JAPAN

(Photo by Christopher Green, Stars and Stripes)

Welcome back, DODEA Pacific!

DODEA Pacific is excited to welcome students back to school for the 2024-25 school year!

DODEA Pacific serves approximately 21,000 military-connected students, with 46 schools located in Guam, Korea, mainland Japan and Okinawa.

This year, our primary schools will be part of DODEA history as we launch Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) throughout the region. Open to all military-connected students who turn four years old on or before Sept. 1, 2024, the UPK program features age appropriate, play-based curriculum and instruction designed to engage our youngest learners.

At DODEA, military-connected students are at the heart of all we do. We understand the unique opportunities and challenges that impact military-connected children and have numerous resources in place to support every student, every day, everywhere. If your student will be attending DODEA Pacific schools for the first time, know that our teachers and administrators will be there to ensure a smooth transition and integration into their new school community.

Parents, we appreciate the opportunity to partner with you in your child’s education. It is our honor to support military-connected families in the Pacific. We look forward to seeing you soon!

(Lois Rapp, DODEA Pacific Director for Student Excellence)

What’s Inside

  • UPK: A new chapter in DODEA education

  • Savings plans, student loans, scholarships for teens

Helpful links

First Semester (84 Instructional Days)

  • Monday, August 19 - First Day of School

  • Monday, September 2 - Labor Day: Federal Holiday

  • Friday, October 11 - School Holiday

  • Monday, October 14 - Columbus Day: Federal Holiday

  • Thursday, October 24 - End of First Quarter (44 Instructional Days)

  • Friday, October 25 - No School for Students - Teacher Work Day

  • Monday, November 11 - Veterans Day: Federal Holiday

  • Wednesday, November 27 - School Holiday

  • Thursday, November 28 - Thanksgiving Day: Federal Holiday

  • Friday, November 29 - School Holiday

  • Monday, December 23 - Begin Winter Recess (23 December – 3 January)

  • Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas: Federal Holiday

Second Semester (87 Instructional Days)

  • Tuesday, January 21 - Begin Second semester and Third Quarter

  • Friday, February 14 - School Holiday

  • Monday, February 17 - Presidents’ Day: Federal Holiday

  • Wednesday, March 26 - End of Third Quarter (43 Instructional Days)

  • Thursday, March 27 - No School for Students – Teacher Work Day

  • Friday, March 28 - Begin Spring Recess (28 March – 4 April)

  • Friday, May 23 - School Holiday

  • Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day: Federal Holiday

  • Tuesday, June 10 - End of Fourth Quarter and Second Semester (44 Instructional Days)

  • Wednesday, June 11 - No School for Students – Teacher Work Day

The best stories from the Pacific, in your inbox

Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more.

Sign Up Now