As summer approaches, students, teachers, and families across Mexico eagerly await the much-anticipated summer vacation. This break not only provides a well-deserved respite after months of academic activities but also strengthens family bonds, encourages leisure, and allows everyone to recharge for the next educational cycle. According to the official academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year published by the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), classes will conclude on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, marking the official start of summer vacation for students in public and private basic education schools nationwide.
During this interval, millions of preschool, primary, and secondary school students will enjoy recreational activities, family vacations, or summer programs, while teachers will also have designated days for training and academic preparation. But before this long-awaited break, there are several important dates to note.
In Mexico, the month of May is particularly significant due to the celebration of Mother's Day on May 10. This year, the celebration falls on a Saturday, leading to questions about whether there will be classes on Friday, May 9, 2025. Notably, Mexico was a pioneer in Latin America in institutionalizing Mother's Day, with the date proposed in 1922 by journalist Rafael Alducin to publicly recognize the role of mothers in society. The date was chosen to coincide with the payment schedule for workers, making it easier for families to celebrate without affecting their income.
However, according to the SEP, there will be regular classes on May 9, 2025, as it is not an official day off. Students from preschool, primary, and secondary education are expected to attend school as usual. While the day is culturally significant, it does not warrant a day off in the official academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. Nevertheless, many schools organize festivals and activities the day before, which may lead to adjustments in schedules or early dismissals depending on each school's community.
Before the summer break begins, the school calendar outlines several additional days off. Notably, there will be a school break on Friday, May 30, 2025, due to the Consejo Técnico Escolar (CTE) meetings, which occur on the last Friday of each month. Classes will resume on Monday, June 2, 2025. Following that, there will be another break from Friday, June 27, 2025, to Sunday, June 29, 2025, also for CTE activities, with students returning to school on Monday, June 30, 2025.
The last break before the summer vacation will occur from Friday, July 11, 2025, when teachers will be grading students' work, allowing for a three-day break until classes resume on Monday, July 14, 2025. After this, the summer vacation officially kicks off, extending until Sunday, August 24, 2025. The new school year, 2025-2026, will commence on Monday, August 25, 2025. In total, students will enjoy 40 days of rest, translating to over five weeks and a half without school activities.
As families begin to plan their summer activities, the SEP emphasizes the importance of adhering to the school calendar, which is mandatory for all schools incorporated into the national education system. This ensures a smooth transition as students prepare to advance to the next grade level.
In summary, while the month of May is filled with celebrations, including Labor Day on May 1, the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, Teacher's Day on May 15, and the CTE on May 30, the 9th will not be a day off for students. Instead, it will be a day filled with regular classes, albeit with many schools likely to engage in special activities to honor mothers.
As the countdown to the end of the school year continues, parents and students are encouraged to remain aware of the upcoming dates to maximize their family time and ensure a fulfilling end to the academic year.