bird, and Arbor Day on which day schools shall include exercises and instruction on the economic value of birds and trees, and the promotion of a spirit of protection toward them, and as to the economic value of natural resources, and the desirability of their conservation. (c) February 15, the anniversary of the birthday of Susan B. Anthony, known as “Susan B. Anthony Day” on which day schools shall include exercises and instruction on the political and economic status of women in the United States and the contributions of Susan B. Anthony thereto. (d) March 5, the anniversary of the death of Crispus Attucks, the first black American martyr of the Boston Massacre, known as “Black American Day” on which day schools shall include exercises and instruction on the development of black people in the United States.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222. Section 37222.

(a) On each day designated and set apart as a day having special significance, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to observe that day and to conduct suitable commemorative exercises. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the exercises encouraged by subdivision (a) be integrated into the regular school program, and be conducted by the school or institution within the amount of time otherwise budgeted for educational programs.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.10. Section 37222.10.

(a) The second Wednesday in May of each year is designated and set apart as the Day of the Teacher, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On the Day of the Teacher, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises commemorating and directing attention to teachers and the teaching profession.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.11. Section 37222.11.

(a) April 21 of each year is designated and set apart as John Muir Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On John Muir Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises stressing the importance that an ecologically sound natural environment plays in the quality of life for all of us, and emphasizing John Muir’s significant contributions to the fostering of that awareness and the indelible mark he left on the State of California.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.12. Section 37222.12.

(a) April 6 of each year is designated and set apart as California Poppy Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On California Poppy Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises honoring the California Poppy, including instruction about native plants, particularly the California Poppy, and the economic and aesthetic value of wildflowers; promoting responsible behavior toward our natural resources and a spirit of protection toward them; and emphasizing the value of natural resources and conservation of natural resources.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.13. Section 37222.13.

(a) May 22 of each year is designated and set apart as Harvey Milk Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Harvey Milk Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering the life of Harvey Milk, recognizing his accomplishments, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to this state.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.14. Section 37222.14.

(a) March 30 of each year is designated and set apart as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises recognizing the contributions of all those involved in the Vietnam War and remembering the sacrifices they made for their country.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.15. Section 37222.15.

(a) January 30 of each year is designated and set apart as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering the life of Fred Korematsu and recognizing the importance of preserving civil liberties, even in times of real or perceived crisis.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.16. Section 37222.16.

(a) February 6 of each year is designated and set apart as Ronald Reagan Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Ronald Reagan Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering the life of Ronald Reagan, recognizing his accomplishments, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to this state.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.17. Section 37222.17.

(a) January 23 of each year is designated and set apart as Ed Roberts Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Ed Roberts Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering the life of Ed Roberts, recognizing his accomplishments as well as the accomplishments of other Californians with disabilities, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions that Ed Roberts and other Californians with disabilities have made to this state.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.18. Section 37222.18.

(a) October 25 of each year is designated and set apart as Larry Itliong Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Larry Itliong Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering the life of Larry Itliong, recognizing his accomplishments, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to this state.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.19. Section 37222.19.

(a) The date corresponding with the second new moon following the winter solstice of each year, or the third new moon following the winter solstice should an intercalary month intervene, is designated and set apart as the Lunar New Year, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On the Lunar New Year, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises recognizing the traditions and cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Californians to the state, and any local festivities and celebrations of the occasion. (c) It is the intent of the Legislature that the exercises encouraged in this section be integrated into the regular school program and be conducted by the public school or educational institution within the amount of time otherwise budgeted for educational programs.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.20. Section 37222.20.

(a) April 10 of each year is designated and set apart as Dolores Huerta Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) On Dolores Huerta Day, all public schools and educational institutions are encouraged to conduct exercises remembering the life of Dolores Huerta, recognizing her accomplishments, and familiarizing pupils with the contributions she made to this state.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37222.21. Section 37222.21.

(a) September 11 of each year is designated and set apart as September 11th Remembrance Day, a day having special significance pursuant to Section 37222. (b) When September 11th Remembrance Day falls on a schoolday, each public elementary and secondary school is encouraged to observe a moment of silence at an appropriate time while school is in session.

Cal. Education Code - EDC § 37223. Section 37223.

(a) The governing board of any elementary, high school, or unified school district or any county superintendent of schools may maintain classes on Saturday or Sunday, or both. The classes maintained pursuant to this section may include, but are not necessarily limited to, all of the following: (1) Continuation classes. (2) Special day classes for mentally gifted minors. (3) Makeup classes for absences occurring during the week. (4) The programs of a regional occupational center or regional occupational program. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this code, the attendance of any pupil in a class or program held on a Saturday or Sunday shall not result in the crediting of more than five days of attendance for the pupil per week. (c) Attendance at classes conducted on Saturday or Sunday, or both, shall be at the election of the pupil or, in the case of a minor pupil, the parent or guardian of the pupil. However, the governing board may require truants, as defined by Section 48260, to attend makeup classes conducted on one day of a weekend. (d) Except as otherwise provided in this code, any class that is offered on a Saturday or Sunday shall be one offered during the regular Monday through Friday school week. (e) The voluntary attendance of pupils enrolled in programs for gifted and talented pupils in special educational activities conducted on Saturday or Sunday shall not be included in the computation of the average daily attendance of the school district. (f) Subdivisions (b) and (d) shall not apply to regional occupational centers or programs.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026