Since we most recently updated this graphic, even more states—including Massachusetts, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia—have announced decisions to close school buildings for the remainder of the academic year, bringing to 36 the total number of states with schools physically closed until August or September. Washington, D.C., will also keep school buildings physically closed to students through the end of this school year.
U.S. school closures because of the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19 began in New York private schools March 3, expanded to some Seattle-area public schools on March 6, and have rapidly swept the country. Education Next published its first article on the issue, “Closing Schools To Slow a Pandemic,” March 9. A March 25 article, “Covid-19 Closed Schools. When Should They Reopen?” included then-current information on the duration of announced school closures, along with a discussion of the factors to consider in deciding whether to resume. The current timetable for schools to reopen is updated in the infographic below. If the pattern holds, some of the reopening dates may get pushed back even later. While schools are closed physically, many, though not all, are providing some kind of distance learning or online programming.
Statewide School Closures
Source: Council of Chief State School Officers; Education Next research
Note: * Recommendation only.
**Recommendation only, districts are allowed to reopen if local social distancing requirements are lifted.
All data as of April 21, 2020. New York City’s mayor has announced that the city’s public schools will be closed for the remainder of the academic year, though the governor of New York has insisted that no such decision has been made and has denied that the mayor has the authority to make it.
More up-to-date closure and re-opening information, accurate as of May 4, 2020, is available here.
Read more from Education Next on coronavirus and Covid-19.
