School starts in the beginning of September and ends in the beginning of June the following year. It is divided into two semesters (September to December and January to June). There are three holiday seasons 3 weeks in December–January; spring (previously Easter) in April – 2 weeks; and summer, spanning from the 1–20 June to 10–15 September, with an additional free week at the end of October for students in the first 4 years. Additionally, during the week before the spring holiday, special activities (e.g. trips, contests) replace classes. This week is known as "săptămâna altfel".