Elementary Learning Options for the 2021-22 School Year

Posted On Thursday April 22, 2021

We encourage families to review the Frequently Asked Questions for more information on elementary learning options before making a decision.

The DDSB will be offering virtual schooling for elementary students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 for the 2021-22 school year. This will continue to be a full day, everyday learning experience that replicates the curriculum and learning objectives of an in-person school experience, but takes place in a virtual format.

We are asking that families choose between in-person or virtual learning for next year by selecting their preferred option through the Parent Portal. The deadline to make this decision is Tuesday, May 4 at 11:59 pm.

We are asking families to make this decision now for the 2021-22 school year as we need the time to ensure that we can appropriately staff schools and provide stability for in-person learning once the year is underway. We recognize that this may be a difficult choice and ask that families consider your decision carefully as students will not have the opportunity to switch learning options.

If families do not make a choice through the parent portal by Tuesday May 4 at 11:59 pm, your child will be automatically enrolled in in-person learning at the school that your child would ordinarily attend.

Although it is anticipated that the COVID-19 situation will improve by September, there may be a need to temporarily shift classes who are learning in person to remote learning if it is deemed necessary for health and safety reasons. Like this year, that would be done at the direction of the Durham Region Health Department or the Ministry of Education.

Specialized programs will be available through DDSB@Home Elementary only if there is sufficient enrollment to offer the classes. Those programs include:

  • French Immersion
  • Gifted Programming
  • Modified Calendar Schools

If you have any questions or are having trouble logging into the Parent Portal, please contact your home school’s office. Please note that the school office will not be able to provide any flexibility with respect to the deadline to confirm your decision.

We thank families in advance for taking the time to read this communication and for their timely response. We appreciate your understanding that early planning is necessary in order to ensure a successful start to the 2021/2022 school year.