Do Schools Get Veterans Day Off?
Direct Answer:
Yes, many schools in the United States get Veterans Day off, but it’s not a federal requirement. The decision to give Veterans Day off is usually made by individual school districts or states.
Understanding Veterans Day
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on November 11th every year. It is a day to honor and thank all military personnel who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, but was later renamed Veterans Day to honor all American veterans.
School Holidays and Veterans Day
In the United States, federal holidays are typically observed by all federal agencies, including federal schools. However, public schools and school districts are not required to observe federal holidays. Instead, they can choose to close or remain open on Veterans Day, depending on their own policies and schedules.
State-by-State Variations
While some states require schools to be closed on Veterans Day, others do not. Here’s a breakdown of how different states approach Veterans Day closures:
| State | Schools Closed on Veterans Day? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No |
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | No |
| Arkansas | No |
| California | No |
| Colorado | No |
| Connecticut | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes |
| Florida | No |
| Georgia | No |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | No |
| Illinois | No |
| Indiana | No |
| Iowa | No |
| Kansas | No |
| Kentucky | No |
| Louisiana | No |
| Maine | Yes |
| Maryland | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Michigan | No |
| Minnesota | No |
| Mississippi | No |
| Missouri | No |
| Montana | No |
| Nebraska | No |
| Nevada | No |
| New Hampshire | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| New Mexico | No |
| New York | Yes |
| North Carolina | No |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | No |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | No |
| Pennsylvania | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Yes |
| South Carolina | No |
| South Dakota | No |
| Tennessee | No |
| Texas | No |
| Utah | No |
| Vermont | Yes |
| Virginia | Yes |
| Washington | No |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No |
| Wyoming | No |
Private Schools and Veterans Day
Private schools, including those that are Catholic, Christian, or otherwise religiously affiliated, are not required to follow state or federal guidelines regarding Veterans Day closures. As a result, some private schools may choose to close on Veterans Day, while others may remain open.
Consequences of Closing Schools on Veterans Day
Some argue that closing schools on Veterans Day is a way to show respect and gratitude to military personnel and their families. Others argue that it is an unnecessary holiday and that schools should remain open to accommodate working parents.
Alternatives to Closing Schools on Veterans Day
For schools that choose not to close on Veterans Day, there are still ways to honor the holiday and show appreciation for veterans. Some alternatives include:
- Hosting a Veterans Day assembly or ceremony
- Inviting local veterans to speak to students
- Conducting a service project or fundraiser to benefit local veterans
- Displaying American flags and other patriotic decorations
- Encouraging students to write thank-you notes or create art projects for veterans
Conclusion
While some schools do get Veterans Day off, it’s not a federal requirement. The decision to close schools on Veterans Day is typically made by individual school districts or states. Whether schools choose to close or remain open, there are still ways to honor and show appreciation for veterans and their families.
