If you are planning to study English in California in 2027, it is important to understand the school calendar before choosing your start date.
Like other educational institutions in the United States, Language Systems International has an academic calendar with different terms, sessions, start dates, and holidays.
The 2027 academic year starts on January 4, 2027.
However, your start date may vary depending on your student status.
Is the Start Date Flexible?
The answer depends on your program and immigration status.
Vacation Students and California Residents
If you are coming to the United States for a Vacation English Program, including students traveling with a tourist visa or ESTA, the start date can be more flexible.
Students who are already living in the United States as residents can also have more flexibility with their start date.
For these students, it may be possible to start on a Monday during the academic calendar, depending on the program and availability.
If you are not sure which date is best for you, our team can help you choose a start date.
F-1 Students: Start Dates Are Different
If you are an F-1 student, the rules are different.
This includes students who are:
- Applying for an F-1 student visa;
- Already in the United States with F-1 status;
- Transferring their F-1 status from another school;
- Planning to receive a Form I-20 from Language Systems International.
For F-1 students, the start date is more specific.
F-1 students need to start on the first day of a session.
This is important when you are planning your visa process, travel, Form I-20, and housing.
For example, if you want to start in January 2027, the first F-1 start date is:
January 4, 2027 – Session A
You cannot simply choose any Monday, as a Vacation Program student can.
2027 Terms and Sessions
The 2027 academic calendar is divided into four main terms:
- Winter Term
- Spring Term
- Summer Term
- Fall Term
Each term has different sessions.
Let’s look at the 2027 calendar.
Winter Term 2027
January 4 – April 2, 2027
The Winter Term is 13 weeks.
Session A
January 4, 2027
Session B
February 1, 2027
Session C
March 1, 2027
Session C is a shorter 5-week session.
Winter Holidays
The main holidays during this term are:
- January 18 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- February 15 – Presidents’ Day
These are school holidays, so students do not have regular classes on these dates.
Spring Term 2027
April 5 – June 25, 2027
The Spring Term is 12 weeks.
Session A
April 5, 2027
Session B
May 3, 2027
Session C
May 31, 2027
Spring Holidays
During the Spring Term, the calendar includes:
- May 31 – Memorial Day
- June 18 – Juneteenth
These are holidays listed on the academic calendar.
Summer Term 2027
June 28 – September 17, 2027
The Summer Term is 12 weeks.
Session A
June 28, 2027
Session B
July 26, 2027
Session C
August 23, 2027
Summer is a very popular time for international students to come to California.
It is also a great time to enjoy Southern California, including beaches, outdoor activities, restaurants, shopping, and many tourist attractions.
Summer Holidays
The calendar includes:
- July 5 – Independence Day holiday
- September 6 – Labor Day
Fall Term 2027
September 20 – December 17, 2027
The Fall Term is 13 weeks.
Session A
September 20, 2027
Session B
October 18, 2027
Session C
November 15, 2027
Session C is a shorter 5-week session.
Fall Holidays
The calendar includes:
- November 11 – Veterans Day
- November 25 – Thanksgiving
- November 26 – Black Friday
These dates are listed as holidays on the school calendar.
What Is the Difference Between Session A, B, and C?
The three sessions are different start points within each academic term.
For example, during the Summer Term:
- Session A: June 28
- Session B: July 26
- Session C: August 23
This gives students different options depending on their program and situation.
However, remember:
F-1 students must follow the correct session start date.
If you are applying for an F-1 visa or transferring to Language Systems International, our admissions team will help you determine which start date to use.
What About Vacations?
Vacation rules are also different depending on your student status.
Vacation Program Students
If you are studying through a Vacation English Program with a tourist visa or ESTA, your schedule is more flexible.
If you need to travel or take time away from school, you can request time off in accordance with the program rules.
California Residents
Students who live in California and are studying as residents may also have more flexibility with their schedule and time away from classes.
If you need to take a break, simply speak with the school team so we can explain the available options.
F-1 Students and Vacation Rules
For students in F-1 status, vacation rules are different.
F-1 students must follow the rules required for their program and status.
At Language Systems International, under the rules we follow for our accreditation and F-1 students, an F-1 student generally needs to complete two sessions, or approximately six months of study, before taking a vacation period.
After completing the required period of study, the student may be eligible for a vacation period of approximately two months, depending on the student’s circumstances and the school’s requirements.
This is different from a Vacation English student or a resident student.
What if an F-1 student needs to leave earlier?
If an F-1 student needs to leave school before completing the required study period, this may be possible only in special circumstances.
For example, a medical reason or another serious and unexpected situation may require a special review.
In these situations, the student should contact the DSO (Designated School Official) before making plans.
The DSO can review the student’s situation and explain what is possible under the F-1 rules.
F-1 students should never stop attending classes or leave the program without first speaking with the school and DSO.
Check the 2027 Academic Calendar Before Planning Your Trip
If you are planning to study English in California in 2027, we recommend checking the Language Systems International academic calendar before booking your flight.
Your start date can affect:
- Your school enrollment;
- Your Form I-20;
- Your F-1 visa process;
- Your travel plans;
- Your housing;
- Your study schedule.
The 2027 Academic Calendar is already available, so you can start planning your English program now.
Whether you are interested in Downtown Los Angeles, South Bay/Torrance, or Orange County, our team can help you understand the available programs and find the best start date for your situation.
Ready to Start Planning Your 2027 English Program?
Don’t wait until the last minute.
Check the 2027 Academic Calendar, choose your program, and contact Language Systems International to start planning your English experience in California.
Contact us today and let us help you choose the right program and start date for 2027!
