Seattle schools scale back plan to offer full-time virtual learning option
Aug 6, 2021, 7:50 AM
Most students learned virtually this past fall. (Seattle Public Schools, Facebook)
(Seattle Public Schools, Facebook)
Washington state’s largest school district will no longer offer virtual learning for some students this upcoming school year.
Seattle school district to test full-time virtual classes in fall
Seattle Public Schools had originally planned to offer a full-time virtual learning pilot to a small group of K-12 students, before announcing this week that the program would be limited to K-5 students instead. Ultimately, the decision was due to low enrollment numbers.
For K-5 students, SPS will allow “a limited number” to enroll in the pilot, urging parents to only consider the option “if their student has thrived or could thrive in a fully remote learning setting.” Those with documented health concerns will get first priority, including those who at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, or who have a mental health issue.
For all other students across every level, Seattle schools will be offering five days of full in-person instruction.
The district will evaluate if a virtual learning option can be expanded for middle and high school students in the future.
