Arlington schools to excuse absences for Native American ‘pow wows’ while slashing school days below state minimum

Published August 28, 2026 10:26am ET | Updated August 28, 2026 10:27am ET



Arlington Public Schools, a white-majority school district in northern Virginia, is planning to allow students to skip school for Native American “pow wow gatherings” as it considers dropping the number of school days next year below the state-mandated minimum.

If passed, the school board proposals would shake up an already chaotic academic calendar that includes frequent diced school weeks and generous days honoring cultural observances.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.