>>>>>The reply I'm most curious about is Sam's. I am sure there are some districts that do so, if he says so, but personally I have never heard of a school year that starts the first week in August.
>>>>
>>>>Orlando, FL - 31 July. The daughter of a friend of ours just started kindergarten there.
>>>
>>>And when do these schools get out?
>>>
>>>Tamar
>>
>>I'll have to check, but I think it isn't until June.
>
>So either they're running a much longer school year, or they have a lot of days off during the year.
>
>Tamar

Actual schools days are 180 days. If it snows, and school day is cancelled, they make it up in the end of the school year by adding an additional day. But half days are considered a full school day.

A couple years ago, the elementary school near my home declared Fridays as half days. The kids got out around 11:00 in the morning. If we add up the leftover time it is giving the kids (and teachers) an extra 20 days free.