Why New York Schools Will Be Closed Several Days In October
October always feels like a whirlwind. Between the crisp fall air, apple picking, and pumpkin spice everything, the month is already busy enough. But if you have kids in school, or work in one, you’ll also want to mark a few important dates on the calendar. Public schools across the state will be closed on select days this October to observe a mix of cultural and religious holidays.
Schools Close October 2 for Yom Kippur Observance
The first closure comes right at the beginning of the month. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, schools will be closed for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It’s a time of reflection, prayer, and fasting, and for many families in New York, it’s an important day of observance.
October 13 Brings School Closures for Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day
A little later in the month, on Monday, October 13, 2025, schools will close again, this time for Indigenous Peoples' Day, which is also still recognized in some districts as Columbus Day. Different communities approach the holiday differently, but for most families, it means a long weekend right in the heart of fall.
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Some New York Schools to Close October 20 for Diwali
And here’s where things get a little more district-specific. On Monday, October 20, 2025, some schools will also close for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which is one of the most important holidays in Hindu culture. However, not every district observes it with a school closure, so whether your child has the day off will depend on where you live.
Not Sure If Your School Is Closed? Here’s How to Check
Holiday observances can vary quite a bit from one school district to another, so it’s always a good idea to double-check your child’s schedule. The easiest way to do this is by visiting your district’s official website and pulling up the 2025-2026 school year calendar, where closure dates will be clearly listed. If you have trouble finding the information online, you can always call your school’s main office directly, since they’ll be able to give you the most accurate and up to date details.
Plan Ahead for Extra Family Time This October
So yes, October is about to bring more than just pumpkin patches and fall festivals, it’s also going to bring a few extra days at home with the kids. Whether you use the time for family traditions, a fall getaway, or simply catching your breath, it’s worth circling those dates now so nothing sneaks up on you.
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