Catholic school campuses will remain closed and online courses will continue through the end of the 2019-20 school year, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles announced Monday.
Like schools across the state, the diocese closed its campuses in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“After recent discussions with public health officials in the three counties we serve, public and private K-12 campuses will not be included in the initial stages of sector reopening. As a result, distance learning will continue through the end of the school year,” Paul Escala, superintendent of Catholic Schools, said in a statement.
The archdiocese operates 265 elementary and high schools in a three-count area, with roughly 73,000 students.
Escala said schools are making plans for virtual graduation ceremonies.
“Though the moment may not afford us the opportunity to physically come together, we are all committed to honoring our graduating students now and in person when gatherings are permitted,” said Mr. Escala. “As parents and educators, there is nothing we want more than for our students to celebrate the culmination of the school year together, particularly for our graduates. I commend our school communities for their creative plans to celebrate student achievements.”