Abu Dhabi schools offer parents choice between in-person and remote learning

Private schools in Abu Dhabi have notified parents that distance-learning classes will be suspended on Friday to allow staff to prepare for a phased return to in-person education. Meanwhile, some schools have provided families with the choice of either resuming face-to-face classes or continuing with remote learning, based on individual circumstances, especially in light of the suspension of school bus services.

This announcement follows a meeting conducted on Thursday by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) with private school principals across the emirate. The purpose of the meeting was to clarify the guidelines and responsibilities tied to the reopening process.

Schools further informed parents that a session would be held on Friday to outline the operational protocols designed to ensure student safety during the transition back to on-site learning. Administrations reassured parents that distance learning would remain in effect until an official confirmation regarding the safe resumption of in-person schooling is provided, along with clear guidelines and timelines.

Additionally, parents were given the choice to decide between in-person schooling or distance learning for their children up to grade ten, allowing flexibility based on family needs following the bus service suspension.

Several school administrations have requested that a survey be completed by 9:00 AM on Friday to assess whether students prefer to continue with distance learning or transition back to in-person classes. The purpose of this survey is to facilitate the division of classes, organise schedules, and implement the necessary operational logistics. Students currently residing abroad who have already reported their status are allowed to proceed with distance learning.

The survey also asks parents to indicate their preferred learning mode for their children, particularly given the current suspension of school bus services. Parents are required to choose between in-person learning on campus or distance learning from home, contingent upon the school receiving authorization from the Department of Education and Knowledge to reopen. The Department stressed the importance of completing the survey and selecting the most appropriate option, as these decisions will influence class groupings, staffing, scheduling, teaching approaches, safety measures, and overall operations.