Public schools across New York State will give students and teachers the day off on Friday, June 6, 2025, in recognition of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. This marks the latest addition to the state’s growing list of culturally significant holidays acknowledged by public school districts. The move aligns with the broader effort to recognize major observances in communities with diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.
Eid al-Adha is a central holiday in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The celebration typically spans four to five days, and in 2025 it will begin on Friday, June 6, and continue through the following Tuesday. The first day of the holiday is often observed through prayer, gatherings, and community meals, which now many students and their families will be able to attend without missing school.
Additional Holidays Added to Academic Calendars
New York public schools have gradually expanded the number of cultural holidays observed in the academic year. In addition to Eid al-Adha, students will now also be off on November 1 for Diwali, and on January 29 for the Asian Lunar New Year. These days off are intended to reflect the religious and cultural observances of students across the state. While most public high schools are expected to follow this schedule, families are advised to confirm with their local districts, as implementation may vary.
The announcement about the additional days off comes as school communities adapt their calendars to reflect greater inclusivity. Not all school districts may observe the holiday identically, and the New York State Department of Education encourages parents to monitor district-level announcements for specific schedules. The holiday changes are being communicated in advance to allow families to plan accordingly for childcare or travel.
Family Logistics and District Flexibility
While the inclusion of more holidays has been welcomed by many families, it can present logistical challenges for working parents. Weekday closures, such as the one planned for June 6, may require alternative childcare arrangements. Some parents have expressed concern that frequent school breaks can disrupt routines or complicate scheduling, particularly when workplaces remain open.
According to state guidelines, public school calendars are built with a number of buffer days intended to accommodate unexpected closures, such as snow days. This flexibility allows most districts to incorporate additional holidays like Eid al-Adha without extending the school year. Each school’s academic calendar is set at the local level, and decisions about which holidays are observed may differ based on the needs of the surrounding community.
