Presidents’ Day falls on Monday, February 15, 2027. Most schools are closed, so lessons happen the week before or after. For high school students, the holiday is a good excuse to go beyond trivia and explore how the presidency works, how it has changed and how presidents communicate with the public. These Presidents’ Day activities for high school fit civics, U.S. history and English classes.
In this guide8 sections
Quick background
- The federal holiday is officially called Washington’s Birthday. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732.
- The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved the holiday to the third Monday of February starting in 1971.
- Many people use the day to honor all presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809.
Civics activities
- Powers of the president. Students sort examples (vetoing a bill, appointing judges, negotiating treaties) into the correct constitutional power and the check that limits it.
- Executive orders debate. Groups research how executive orders work and debate when they are appropriate.
- Job description. Students write a realistic job posting for “President of the United States” using Article II.
- Electoral College simulation. Assign states to groups and walk through a mock election.
History activities
- Primary source analysis. Compare Washington’s Farewell Address with a later presidential speech; what warnings or priorities appear?
- Presidential decision case studies. Groups examine one major decision, the options available and its consequences.
- Timeline of firsts. First televised debate, first president to live in the White House, first use of radio addresses.
- Rank and justify. Students rank five presidents on a single criterion (crisis leadership, communication) using evidence. Emphasize criteria over opinion.
English and media activities
- Inaugural address analysis. Identify purpose, audience and rhetorical techniques in two inaugural addresses.
- Write an inaugural address. Students write a 300-word address for an imaginary president of your school.
- Political cartoon analysis. Analyze a historical cartoon’s symbols, message and point of view.
- Media then and now. Compare how presidents communicated through newspapers, radio, TV and social media.
Quick activities
- Presidential quiz game. See our classroom quiz games.
- Two truths and a lie: presidents edition.
- Money detectives. Identify which presidents appear on U.S. coins and bills and why.
Planning table
| Time available | Best picks |
|---|---|
| 15 minutes | Money detectives, two truths and a lie, quiz game |
| One class period | Powers of the president sort, inaugural address analysis |
| Two periods | Electoral College simulation, executive orders debate |
Tips for balanced discussions
- Focus on evidence, criteria and the Constitution rather than personal politics.
- Set discussion norms first; see our guide to classroom norms.
- Include multiple perspectives on historical decisions.
Frequently asked questions
When is Presidents’ Day 2027?
Presidents’ Day is Monday, February 15, 2027, the third Monday of February.
What is the official name of Presidents’ Day?
The federal holiday is officially Washington’s Birthday.
What are good Presidents’ Day activities for high school?
Analyzing presidential powers, primary sources, inaugural addresses and running an Electoral College simulation all work well.
Pair this with our Black History Month activities for a full February plan, or browse more seasonal activities.
Plan the whole year with our classroom activities calendar 2026–2027.
