February 3, 2021 For Immediate Release
Today, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) announced that it will delay the launch of the next phase of expanded optional in-person learning in the second semester until the first two weeks of March 2021. This prudent step will allow schools and staff the best opportunity to prepare for in-person learning and connect with families about this opportunity.
The new start dates are as follows:
- Kindergarten through grade 2 will begin Monday, March 1
- Grades 3-5 and grade 9 will begin Monday, March 15
- Grade 12 will begin April 12, 2021, the first day of the Fourth Quarter
- NOTE: An update on pre-kindergarten, grades 6-8, and grades 10-11 will be provided in early March, at the latest
Families may decide whether to participate in in-person learning or remain in virtual learning and should directly contact their schools to learn more or express interest in participating in in-person learning.
For charter and contract schools, families should visit the charter chools page to learn which schools will be opting into each phase of in-person learning, and visit their school’s website to review specific in-person learning plans.
This decision provides additional time and opportunities for families to understand what in-person learning will look like, for teachers and school staff to prepare for in-person learning, identify any areas that require additional planning and resources, implement expanded COVID testing opportunities in schools, and for more staff to make appointments to get the first dose of the vaccine.
For general questions about optional in-person learning opportunities for the second semester, please review our helpful FAQ HERE.
City Schools has taken a cautious, phased-in approach based on our health experts’ advice with more than 2,000 students already benefitting from in-person instruction that fits their needs in a safe learning environment that meets and exceeds the CDC’s five mitigation strategies. To learn more about our Health and Safety Procedures, including air ventilation efforts, visit our Health and Safety Webpage.