Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels made it official Sunday: All public schools will be closed tomorrow due to the ongoing winter storm, but all classes will continue through remote learning.
The mayor said in a statement released just after 9 a.m. on Jan. 25 that the decision to close the schools “prioritizes safety” for students, families and staff. He said classes will take place online to ensure meeting the state’s requirement ofr a 180-day school year.
All after-school programs, adult education and other school-based programming are canceled. The transition to remote instruction will impact approximately 500,000 students across more than 1,100 schools. For high school students and students in grades six through eight attending schools that serve grades six through 12, the previously scheduled professional learning day will remain in effect, and Monday will remain a day off.
“As snowfall begins to blanket our city and conditions become hazardous, closing school buildings is a necessary step to keep New Yor
The chancellor said schools confirmed with students and families that they have the necessary tools to participate in remote learning. He also said parents and students should log on early to help prevent tech outages, adding that officials are ready to address any technology issues that may arise.
“Preparation matters, especially in moments like this,” Samuels said. “I am grateful to our school communities for the work they’ve done over the last several days – from stress-testing technology to securing buildings and getting virtual classrooms ready. This was a difficult decision made with the safety of every family in mind, and I thank you for your flexibility.”
Families in need of remote-learning tech support can call their school or visit selfservice.schools.nyc.
The mayor said charter and nonpublic schools make independent decisions regarding closures. However, charter schools co-located in NYC public school buildings will be closed when NYCPS pivots to remote instruction.
