NYC Schools To Close Monday, Classes Will Be Fully Remote: Mayor

NEW YORK CITY — New York City school students won't get a traditional snow day but will instead pivot to remote learning on Monday due to the major snowstorm hitting the metro area, city officials announced on Sunday.

All NYCPS buildings will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.

In addition, all after-school programs, adult education and other school-based programming are canceled.

 The transition to remote instruction will impact 500,000 students across more than 1,100 schools. High school students and some 6-8 grade students are already scheduled to have Monday off for a professional development day.

"As snowfall begins to blanket our city and conditions become hazardous, closing school buildings is a necessary step to keep New Yorkers safe,” Mamdani said on Monday. “Over the past week, my administration has prepared for this moment – ensuring devices are in hand, families are informed and educators are ready to welcome students online. Our school system, and our city, is prepared to weather this storm together.”

New Yorkers will be contending with as much as 9 inches of snow Sunday into Monday.

The National Weather Service extended the winter storm warning to 1 p.m. on Monday, with heavy snow changing over to a heavy mix of snow and sleet in the afternoon and evening.

Schools are prepared to address technology issues if they arise. Students who need technical support can visit selfservice.schools.nyc or contact their school directly.  

“I am grateful to our school communities for the work they’ve done over the last several days – from stress-testing technology to securing buildings and getting virtual classrooms ready. This was a difficult decision made with the safety of every family in mind, and I thank you for your flexibility," Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said.