The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) follows a carefully planned academic schedule that balances academics, military training, athletics, and leadership development. For cadets, their families, and prospective students, knowing the key dates is essential for planning ahead. The 2025–2026 academic year includes fall, spring, and summer terms, each with important holidays, exams, and milestones.
Fall Semester 2025
The fall term begins in early August 2025 with cadet onboarding and transition events. Families and cadets alike should mark several significant dates on their calendars.
- August 29–31: Parents’ Weekend
- September 1: Labor Day – no classes
- October 12: Columbus Day – no classes
- November 11: Veterans Day – no classes
- November 25–29: Thanksgiving Break
- December 7–13: Final Exams
- Mid-December: Semester ends, followed by Winter Break
This semester provides a strong foundation for the year, combining coursework with leadership responsibilities and family traditions such as Parents’ Weekend.
Spring Semester 2026
Cadets return on January 5, 2026, to start the spring term. The semester includes academic challenges, leadership exercises, and several key breaks.
- January 1: New Year’s Day – holiday
- January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – no classes
- February 16: Presidents’ Day – no classes
- March 21–29: Spring Break
- April 14–17: Crucible Training – no classes
- May 10–16: Final Exams
- May 28: Graduation
The spring semester is especially important as it leads into graduation, one of the most memorable moments at USAFA.
Summer Term 2026
The summer session combines academic work with leadership development and military training, making it a unique part of the cadet experience.
- June 1: Summer Period 1 begins
- June 19: Juneteenth – holiday
- July 4: Independence Day – holiday
- Late June through July: Basic Cadet Training (BCT)
- Early August: Summer session ends; cadets transition into the new academic year
For incoming cadets, BCT is the defining moment of the summer, preparing them for life at the academy.
Daily Cadet Routine
Alongside the semester calendar, cadet life is shaped by the daily Schedule of Calls, which ensures discipline, balance, and structure.
- Morning begins around 0600 with reveille and breakfast, followed by classes and physical education.
- Midday includes the noon meal formation and time for advising or command activities.
- Afternoons are reserved for athletics, intramurals, and clubs.
- Evenings focus on academics, with study time beginning around 2000.
- TAPS and lights out are observed between 2300 and 2400.
This routine helps cadets balance academics, athletics, and leadership training consistently.
Quick Reference: Major Dates 2025–2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Parents’ Weekend | Aug 29–31, 2025 |
| Labor Day | Sept 1, 2025 |
| Columbus Day | Oct 12, 2025 |
| Veterans Day | Nov 11, 2025 |
| Thanksgiving Break | Nov 25–29, 2025 |
| Fall Finals | Dec 7–13, 2025 |
| Spring Start | Jan 5, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Jan 19, 2026 |
| Presidents’ Day | Feb 16, 2026 |
| Spring Break | Mar 21–29, 2026 |
| Crucible Training | Apr 14–17, 2026 |
| Spring Finals | May 10–16, 2026 |
| Graduation | May 28, 2026 |
| Juneteenth | June 19, 2026 |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The USAFA Academic Calendar 2025–2026 provides cadets and families with the structure they need to plan the year effectively. From Parents’ Weekend in August to Graduation in May, each milestone highlights the academy’s mission of preparing leaders of character. Understanding these dates ensures cadets stay focused while families remain engaged and supportive throughout the year.