Navigating the Academic Calendar at Foothill College
Foothill College operates on a quarter system, including a shortened summer session, and maintains an open-admission policy. Understanding the academic calendar is crucial for students to effectively plan their enrollment, manage deadlines, and stay informed about important dates throughout the academic year.
Understanding the Quarter System
Foothill College structures its academic year using the quarter system, which includes Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters. Each quarter offers a variety of courses and important deadlines that students must adhere to.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Fall Quarter 2026
Foothill's fall quarter runs. It is important to note the priority registration steps have shown higher success in achieving your goals.
- Application for Admission Opens: May 1
- View Schedule of Classes: June 22
- Group 1 Registration Opens: July 27
- Group 2 Registration Opens: July 28
- Group 3 Registration Opens: July 29
- Group 3 Registration Continues: July 30
- Group 4 Registration Opens: August 3
- Group 5 Registration Opens: August 4
- Group 6 Registration Opens: August 5
- Group 7 Registration Opens: August 6
- Group 7 Registration Continues: August 7
- Group 8 Registration Opens: August 10
- Labor Day Holiday - No Classes; Offices Closed: September 7
- Fall Classes Begin: September 21
- Last Day to Add 12-week Classes: October 4
- Last Day to Drop Classes Without a W: October 4
- Veterans Day Holiday - No Classes; Offices Closed: November 11
- Last Day to Drop Classes with a W: November 13
- Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes; Offices Closed: November 26
- Thanksgiving Holiday - No Classes; Offices Closed: November 27
- Final Exams: December 7-11
Students should also be aware that payment in full is required at the time of registration and when adding subsequent classes. Additionally, students will not be permitted to submit add codes after the end of the second week.
Priority Registration for Fall
Priority registration is available to students who complete all required steps. Registration dates vary depending on the group:
Read also: Affording Foothill College
- Group 1: July 27-Sept. Students seeking their first degree or certificate.
- Group 2: July 28-Sept.
- Group 3: July 29-Sept.
- Group 4: August 3-Sept.
- Group 5: August 4-Sept.
- Group 6: August 5-Sept.
- Group 7: August 6-Sept.
- Group 8: August 10-Sept.
Important Deadlines in Fall
- Last Day to Petition for a Fall Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT): October 1
- Last Day to Add 12-week, Quarter-Length Classes: October 3
- Last Day to Drop for a Full Refund or Credit (for 12-weeks, Quarter-Length Classes): October 5
- Last Day to Request Pass/No Pass Grade: December 12
The last day to drop for a refund/credit for all other classes is listed inside MyPortal. Class Schedule. For help, see MyPortal Registration Guide.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Winter Quarter 2026
Winter Quarter 2026 runs.
- Application for Admission Opens: October 1
- View Schedule of Classes: October 20
- Group 1 Registration Opens: November 10
- Group 2 Registration Opens: November 12
- Group 3 Registration Opens: November 13
- Group 4 Registration Opens: November 17
- Group 5 Registration Opens: November 18
- Group 6 Registration Opens: November 19
- Group 7 Registration Opens: November 20
- Group 8 Registration Opens: November 24
- First Day of Winter Quarter: January 5
- Last Day to Add 12-week Classes: January 19
- Last Day to Drop Classes Without a W: January 19
- Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - No Classes, Offices Closed: January 19
- Presidents' Holiday - No Classes, Offices Closed: February 13-16
- Last Day to Drop Classes with a W: February 27
- Final Exams: March 23-27
Priority Registration for Winter
Priority registration begins. Registration dates vary depending on the group:
- Group 1: Nov. 10-Jan. Students seeking their first degree or certificate.
- Group 2: Nov. 12-Jan.
- Group 3: Nov. 13-Jan.
- Group 4: Nov. 17-Jan.
- Group 5: Nov. 18-Jan.
- Group 6: Nov. 19-Jan.
- Group 7: Nov. 20-Jan.
- Group 8: Nov. 24-Jan.
Important Deadlines in Winter
- Last Day to Add 12-week, Quarter-Length Classes: January 16
- Last Day to Drop for a Full Refund or Credit for 12-weeks, Quarter-Length Classes and All Other Classes: January 18
- Last Day to Drop 12-week, Quarter-Length Classes with No Record of Grade: January 18
- Last Day to Request Pass/No Pass Grade: March 27
Key Dates and Deadlines for Spring Quarter 2026
Spring Quarter 2026 runs.
- Application for Admission Opens: January 19
- View Schedule of Classes: January 26
- Group 1 Registration Opens: February 17
- Group 2 Registration Opens: February 19
- Group 3 Registration Opens: February 20
- Group 4 Registration Opens: February 24
- Group 5 Registration Opens: February 25
- Group 6 Registration Opens: February 26
- Group 7 Registration Opens: February 27
- Group 8 Registration Opens: March 3
- Spring Classes Begin: April 6
- Last Day to Add 12-week Classes: April 19
- Last Day to Drop Classes Without a W: April 19
- Memorial Day Weekend - No Classes, Offices Closed: May 23-25
- Last Day to Drop Classes with a W: May 29
- Juneteenth Holiday - No Classes, Offices Closed: June 19
- Final Exams: June 22-26
- Graduation: June 27
Priority Registration for Spring
Priority registration begins. Registration dates vary depending on the group:
Read also: Foothill College Requirements
- Group 1: Feb. 17
- Group 2: Feb. 19
- Group 3: Feb. 20
- Group 4: Feb. 24
- Group 5: Feb. 25
- Group 6: Feb. 26
- Group 7: Feb. 27
- Group 8: March 3
Important Deadlines in Spring
- Last Day to Add 12-week, Quarter-Length Classes: April 17
- Last Day to Drop 12-week, Quarter-Length Classes with No Record of Grade: April 19
- Deadline to Petition for Spring Associate Degree to be Included in Commencement 2026 Printed Program: Date TBD
- Last Day to Petition for Spring Associate Degree or Certificate: May 29
- Last Day to Request Pass/No Pass Grade: June 26
Key Dates and Deadlines for Summer Quarter 2026
Important all add/drop and other important dates for summer are by course section. Please view your class schedule in MyPortal for deadlines for your summer classes.
Priority Registration for Summer
Priority registration begins.
General Registration Information
To ensure a smooth registration process, students should follow these steps:
- Apply for admission and receive your Foothill College student ID.
- Meet with a Counselor after you apply for admission and receive your Foothill College student ID.
- Pay for classes as soon as possible after registering.
Payment Information
Payment in full is required at the time of registration and when adding subsequent classes. Foothill College offers financial aid options and payment plans to assist students with tuition costs. If you plan to take 12 units or more (full-time status), you may be eligible to have the cost of tuition and fees fully paid for your first year at Foothill.
Pass/No Pass Grade Option
Students can request a P/NP grade through the completion of the course. The request can be completed using the Pass/No Pass Form. The request date is enforced, and the form can be completed online in MyPortal before the term begins.
Read also: Campus Guide
Additional Information
Foothill College is committed to helping students succeed. Whether you are a graduating high school senior or a military veteran, Foothill College offers resources and programs to support your academic journey. Be sure to check out Foothill College Promise.
For students interested in dual enrollment, special permission from a parent/guardian and your high school principal/administrator is required.
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