Atlanta Public Schools (APS) hosted virtual town halls via Facebook live on June 18 and June 22 with the superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring to discuss the different options for instruction in the 2020-2021 school year.

The district will release their decision by mid July and the final conclusion they reach will apply to all schools within the district. As of right now, regardless of the model APS selects, school will begin on Aug 10.

The face to face model would be the closest thing to traditional school, with in person education while following public health protocol. Students would be required to wear masks, and the district would provide masks to students who need them using the CARES Act funding.

The hybrid model would involve a combination of in person and virtual education. The school would be separated into two different groups who would alternate in person and virtual education each day for a ten day rotation.

The virtual model would consist of entirely online instruction. Students would continue to be enrolled in their home school and utilize various instructional tools such as Edgenuity and Atlanta Virtual Academy (AVA) to supplement their learning.

If the district opts for face to face or hybrid instruction and parents are uncomfortable with their student going back to in person education, their student can sign up for virtual classes with AVA. However, if the student changes their mind, they can opt back into the district model.

In regards to athletics, APS plans to follow Georgia High School Association (GHSA) guidelines.

The district’s plan for special education is to be determined.