Austin ISD Keeps Schools Open on Good Friday

Parents can request excused absences for religious observance

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:45am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, impressionistic scene of a church interior filled with soft, golden light, conveying a sense of reverence and spirituality.The warm glow of a church sanctuary sets the stage for families to observe the solemn traditions of Good Friday.Austin Today

Despite calls from Texas Values and others to add Good Friday as a school holiday, the Austin Independent School District has decided to keep schools open on April 3. However, Texas law allows students to be excused from school to observe religious holy days, so parents can request an excused absence for their children to celebrate Good Friday.

Why it matters

Good Friday is an important religious holiday for many Christian families, who often use the day for church services, preparation for Easter, and family activities. Closing schools on this day has been a common practice, but some districts are choosing to remain open, requiring parents to request excused absences.

The details

At a recent school board meeting, the majority of those who testified asked the Austin ISD to add Good Friday back to the school calendar. However, the board ultimately voted to keep schools open this year, while approving the closure for Good Friday in the 2023-2024 school year. The only change made to this year's calendar was to rename March 31 as Dolores Huerta Day.

  • The Austin ISD school board meeting was held last Thursday.
  • Good Friday this year falls on April 3, 2026.

The players

Texas Values

A conservative Christian advocacy group that testified at the Austin ISD school board meeting in favor of closing schools for Good Friday.

Austin ISD

The school district serving the city of Austin, Texas, which decided to keep schools open on Good Friday this year but approved the closure for the following school year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Parents who wish to have their children excused from school on Good Friday can send a letter to their child's teacher and school administration citing the Texas Education Code that allows for excused absences for religious holy days.

The takeaway

This decision by Austin ISD highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between secular education and accommodating religious observances. While the district is keeping schools open, parents still have the option to request excused absences for their children to celebrate Good Friday.