When is Spring Break for Denver Public Schools in 2026?

Denver Public Schools (DPS) Spring Break in 2026 runs Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3, 2026. 

For substitute teachers, Spring Break is less about the week off and more about the scheduling patterns around it: absences typically rise before the break, then demand often rebounds quickly after students return.

Why Spring Break matters for substitute teachers

Even though schools are closed during Spring Break, the two weeks around it can be high-opportunity:

• Teachers stack personal days and appointments right before the break.

• Schools run events, assessments, and end-of-quarter activities that increase coverage needs.

• Long-term placements often begin right before break so classrooms have continuity afterward.

If you work across multiple districts in the Denver metro, spring break misalignment can also create surprise “dead weeks” if you’re only watching one calendar.

Spring Break 2026 dates for DPS and nearby Denver-area districts

Dates below reflect published 2025–2026 calendars.

District	Area	Spring Break 2026
Denver Public Schools (DPS)	Denver	Mar 30 – Apr 3, 2026
Aurora Public Schools (APS)	Aurora	Mar 9 – Mar 13, 2026
Douglas County School District (DCSD)	South metro	Mar 16 – Mar 20, 2026
Cherry Creek School District (CCSD)	Southeast metro	Mar 16 – Mar 20, 2026
Jeffco Public Schools	West metro	Mar 23 – Mar 27, 2026
Adams 12 Five Star Schools	North metro	Mar 23 – Mar 27, 2026

What substitute teachers should expect around Spring Break

1) Increased demand before the break

The 1–2 weeks leading into Spring Break can be busy. Teachers try to finish units, wrap grading, attend trainings, or take leave before stepping away.

2) Calendar alignment affects your weekly earnings

If you’re active across DPS plus nearby districts, check the table above and plan your availability like a chessboard. A district going out earlier can create a lull unless you’re also activated where school is still in session.

3) Post-break demand often returns fast

After break, schools jump back into instruction, spring testing windows, and end-of-year planning. That tends to translate into more day-to-day coverage needs.

4) Long-term placements can open right before break

A common pattern is a teacher starting leave right before Spring Break, with a long-term sub covering the class through the remainder of the semester.

Disclaimer

Spring Break dates are based on the most recently published 2025–2026 district calendars. Districts may revise calendars. For the most accurate information, confirm directly with the district calendar pages. 

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