DC Public Schools requiring negative COVID-19 test for students, staff this fall

WASHINGTON — DC Public Schools (DCPS) announced Wednesday that students and staff will have to test negative for COVID-19 to attend the first day of school.

With back-to-school season in full swing, DCPS is preparing to support families, staff and their nearly 50,000 students across the District with health protocols including a "Test to Return to School" policy. Tests are even being provided for pick-up at the schools.

Rapid test kits will be distributed from Aug. 23-26. The tests can be picked up on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or on Wednesday and Thursday from 12-5:30 p.m.

“I am excited to welcome students in grades K-12 back into our classrooms on Aug. 29, and our Pre-K students on Sept. 1,” Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said. “This school year, we will go deeper in creating joyful and rigorous learning experiences to accelerate the success of our students. We’ll continue to prioritize the needs of the whole child and their academic, emotional, and social development. I am thankful for all the DCPS staff whose commitment drives these efforts.”

Timeline of Back-to-School dates:

Chancellor Ferebee and others from DCPS will discuss topics centered around student immunizations, health and safety, academics, attendance, and more at the DCPS Back-to-School Town Hall on Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. Families can RSVP and tune into the livestream.