Jamaica – The Ministry of Education has confirmed that schools will open as planned on Monday, September 1, despite the nation heading to the polls just two days later on September 3.
In an official advisory, the ministry outlined that schools designated as polling stations will dismiss students early at 12:00 noon on September 2 to allow for election preparations.
On Election Day, all schools islandwide will be closed. Classes will resume on September 4 in a blended format — online and face-to-face — before returning to full face-to-face sessions on September 5.
The ministry also confirmed the Christmas holiday period will run from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026.
According to officials, the decision was reached after discussions with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, the National Parent Teacher Association of Jamaica, other education stakeholders, and the Electoral Office of Jamaica — just one day after Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the general election date.
McKoy’s News will continue to monitor and bring you updates on how the elections may impact communities, schools, and daily life.

