News Release: CEO Announces Return to Full-Time In-Person Learning for 2021-22 School Year

June 8, 2021
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Today, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson announced plans for the 2021-22 academic year in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), which will welcome most students back to classrooms for full-time, in-person learning this fall. A limited virtual learning program and new Online Campus will also be options for families. 

“Our community has shown incredible resilience during these challenging times. Looking ahead to next school year, our goal is to have students back in our buildings full-time and in-person daily,” said Dr. Goldson. “Our staff has had the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and we encourage students 12 years old and up to get the vaccine now that it is available.” 

For families of children in kindergarten through sixth grade who are not yet eligible for a vaccine, PGCPS will offer a limited, application-based virtual learning option for the fall semester. 

The school system will also introduce a new Online Campus this fall for students in seventh through 12th grades. The Online Campus is designed for those who thrived during virtual learning this past school year and want to continue in a virtual learning environment with live and recorded instruction. This will be an application-based program with limited slots. 

In addition, families may apply for Home and Hospital Teaching services if students are unable to return to school next year due to medical conditions

Dr. Goldson will host a Telephone Town Hall for families on Wednesday, June 9 at 5 p.m. to share additional information and answer questions about fall plans.

PGCPS 2021-22 Learning Options

Full-Time, In-Person Learning (All Grade Levels)

• Available to all students, prekindergarten through 12th grade
• Five days a week, regular school schedule

Fall Virtual Learning Program (Grades K-6)

• Limited seats available for students who want to continue with virtual learning. 
• Program will be discontinued once the vaccine is available for students in these grade levels.
• Application required; parents/guardians must apply by Wednesday, June 30.
• Adheres to regular elementary and middle school schedules
• Students may be assigned to virtual teachers not from their school. 
• Families will have the opportunity to return for in-person instruction at the end of the first semester in January. 

Online Campus (Grades 7-12)

• New PGCPS specialty program, enrolling a total of 700 students 
• Designed for students who thrive in an online learning environment 
• Combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, focusing on the core content areas with limited elective course offerings

 -30-