ST. LOUIS — Students in Saint Louis Public Schools will be able to return to in-person learning next week, starting with the district's youngest students.
On Monday, Oct. 19, students in grades PreK-grade 2 will be able to return, a district spokesperson confirmed. One week later, on Oct. 27, students in grades 3-5 may return.
Students who want to continue learning online can continue to do so. The district has reached out to families to inform them of their options and provide details regarding the district's plans and procedures.
All students, teachers and staff will be required to wear masks, the spokesperson said.
The district has been running 22 instructional support centers at schools for families who wanted their children at a school site during the day. Those sites will close on Wednesday for deep cleaning and will reopen on Oct. 19.
The "vast majority" of the schools will be open for full-day instruction five days per week, the spokesperson said. However, some schools with larger enrollment, including Mason, Stix, Mallinckrodt and Wilkinson, will operate in a hybrid model.
About 62% of preK-grade 2 families have told the district they will come back in person. And the district is aiming for classrooms to have 10 children in each class, but that number could differ across the district.
PREVIOUS STORY: Saint Louis Public Schools plan to return to in-person learning
Some districts in St. Louis County, including Rockwood, Mehlville and Lindbergh, have already reopened their elementary campuses. Other districts, like Parkway, Kirkwood and Ladue, have announced plans to reopen later this month.
However, other districts, like Hazelwood and Ferguson-Florissant, will continue with virtual learning.
