In the United States, the academic year typically has about 180 school days for K-12, running from the early (Northern Hemisphere) fall to early summer. Colleges and universities often have shorter years. School holidays (also referred to as vacations, breaks, and recess) are the periods during which schools are closed. Public schools for grades K-12 typically have the following vacations and holidays: Schools offering summer camp are also off on Independence Day though the regular school year generally includes this holiday as part of the larger summer break.