Back to School 2026 in York Region
First day of classes: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
The 2026-2027 school calendar, bus lookup, immunization checklist, and supply tips for York Region families - in one place.
Last reviewed July 7, 2026 by the York Happening editorial team.
Back-to-school season in York Region means one date above all: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the first day of classes for students at both the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). This guide brings together the full 2026-2027 school calendar, how to find your child's bus, the immunizations required to attend school, and where to get ready across Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, and Stouffville.
2026-2027 School Calendar: Key Dates
These holidays and breaks are the same for both YRDSB and YCDSB. Verified against each board's official 2026-2027 calendar.
| Labour Day (schools closed) | Monday, September 7, 2026 |
| First day of classes | Tuesday, September 8, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Winter Break | Monday, December 21, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027 |
| Family Day | Monday, February 15, 2027 |
| March Break | Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19, 2027 |
| Good Friday | Friday, March 26, 2027 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, March 29, 2027 |
| Victoria Day | Monday, May 24, 2027 |
Professional Activity (PA) Days - No School
Days with no classes for students. Identical for both boards; some apply only to elementary or only to secondary.
By School Board
York Region District School Board (YRDSB)
- First day of classes
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Last day of classes
- Secondary: Monday, June 28, 2027. Elementary: Tuesday, June 29, 2027 (early release).
York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB)
- First day of classes
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Last day of classes
- Late June 2027. Secondary exam dates vary - confirm on the official calendar.
School Bus Transportation
Busing for both boards is run by Student Transportation Services of York Region (STSYR). Routes are rebuilt over the summer and typically posted in mid-to-late August, so confirm your child's eligibility, stop, and pickup time using the "Find Your Bus Stop" tool in the weeks before the first day.
- Bus stop lookup and cancellations: net.schoolbuscity.com
- Bus Information Line: 1-877-330-3001 (24 hours)
Immunization Requirements
Under Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students must be immunized against nine diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, and varicella (chickenpox). Varicella is required only for students born in 2010 or later.
Parents must report immunizations to York Region Public Health themselves - schools and doctors do not - through Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73456.
York Region immunization requirementsGetting Ready: Supplies, Programs & Routines
Beyond supplies, early September is registration season across York Region. Public library branches open fall program registration in mid-to-late August, and each municipality's recreation guide for the fall term (swimming, skating, sports, and arts) opens around the same time - popular sessions fill quickly, so register early.
Ease the transition back by re-establishing bedtime and morning routines a week or two before September 8, confirming before- and after-school care, and checking your child's school website for the first-day bell times and supply lists.
Looking for something to do before the bell rings? Browse the York Region events calendar for late-summer family outings, or see what's on this weekend.
Back-to-School Events in York Region
Tech Help (Ages 18+) Free, Drop-in
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library · 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday Storytime (All Ages) Free, Drop-in
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library · 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Time Capsule (Ages 6+) $10, Registered #41541
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library · 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Back to School in York Region: FAQ
When does school start in York Region in 2026?
The first day of classes for the 2026-2027 school year is Tuesday, September 8, 2026, for both the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). The two professional activity (PA) days before Labour Day - Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3, 2026 - have no classes for students.
When are the school breaks and holidays in 2026-2027?
Both York Region boards share the same holiday calendar: Thanksgiving is Monday, October 12, 2026; Winter Break runs Monday, December 21, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027; Family Day is Monday, February 15, 2027; March Break runs Monday, March 15 to Friday, March 19, 2027; Good Friday is March 26 and Easter Monday is March 29, 2027; and Victoria Day is Monday, May 24, 2027.
How do I find my child's school bus in York Region?
Busing for both boards is run by Student Transportation Services of York Region (STSYR). Routes are rebuilt over the summer and are typically posted in mid-to-late August, so use the "Find Your Bus Stop" tool at net.schoolbuscity.com in the weeks before the first day to confirm eligibility, stop location, and pickup time. For delays, cancellations, or general questions, call the Bus Information Line at 1-877-330-3001.
What immunizations does my child need to attend school?
Under Ontario's Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), students must be immunized against nine diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, and varicella (chickenpox, required for students born in 2010 or later). Parents and guardians must report their child's immunizations to York Region Public Health themselves - schools and doctors do not - through Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73456.
Do YRDSB and YCDSB have the same calendar?
For 2026-2027 the two boards share an identical first day of school (September 8, 2026), the same statutory holidays and breaks, and the same professional activity (PA) days. They differ mainly in the last day of classes and secondary exam scheduling in June 2027, so confirm those on your board's official calendar.
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