Even after losing 37 international students because of visa troubles, Hill-Murray School is full and has a waiting list for the first time in 20 years.
Unlike its neighboring public schools, which are continuing some level of distance learning because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Maplewood Catholic school is fully reopening this week with in-person instruction daily at every grade, 6-12.
“Overwhelmingly, parents are looking for options where kids can be safe, but they want them to come back to school,” President Jim Hansen said.
Work schedules, infection fears and struggles with online learning are forcing parents across the state to reconsider their children’s education options this fall.
Those who are uneasy about returning to school can choose full-time distance learning for the entire school year, which Gov. Tim Walz has ordered every public district and charter school to offer in addition to whichever other modes of instruction the schools pick. Some private schools are offering a distance learning option, too.
But parents who are eager to get back to a normal schedule are unlikely to find it anytime soon in their local public schools.