Updated 2025-26 school calendar will help put science-based approach to reading into practice

Milwaukee Public Schools has updated its 2025-26 school year calendar so that the district can work alongside its teachers and support staff to help all MPS students read at grade level.  

Specifically, the district will use new early release days and additional professional development days to put into practice a new science-based approach to early reading that aligns to state law (2023 Wisconsin Act 20).  

This approach includes phonics, vocabulary building, and more. You can read more about Act 20 on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website. The calendar changes are: 

• October 8, December 10, March 4, and April 15 are now early release days. Students’ school day will end two hours earlier than their scheduled time on these days. 

• November 24, November 25, and April 30 have been added as professional development days. Students will not attend school on these days. 

We recognize that making changes at this point in the year can cause challenges for families. Please know that the district is working with Milwaukee Recreation to provide families with access to camps at their MPS school or an MPS school near their home on both the new early release days and the new professional development days. Families will be asked to register in advance; more details will be shared in the coming weeks.