ACPS Planning for Five Days per Week of In-Person Instruction for All Students Next School Year

teacher and students wearing protective face masks in the classroom

Superintendent Dr. Matthew Haas said today the school division has begun its planning to offer five days per week of in-person instruction at all school sites for students in all grades next school year. He also said the division will offer an all-virtual school for elementary, middle and high school students. The all-virtual school will have its own principal and teaching staff and provide synchronous instruction to students.

“My recommendation will be that our school board approve this plan as the default unless, of course, circumstances materially change,” Dr. Haas said.

The 2021-22 school year will begin on Monday, August 23, per the 2021-22 School Year Calendar approved by the school board on April 1. (This calendar is also available in Spanish on the division-level Calendars web page.)

ACPS plans to continue in Stage 4 of its Return to School plan for the duration of the current school year. Stage 4 provides four days per week of face-to-face instruction for students in pre-K through third grade, and two days per week of face-to-face instruction for students in grades 4-12.

To address learning loss suffered by many students throughout the pandemic, ACPS will offer free summer programming to all students this summer from July 6-30. There will be two sessions each day: a morning session devoted to academic enrichment and an afternoon session that, in collaboration with community partners, will feature programs specifically designed to promote student social and emotional health and physical fitness. More details about summer learning opportunities will be shared as plans are finalized.

For more information, please read the division’s April 19 news release: Superintendent Haas Says Division Is Planning for Five Days per Week of In-Person Instruction for All Students Next School Year; Will Also Offer Virtual Instruction for Elementary, Middle & High School.