GEORGIA — Many public schools across Georgia are expected to be closed Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day, though not every district will take the day off.
Presidents Day, officially recognized as Washington’s Birthday, is a federal holiday observed each year on the third Monday in February. In 2026, the holiday falls on Feb. 16. Federal offices, banks and many government agencies will be closed.
In Georgia, however, school calendars are set by individual districts in accordance with state requirements for instructional time. While many of the state’s 180 public school districts traditionally designate Presidents Day as a student holiday, others schedule it as a regular instructional day.
Districts that remain open on Presidents Day often do so to ensure they meet state-mandated instructional requirements or to preserve other breaks later in the school year. Some systems may also use the day as a weather makeup day if classes were previously canceled due to winter storms or other emergencies.
In some districts, students may be out of school while teachers report for professional development or planning days, depending on the approved academic calendar.
Charter schools and private schools in Georgia operate independently and may follow different schedules than their local public school systems.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check directly with their local school district or individual school to confirm whether classes will be held Monday.
While Presidents Day is widely observed, school closures in Georgia ultimately depend on decisions made by each district’s board-approved calendar.
