Back to School in Cherry Hill: 2026-27 School Year Guide

September 2, 2026 is the first day of school for Cherry Hill Public Schools, and that familiar mix of excitement and chaos is back in neighborhoods across town. Whether you are new to the district or a seasoned Cherry Hill family, it helps to know the dates, the policy changes, and the improvements coming to local schools this year. Here is a warm, practical guide to the 2026-27 school year in Cherry Hill.

When Does the 2026-27 School Year Start in Cherry Hill?

Students returned on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, with an early dismissal for PreK through fifth grade. Staff had two in-service days on August 31 and September 1 to get classrooms and buildings ready. After the opening week, Labor Day on Monday, September 7 gives everyone a long first weekend. For a complete rundown of dates, the district publishes the full calendar on its website at chclc.org.

What Are the Key Dates for the 2026-27 Cherry Hill School Calendar?

Having the big dates on the fridge makes the year run smoother. Here are the highlights families most often ask about:

• Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026.
• Yom Kippur: schools closed Monday, September 21, 2026.
• NJEA Convention: schools closed Thursday and Friday, November 5-6, 2026.
• Early dismissal on Friday, December 4, 2026, and Wednesday, December 23, 2026.
• Winter Break: schools closed Thursday, December 24 through Thursday, December 31, 2026.
• Spring Break (Passover): Thursday and Friday, April 22-23, 2027.
• Last day of school: Thursday, June 17, 2027.

The district also builds in inclement-weather make-up days (February 15, April 26, and May 28, 2027) that only get used if snow days require them.

What Is New at Cherry Hill Public Schools This Year?

A few changes are worth knowing about before the school year settles in:

• New cell phone policy. The district now restricts student cell phone use during instructional time, so families should talk to their kids about putting devices away during class. It is part of a districtwide effort to limit distractions and support focus in the classroom.
• School upgrades under the bond referendum. Voters approved a bond referendum that is upgrading all 19 public schools, from security and HVAC improvements to classroom and accessibility work. Construction continues this year, including a multi-year project at John A. Carusi Middle School.
• Preschool expansion. The district has been growing its preschool program, with new classrooms coming online to serve more young learners. Families interested in early childhood programs should reach out to the district early.
• A new pre-AP program. Cherry Hill has introduced a pre-AP program to help more students prepare for advanced coursework, part of the district's five-year strategic plan adopted in 2025.

If you want the full picture of the district, including enrollment, ratings, and each of the schools, our Cherry Hill Public Schools guide has it all in one place.

How Do Cherry Hill Schools Rate?

Cherry Hill Public Schools serve roughly 10,600 students across 19 schools: two high schools (East and West), three middle schools, and 14 elementary schools. The district is consistently well-regarded across South Jersey. Cherry Hill High School East is regularly ranked among the top high schools in the region, and reading proficiency runs well above the statewide average. Families comparing options will also find strong private and preschool choices nearby, covered in our private schools guide and preschool guide.

What Should New Cherry Hill Families Know?

If you moved to Cherry Hill over the summer, welcome. A few things make the transition easier: make sure your child is registered with the district as early as possible, confirm your neighborhood's assigned school, and get familiar with bus routes, which the district posts before the school year begins. Families new to town also appreciate our New Resident Guide, which covers utilities, town hall, and the everyday services that make settling in simpler.

How Can Families Keep the School Year On Track?

Beyond the calendar, the little routines matter. Set a consistent bedtime the first few weeks, build a homework spot free of screens, and use the district's parent portal to keep up with grades and announcements. After school, Cherry Hill has no shortage of ways for kids to burn off energy: our youth sports guide rounds up leagues for every age, and the family activities page has ideas for weekends all year.

Here is to a great 2026-27 school year. However your family marks this season, we hope it is full of good routines, good friends, and good memories in Cherry Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the 2026-27 Cherry Hill school year start?

The first day of school for students is Wednesday, September 2, 2026, with an early dismissal for PreK through fifth grade. Labor Day follows on September 7.

Is there a new cell phone policy in Cherry Hill schools?

Yes. The district now restricts student cell phone use during instructional time to limit distractions and support focus in the classroom.

What are the Cherry Hill schools doing with the bond referendum?

The voter-approved bond referendum is upgrading all 19 public schools, including security, HVAC, classroom, and accessibility improvements, along with an expanded preschool program and a multi-year project at Carusi Middle School.

When is the last day of school in Cherry Hill?

The last day of school for the 2026-27 year is Thursday, June 17, 2027, with Juneteenth observed on Friday, June 18, 2027.

How many schools are in Cherry Hill Public Schools?

The district operates 19 schools: two high schools (East and West), three middle schools, and 14 elementary schools, serving roughly 10,600 students.