Friends Select will return to fully in-person learning by the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, said Michael Gary in an email sent to students and families on Tuesday, April 27th. Students with “extreme circumstances” may receive accommodations for this change if they notify the school in advance.

The decision to abandon hybrid learning was informed by updated CDC guidelines and “the success of [the school’s] health and safety protocols and the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccines.” Michael also cited the “emotional and psychological benefits of learning, playing, and socializing with others.”

Michael also announced that the school has updated its community stewardship agreement, which was last amended in January. The statement notes that because most students have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, community members should continue to adhere to “the safety protocols and behaviors that will keep our community healthy.”

The school will continue to follow CDC guidelines in its policies regarding COVID-19. According to the email, the plan to return to fully in-person learning is “tentative.”