Early Colonial Period: The history of education in Hampton dates back to the early 17th century when the English settlers established the Virginia Colony. Education was provided through private tutors, community schools, and religious institutions.
Emancipation and Education: After the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery, efforts were made to provide education to African Americans in the region. One significant institution that emerged during this time was the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, founded in 1868 by Samuel Chapman Armstrong. This institution later became Hampton University, an historically black university.
Public Education: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hampton City School System began to take shape as public education became more formalized. It started with elementary schools and gradually expanded to include high schools.
Desegregation: Like many school districts in the United States, Hampton City Schools faced the challenges of segregation during the Jim Crow era. The landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954 played a significant role in the desegregation of public schools in the district.
Modern Era: Over the years, Hampton City Schools has evolved and expanded its educational offerings. It has continued to focus on providing quality education to its diverse student population, which includes students of various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Innovations in Education: Hampton City Schools has been recognized for its innovative programs and initiatives. The district has embraced technology in education, introduced magnet schools, and implemented specialized programs to meet the needs of its students.
Achievements and Challenges: Like all school districts, Hampton City Schools has faced various achievements and challenges over the years. The district has celebrated academic successes while addressing issues related to funding, school facilities, and meeting the diverse needs of its students.
Today, Hampton City Schools continues to provide educational opportunities to students in the city of Hampton, with a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.
Hampton City Schools Calendar 2026-27
Hampton City Schools may have its own specific holiday calendar.
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Spring Break (dates can vary)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Winter Break (often includes Christmas and New Year’s)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day

| Date | Day | Event |
| Aug 19 | Monday | First Day of School |
| Sep 2 | Monday | Labor Day (No School) |
| Oct 14 | Monday | Columbus Day (No School) |
| Nov 5 | Tuesday | Election Day (No School) |
| Nov 11 | Monday | Veterans Day (No School) |
| Nov 27-29 | Wed-Fri | Thanksgiving Break |
| Dec 23-Jan 3 | Mon-Fri | Winter Break |
| Jan 20 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Feb 17 | Monday | Presidents’ Day (No School) |
| Apr 6-10 | Mon-Fri | Spring Break |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day (No School) |
| Jun 12 | Friday | Last Day of School |
Hampton City Schools Hours
| Grade Level | School Start Time | School End Time | Lunch Break |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 8:00 AM | 3:00 PM | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Middle | 8:30 AM | 3:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
| High School | 7:30 AM | 2:30 PM | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Hampton City Schools Sports
Common sports offerings in many school districts include:
- Football
- Basketball (Boys and Girls)
- Baseball
- Softball
- Soccer (Boys and Girls)
- Track and Field
- Cross Country
- Volleyball (Boys and Girls)
- Wrestling
- Golf
- Tennis (Boys and Girls)
- Swimming
- Cheerleading
- Dance Teams
- Gymnastics
- Field Hockey (Girls)
- Lacrosse (Boys and Girls)
Hampton City Schools may offer these and additional sports programs, depending on the individual schools and the interests of the student body. Each school typically has its own sports teams and may compete against other schools within the district or in regional competitions.
Hampton City Schools Teachers Workdays 2026 – 2027
| Date | Day | Purpose |
| August 17, 2026 | Monday |
Teacher Workday – Pre-Planning
|
| August 18, 2026 | Tuesday |
Teacher Workday – Pre-Planning
|
| August 19, 2026 | Wednesday |
Teacher Workday – Professional Development
|
| August 20, 2026 | Thursday |
Teacher Workday – Classroom Preparation
|
| August 21, 2026 | Friday |
Teacher Workday – Staff Meetings
|
| October 12, 2026 | Monday |
Teacher Workday – Student Holiday
|
| January 4, 2027 | Monday |
Teacher Workday – Student Holiday
|
| March 15, 2027 | Monday |
Teacher Workday – Professional Development
|
| June 14, 2027 | Monday |
Teacher Workday – Post-Planning
|
| June 15, 2027 | Tuesday |
Teacher Workday – Post-Planning
|
FAQs
Q: When does school start in Hampton City Schools?
A. School is typically late in August every year. As of 2026-27, the students started school on August 22, 2026.
Q: When is the first day of Hampton City School?
A. School Calendar The 2026-27 calendar had August 22, 2026 as the opening day of the Hampton City Schools academic year.
Q: When is the Winter Break at Hampton City School?
A. Hampton City Schools: There is a Winter Break (also known as Christmas/Winter break) between December 22, 2026 to January 2, 2027.
Q: When is the Summer Break in Hampton City Schools?
A. Summer Break starts at the end of June. The 2026-27 school year ended on June 11, 2027, and then students began summer vacation.
Q: When is the last day of Hampton City School?
⁻A. June 11, 2026, was the final day of school of 2025-26 students.