More Philly Schools Shift To Virtual Learning Amid COVID Surge

PHILADELPHIA — The School District of Philadelphia Tuesday evening said eight more schools would be shifting to virtual learning for the week due to staffing challenges stemming from the Omicron-related spike in coronavirus cases.

This brings the number of public schools in the city closed to 92.

The district has 323 schools.

The complete list of the 92 schools is available here.

"It is clear that the Omicron surge in the Philadelphia area is adding yet another layer of complexity to challenges we have been experiencing since the start of this school year," Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. said Tuesday. "Yet despite these challenges, one thing remains clear – in-person learning is essential for the physical, social, emotional and academic well-being of our students, especially after nearly two years of trauma caused by the pandemic and other matters."

Principals and teachers in schools participating in 100 percent virtual learning this week will be contacting students and families directly with more information. Staff are still expected to report to work in person unless they are self-isolating or quarantining due to COVID testing or exposure or have an approved leave.

The district aims to provide any changes to in-person learning plans at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. each day, a process that will allow leadership to make informed decisions for students and staff using real-time data that can change dramatically throughout the day.

A limited number of "Grab and Go" boxed meals will be available while supplies last at 12 School District sites Wednesday through Friday. The boxed meals contain a breakfast and a lunch meal for a five-day period.