Most of Western Massachusetts schools will open before Labor Day this year since the holiday that signals the unofficial end of summer falls so late in the month. The earliest date for the start of school is Aug. 31, the Monday before Labor Day. Fluctuations in the start day are affected by how many snow days local districts add to the 180-day public school calendar. Below are some starting dates for school districts and some private schools in Western Massachusetts: Springfield Public Schools: Monday, Aug. 31, Grades 1-12; Tuesday, Sept. 8, kindergarten and pre-kindergarten.