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Reduced Academic Calendar
School districts operating with fewer than 160 scheduled days per school year (reduced academic calendars or four-day school weeks) are required to submit a request for approval via Data Pipeline.
School District Calendar and Instructional Hours Guidance (PDF)
Directions for completing the Reduced Academic Calendar (PDF)
Key Dates
3/2/2026 – 5/13/2026 - Reduced Academic Calendar Applications
To be considered for the 2026-2027 school year, complete the application via the Directory in Data Pipeline by May 13th, 2026.
Districts requesting approval are not obligated to follow their proposed calendar if their local planning is not finalized.
District Wide Performance Watch Form
In addition to submitting the application through Data Pipeline, districts who are on Performance Watch (Priority Improvement, Turnaround or On Watch, years 0+) submitting a district-wide application for all schools within the district to be on a reduced calendar need to submit the following additional information separately using the form link below.
Additional information includes a copy of the respective school/district calendars, building class schedules, assembly schedules, bell schedules including lunch time intervals, and professional development calendar.
CDE will review the additional materials for the use and prioritization of instructional time. The executive director of field services and the associate commissioner of school quality and support must recommend approval of the application before it is forwarded to the commissioner for consideration.
Submit District Wide Performance Watch - Reduced Academic Calendar Form