Presidents’ Day, which you recognize as a time to honor past U.S. Presidents, typically comes with the question of whether schools and other institutions close for the holiday.
For many, Presidents’ Day is indeed a day without school. Since it is a federal holiday, public schools and most private institutions take a break, allowing a long weekend.
This means you can plan family activities or just enjoy a day of relaxation at home without the usual morning rush.
Is There School on Presidents’ Day?
If you’re wondering whether you’ll need to prepare school lunches or plan a day off work to care for your kids on Presidents’ Day, the answer is generally no.
Schools across the nation typically close, acknowledging this federal holiday.
For example, in Florida, students and teachers get a break on this day, with all school districts celebrating Presidents Day by closing their doors.
Alongside educational institutions, other services and businesses also observe this holiday:
- Banks: Most banks, including Federal Reserve Banks, will not open.
- Post Office: The USPS does not operate, meaning no standard mail delivery.
- Parcel Carriers: Companies like UPS and FedEx often have modified services, with some offering no pickup or delivery.
Retail chains such as Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Target, and Publix typically remain open, often promoting Presidents Day sales, enticing customers to take advantage of the holiday for shopping.
Here’s a quick look at the operation status:
| Service/Business | Presidents’ Day Status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Closed |
| USPS | Closed |
| UPS/FedEx | Modified Service |
| Retail Chains | Open with Sales |
Since sales are commonplace, it’s an excellent opportunity for you to score deals on various items, from electronics to furniture.
So, enjoy your day off from school runs by relaxing at home or taking part in the retail festivities!
Observance of Presidents’ Day
You might wonder how Presidents’ Day impacts daily life, especially regarding closures.
Federal and State Recognition
Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday, meaning that government offices are typically closed.
This legal holiday came into being through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, aimed at providing workers with more three-day weekends.
Public and Private Sectors
Most public schools will honor Presidents’ Day by closing their doors, granting students and teachers a day free from educational duties.
In contrast, the private sector has more freedom so that some businesses might stay open.
However, the commitment to recognizing this day varies, with some private companies offering a day off to their employees in observance of the holiday.
