Nearly Half Of NYC Students Now Opting For Remote Learning

NEW YORK CITY — Nearly half of New York City’s students have now opted to not set foot inside of schools for their much-anticipated reopening.

About 46 percent of students — or their parents — chose to go fully remote, according to the most recent breakdown from the city’s education department.

“We know that nothing can replace in-person instruction and the many supports, including social emotional and health benefits, that students get in the classroom,” said Katie O’Hanlon, a schools spokesperson, in a statement. “Using the most current data from this survey, approximately 54% of students are set to return to school buildings this fall.”

Last week, 58 percent of students were slated for blended learning plans. The number has only ticked down as the scheduled start of in-person learning has been twice delayed amid concerns over staffing and safely reopening schools in the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, the number of students going fully remote has shot up week after week. Remote students counted for 30 percent of the city’s enrollment a few short weeks ago.

Roughly 90,000 3-K, pre-K and special education students are expected to go back to classrooms this week. The next phase of reopening begins Sept. 29 for K-5 and K-8 schools. All other schools and students are slated to begin in-person classes on Oct. 1.