Students across Durham Region, including those in Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington, Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, are preparing for an early start to their March break as schools close for the annual holiday.
The Durham Region March break school closure applies to both the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB). The break officially runs from Friday, March 13 to Friday, March 20, giving thousands of students across the region a week away from classrooms.
The final day of classes before the break will be Thursday, March 12, with students scheduled to return to school on Monday, March 23.
March break is one of the most anticipated breaks in the school calendar, providing families with time to relax, travel, or take part in community programs and activities.
Both school boards have also released reminders about several important dates remaining in the 2025–2026 school year calendar, helping parents plan for upcoming holidays, professional activity days, and exam periods.
For students in the Durham District School Board, upcoming holidays include Good Friday on April 3, Easter Monday on April 6, and Victoria Day on May 18. The board also has several Professional Activity (PA) days scheduled for the remainder of the school year.
These include April 17 for all schools, June 5 for elementary schools, June 25 for secondary schools, and June 26 for all schools.
Secondary school students will also enter their summative assessment period, formerly referred to as exams, between June 17 and June 23.
Students attending schools in the Durham Catholic District School Board will follow a very similar calendar schedule. Their upcoming holidays are also Good Friday on April 3, Easter Monday on April 6, and Victoria Day on May 18.
Professional activity days for Catholic board students include April 17 for all schools, June 5 for elementary schools only, June 25 for secondary schools, and June 26 for both elementary and secondary schools.
Secondary school exam periods in the Catholic board are also scheduled for June 17 to June 23.
Transportation information for students and families can be accessed through Durham Student Transportation Services. Parents who need details about bus routes and schedules can use the automated phone line or the online family portal to confirm transportation arrangements.
While schools will be closed during the Durham Region March break school closure, families looking for activities for children will have several options available across the region.
Community organizations, libraries and tourism groups are planning events and programs to keep students engaged during the week-long break.
For example, BGC Durham is offering several March break camps and youth programs designed to provide recreational and educational activities for children.
Public libraries across the region—including those in Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge and Whitby—often organize family-friendly activities, reading programs and workshops during the break.
Parents can also explore local attractions such as art galleries, museums and cultural sites through information provided by Durham Tourism, which highlights places families can visit throughout the region.
With a full week away from school, the Durham Region March break school closure offers students an opportunity to rest, explore local events and enjoy time with family before returning to classes later in March.
