Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Public Schools has revised its 2025-26 school year calendar to support a new science-based approach to reading instruction. The district aims to work closely with teachers and support staff so that all students can read at grade level.

The updated calendar includes new early release days and additional professional development days for staff. These changes are designed to help implement instructional methods aligned with 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, which requires schools across the state to use evidence-based practices in teaching reading. The new approach will focus on phonics, vocabulary building, and other strategies recommended by literacy research. More information about Act 20 is available from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Under the revised schedule, October 8, December 10, March 4, and April 15 will be early release days, with students dismissed two hours earlier than usual. November 24, November 25, and April 30 have been added as professional development days when students will not attend school.

In response to possible challenges for families caused by these changes, the district plans to work with Milwaukee Recreation to offer camps at MPS schools or nearby locations on both early release and professional development days. Families will need to register in advance; further details will be provided soon.

"Please know that the district is working with Milwaukee Recreation to provide families with access to camps at their MPS school or an MPS school near their home on both the new early release days and the new professional development days. Families will be asked to register in advance; more details will be shared in the coming weeks," according to the statement from Milwaukee Public Schools.