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Year-Round Schools

Students running outdoors

Year-round schools follow a balanced schedule with four quarters and frequent breaks. Students learn year-round—with time to recharge and return ready to grow.

  • The year-round school calendar starts July 1 and ends June 30
  • Year-round schools operate on four tracks.
  • Tracks 1 and 4 generally follow a calendar with four 9-week quarters, each followed by a 3-week break.
  • Tracks 2 and 3 also have frequent breaks, but their schedules are structured differently. Their 3-week breaks occur during the quarter rather than after it.

Across all tracks, students attend school for at least 177 days spread throughout the year.

Families often appreciate the regular breaks, which help students return refreshed and ready to learn. These breaks also offer flexible vacation times and reduce summer learning loss. Students on a year-round calendar observe the same major holidays as those on traditional or modified calendars.

Academic Experience

Year-round schools offer the same academic programs as all WCPSS base schools. Every student learns in a supportive environment where they are known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Through the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, students build essential skills in core subjects. They also engage in the arts, athletics, and career and technical education (CTE). This well-rounded learning experience prepares them for success in college, careers, and life.

WCPSS schools prioritize social-emotional learning and personalized instruction. Teachers help students build confidence, discover their strengths, and grow in areas where they need more support. Classrooms are designed to spark curiosity and prepare students for a bright future.

Multi-Track System

Most year-round schools use a multi-track calendar. Students are assigned to one of four tracks. While one track is on break, another is in session. This staggered approach allows WCPSS to serve about 25% more students in growing areas by keeping school buildings in use throughout the year.

Track Assignments

Families may share their track preferences during the application process, but schools make final track assignments. Placement considers:

  • Family preferences (ranked in the application)

  • Keeping siblings on the same track

  • Class size and grade-level needs

Track assignments are not guaranteed. Families who transfer between year-round schools may request to keep the same track, but approval depends on space. Schools notify families about track assignments in the spring. Assignments can change year to year. Track assignments are subject to change during the transition from elementary to middle school

Choice schools in Wake County include Magnet schools—which also offer Early College high schools and Crossroads Flex High School—as well as year-round schools.

Application Information

Key Dates

Oct. 15, 2025: Kindergarten and Pre-registration opens for the 2026-27 school year

Oct. 15-Jan. 22, 2026: Choice Application Window for magnet and year-round schools.

Feb. 19, 2026: Notification of results for all application windows

Note: Students new to WCPSS may request a year-round school within 10 days of enrolling. Approval is not guaranteed. 

How to Apply for a Year-Round School

Additional Resources