Is There School on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in California School Districts in 2026?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed nationwide each January. In California, most public school districts close schools for the day, which means no classes and no substitute teaching assignments in many areas.

Here’s a district-by-district breakdown for MLK Day 2026 in California, including the exact date and whether schools are in session.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for San Diego Unified (SDUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026 falls on Monday, January 19.

San Diego Unified School District is closed on MLK Day. The holiday is officially marked on the district calendar, and students do not attend school. Substitute teachers should not expect assignments that day unless a specific program operates independently.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Long Beach Unified (LBUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day 2026?

In Long Beach Unified, MLK Day is observed on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Schools are not in session. The district lists Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday, and regular classes are canceled across the district.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Fresno Unified (FUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day?

Fresno Unified observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

There is no school for students. The day is labeled as a district holiday, meaning campuses are closed and substitute teaching jobs are typically unavailable.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for San Francisco Unified (SFUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day 2026?

San Francisco Unified School District recognizes MLK Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Schools are closed for the holiday. SFUSD lists Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a districtwide non-instructional day.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Sacramento City Unified (SCUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day?

Sacramento City Unified observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

There is no school for students. The holiday appears on both elementary and secondary calendars as a full closure.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for San José Unified (SJUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day?

In San José Unified, MLK Day falls on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Schools are not in session. The district calendar explicitly marks the day as “No School.”

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Garden Grove Unified (GGUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day 2026?

Garden Grove Unified observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

There is no school for students. The holiday is included on the district’s official academic calendar.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for California Online Public Schools? Is There School on MLK Day 2026?

California Online Public Schools also observe MLK Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Classes are not held on MLK Day, even in the online format. Students and teachers are off for the holiday.

When Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)? Is There School on MLK Day 2026?

Los Angeles Unified School District observes MLK Day on Monday, January 19, 2026.

LAUSD schools are closed. The day is recognized as a legal holiday, and students do not attend school.

What This Means for Substitute Teachers

If you’re looking for substitute teaching jobs in California, MLK Day 2026 is a statewide low-assignment day. Most districts are fully closed, so work opportunities are limited.

However, demand often increases the days immediately before and after long weekends like MLK Day, as teachers extend time off or attend conferences. Keeping your availability open during that surrounding window can help maximize bookings.

Disclaimer: School calendars can change. Always check your district’s official calendar or assignment platform for last-minute updates.