The Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) has announced an extended vacation period for students of basic education during Semana Santa 2025, promising a longer reprieve for both students and teachers across Mexico.
According to the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), teachers will enjoy a two-week break starting from Monday, April 14, 2025, through Friday, April 25, 2025. This move marks a significant change in the academic calendar, which aims to provide uniformity and adequate resting periods for educational staff and students alike.
The upcoming calendar indicates that there will be a total of 190 effective days of classes for basic education schools, with an additional five days designated for teacher training programs that consist of 195 days overall. Notably, the calendar comprises eight ordinary sessions of the School Technical Council (CTE) and specifies seven days where teaching is suspended.
Dates for these suspensions have already been set, with notable examples being September 16, 2024, and November 18, 2024, along with additional dates of February 3 and March 17, 2025. The looming breaks include the May 1, May 5, and May 15, 2025, holidays.
The first vacation period of the academic year had already taken place from December 19, 2024, to January 8, 2025. The next significant break slated for April aims to give students a chance to recharge before the final stretch of the school year.
A special emphasis has been placed on preparations for the back-to-school season, with sessions planned for August 22 and 23, 2025, focusing on school health and cleanliness ahead of classes restarting.
The SEP has also set out clear timetables for grades registration, a crucial aspect of the academic calendar. Grades were previously registered on November 22, 2024, and March 21, with the closing date set for July 11, 2025. Report cards are expected to be distributed from March 25 to March 31 for the second grading period and from July 14 to July 16 for the third, ensuring that parents and guardians receive timely feedback on student performance.
Notably, July 17 and 18 will witness the Second Intensive Workshop designated for teaching staff, leading up to the official school year closure, which commences on July 21, 2025, for many institutions.
For the Normal Schools, which are integral in training future educators, the academic calendar similarly outlines a sequence of seven suspension days. The Easter break remains consistent from April 14 through April 25, as designated, allowing for holiday time during this significant period of the year.
In addition to the structured timetable, the SEP has anticipated student engagement in practical activities related to the CTE, with specified dates for internships including September 27, October 25, and November 29 of the previous year, as well as February 28, March 28, May 30, and June 27, 2025. These activities are essential in providing hands-on experience for future educators while bolstering their understanding of pedagogical practices.
As the academic year draws to a close on July 16, 2025, professional exams for prospective educators will follow shortly between July 17 and July 23, encompassing a crucial step in their transition to full teaching roles.
Federal entities have been given latitude to request adjustments to the school calendar, provided they manage to uphold the minimum requirement of 190 effective days of classes. This flexibility demonstrates the SEP's commitment to accommodating diverse regional needs while ensuring the core educational objectives are met nationwide.
This adjusted academic calendar aims not only to enhance educational outcomes but also reflects a broader understanding of the well-being of teachers and students alike, highlighting the importance of balance within the educational landscape in Mexico.
