Q: How many days are in our yearly school calendar?
A: We have at least 170 instructional days and 11 teacher professional development/in-service days in our school calendar in addition to paid holidays.
Q: How many days are we required to have in our school calendar?
A: Per KRS 158.080 schools are required to go a minimum of 170 days with a minimum of 6 hours of instruction. The total instructional hours must meet 1,062. TFCA typically exceeds the minimum with an average of 6.5-7 hours of instructional time built into the day. In 2025-26 TFCA will adopt a "variable student instruction year", which means we start no sooner than the Monday closest to August 26 and meet the required hours of instruction (1,062) but in fewer days than 170. This allows us to offer more teacher workdays and professional development days in the calendar to better support work/life balance for teachers and families.
Q: Does our calendar match the county public school calendar?
A: No, we typically set our calendar for the next school year in December. We started this at the request of many parents that have to submit request for vacation and time off a year in advance. Our spring and fall breaks are typically at the same time, but we do not always start on the same day or align perfectly with their breaks/days off for students.
Q: Do we go the same amount of time as area public schools?
A: Yes. All schools in Kentucky are required to meet the 1,062 hours of instruction standard.
Q: Why do we have a fall break? Where did that start?
A: Several years ago, area schools began the tradition of a fall break. TFCA adopted that tradition as well. We have received input from parents that many prefer to vacation at fall break instead of summer as the cost is lower and the timing is less of a conflict for work and sports.
Q: How is the school calendar adopted each year?
A: The proposed calendar is constructed sometime in mid-November. Administration reviews it, often with teacher/staff input. It is presented to the Board of Directors meeting in December for review. It is shared with the faculty and staff after that and then shared with parents and students. It is also posted on the school website at that time.
Q: If I have a question or concern regarding the school calendar, where should I direct that question?
A: Our administration is happy to answer any questions/concerns about the school calendar. Please feel free to contact Mrs. Tigges!