MOE revises schedule of activities for first week of new school year amid elections

The Ministry of Education has revised its plans for what will happen at schools during the first week of the new academic year, which begins on September 1, amid the general election that's set for September 3.

Among the changes is that all schools will now close on both Tuesday, September 2, and Wednesday, September 3.

Further, the full resumption of classes is set for Monday, September 8.

On Monday, the Ministry advised that schools will reopen as scheduled on September 1 and that institutions that will be used as polling stations will close at noon on Tuesday, September 2, while all schools will close on Wednesday, September 3, to facilitate the elections.

It further advised that schools will resume the following day, on Thursday, September 4, using a mix of online and face-to-face teaching, with full face-to-face resumption on Friday, September 5.

Subsequently, the Christmas holidays will be from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

The Education Ministry, on Tuesday, indicated that following extensive consultations with key education stakeholders, including the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), the Jamaica Independent Schools’ Association (JISA), that Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPSS), the National Parent Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), and the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), it was agreed that the school year should begin as planned to avoid any extension of the school year.

Further, it is also now saying that instead of teaching and orientation activities on Monday, September 1, schools should use that time for administrative activities.

Students who do not require orientation will not be asked to attend school on Monday, September 1, said the Education Ministry.

Further, instead of schools opening on Tuesday, September 2, and closing at midday, all institutions are now required to be closed on that day as well as on election day on Wednesday, September 3.

Thursday, September 4, and Friday, September 5, will now be for the resumption of orientation and other administrative activities using modalities determined by school leaders, as guided by local circumstances

The full resumption of all schools will be on Monday, September 8, instead of Friday, September 5.

“We recognise the importance of preserving the integrity of the school calendar and our children’s education. This decision reflects the strong consensus among education stakeholders that the school year should not be extended, while still accommodating the democratic process," said Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

"By starting the academic year on schedule, we ensure our students have the full benefit of the school year, while balancing the need for schools to support key national activities such as the general elections. This unique arrangement allows us to protect valuable instructional time, maintain stability for parents and students, provide flexibility to our school leaders to act and honour our commitment to delivering quality education without compromise,” she added.

Stewart Jacobs, President of the National Parent Teachers’ Association, has welcomed the adjustments.

“Parents across Jamaica welcome this decision. We understand the importance of our children returning to school on time, and we appreciate the Ministry’s efforts to safeguard the academic calendar. This approach strikes the right balance between supporting our country’s democratic processes and prioritising our children’s education. I encourage parents to closely follow their schools during the election week to ensure a smooth transition and to make the most of every opportunity.”

President of the Jamaica Independent Schools’ Association, Tamar McKenzie, also supports the decision.

“Independent schools are fully aligned with the Ministry’s decision to keep the start of the academic year on schedule. Our priority is to ensure continuity in teaching and learning, and this arrangement allows us to do so without having to adjust the end-of-year timelines. We believe this is a sensible, well-balanced approach that minimises disruption for students, teachers, and parents, while allowing schools to fulfil their civic role in the general elections.”

School administrators have been urged to manage the transition smoothly and to communicate any challenges to their respective regional office.

Morris Dixon further added, “I want to take this opportunity to encourage all principals and school leaders to remain vigilant during this period and to make decisions that are in the best interest of your students, staff, and the wider school community. You are empowered to assess your local circumstances and to determine the safest and most effective teaching and learning arrangements for your schools. Your leadership is critical to ensuring that the start of the academic year remains smooth, productive, and focused on student success.”

The Ministry of Education says it is committed to working closely with schools, parents, and all education stakeholders to ensure a seamless start to the academic year.

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