Parents in 'limbo' as schools close, return to virtual learning amid COVID-19 surge

The third school year during the pandemic had largely seen limited disruptions to in-person learning until winter break.

As schools returned from winter break this week amid skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, more did so virtually than at any point so far this school year.

The third school year during the pandemic had largely seen limited disruptions to in-person learning.

But this week, there have been over 4,500 temporary school closures across the country, according to Burbio, a company that monitors COVID-19 policies in over 80,000 K-12 schools. That's the highest number it has tracked so far this school year; most weeks, there have been hundreds, not thousands, of closures.

The prospect of a return to virtual learning, on a short- or long-term basis has some parents around the country concerned about the challenges of remote education and unpredictable childcare after great lengths were taken to keep kids in the classroom. For many, the move was abrupt, and issues faced in previous iterations of remote learning have not been solved.