Maryland Back To School 2020 | County-By-County Decisions On School Reopenings Amid COVID-19
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BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It may be summer, but Maryland school officials have been busy trying to decide whether or not they will reopen for in-person instruction in the fall.
Several county school districts have already made a decision to be online-only for at least the first semester.
Here's a county-by-county breakdown of the decisions:
Allegany County Public Schools: ACPS is currently reviewing its recovery options for each stage in preparation for the opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year, which is scheduled for August 26, 2020, for students. Learn more here
Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Anne Arundel County Public Schools will employ virtual learning for the first semester of the 2020-21 school year. Learn more here
Baltimore City Public Schools: City public schools will start online in the fall. They are hoping to have hybrid learning, meaning some in-person, at a later date. Learn more here
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Baltimore said its Catholic schools will reopen for in-person learning in the fall. Students who don't feel comfortable learning in the classroom can take part remotely. Learn more here
Baltimore County Public Schools: Public schools in Baltimore County will move to virtual instruction for the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. The county's school board approved a virtual start on Tuesday. Learn more here
Calvert County Public Schools: On July 16th, the Board of Education of Calvert County Public Schools decided to continue the discussion of how to open the 2020-2021 school year. To ensure the safety of staff and students during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board is in favor of starting the year online for all students. Board members recognize, however, that barriers exist for some students to learn online. The Board will continue to accept public comments about meeting the needs of all students through July 22. A virtual town hall will take place on July 23. The time and details are forthcoming. Learn more here
Caroline County Public Schools: The county school board approved a plan to begin the year with distance learning. A complete plan will be presented at the August 4 board meeting. Learn more here
Carroll County Public Schools: Carroll County Public Schools will begin the 2020-21 school year virtually. Learn more here
Cecil County Public Schools: Most public school students in Cecil County will begin the 2020-2021 school year virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, though some will qualify for in-person learning based on educational needs. Learn more here
Charles County Public Schools: The Charles County Board of Education voted July 21 to start the 2020-21 school year with virtual learning for all students, with a goal of transitioning to Phase 2 as quickly as possible. Phase 2 would include in-person instruction for special populations of students. The first day of the 2020-21 school year is Monday, Aug. 31. Learn more here
Dorchester County Public Schools: No decision has been made, but a draft plan was presented on July 14. Learn more here
Frederick County Public Schools: Public school students in Frederick County will attend classes virtually for the fall semester of the 2020-2021 school year. School leaders will be able to identify targeted small groups to take part in in-person learning at schools. Learn more here
Garrett County Public Schools: Public schools in Garrett County will operate on a "modified red" model with all instruction being online beginning September 8. Small groups will be identified to take part in in-person classes.
The online model will run through the first nine-week term of the school year. Extracurricular activities will be suspended.
October 9 and November 30 will also be added to the school calendar, moving the final day of classes to June 8, 2021. Learn more here
Harford County Public Schools: Harford County Public Schools has updated its recovery plan as the coronavirus pandemic continues, announcing they will be doing virtual learning during the first semester in the fall. There will also be a limited number of spaces within schools for students who need a space to access virtual classes and homework.
Fall athletic events will not begin until at least September 8. Learn more here
Howard County Public Schools: The Howard County School Board has updated its recovery plan as the coronavirus pandemic continues, announcing Thursday they will be doing virtual learning during the first semester in the fall. Learn more here
Kent County Public Schools: No decision has been made yet. The school board will hold a special meeting on July 27. Learn more here
Montgomery County Public Schools: Montgomery County Public Schools said it will remain in a virtual-only instructional model through the first semester or until state and local health officials determine conditions allow for students to return safely after the first semester. Learn more here
Private schools will not be allowed to reopen for in-person learning until October 1 under an order from the county's health officer.
Prince George's County Public Schools: Public school students in Prince George's County will continue distance learning through January 2021, the district said. Learn more here
Queen Anne's County Public Schools: Queen Anne's County schools will move to virtual-only learning for the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Some small groups of students, including those in special education programs, will be able to go into schools. Learn more here
St. Mary's County Public Schools: No decision has been made yet. The county held a virtual town hall on July 15 and another is scheduled for July 29. Learn more here
Somerset County Public Schools: No decision has been made yet. School officials are waiting on input from the school community first. You can take a survey on their website. Learn more here
Talbot County Public Schools: County schools have introduced a draft plan and awaiting feedback from the school community. Learn more here
Washington County Public Schools: No decision has been made yet. Learn more here
Wicomico County Public Schools: County schools will shift to virtual learning for the first semester following a unanimous vote by the school board. More details will be presented at the August 14 board meeting. Learn more here
Worcester County Public Schools: No decision has been made yet. Learn more here
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
