A lot of schools have transferred over to quarter systems in which they go 8 weeks then get 2 weeks off pretty much year round (they get one quarter - 8 weeks - off for summer break).
In Germany (they may still be doing things this way) they go pretty much year round, and are only in school in the morning. Of course they tend to test using oral tests rather than written, which is far better in my opinion (assuming the tester has their act together).
"Recollect me darlin, raise me to your lips, two undernourished egos, four rotating hips"
