San Francisco private school cancels in-person classes amid active tuberculosis cases

Archbishop Riordan High School will transition to temporary hybrid learning as it grapples with at least three tuberculosis infections

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:07pm by Ben Kaplan

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Administrators at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco have canceled in-person classes and will transition to a temporary hybrid learning model after the school reported at least three active cases of tuberculosis among people connected to the school community. The school will offer asynchronous remote learning next week, followed by a hybrid option where students who have completed TB testing can attend in-person, while those who have not will participate remotely.

Why it matters

Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable infectious disease, and the outbreak at Riordan High School highlights the challenges schools face in balancing public health concerns with the academic and social-emotional needs of students. The school's response aims to protect the community while minimizing disruption to student learning.

The details

The San Francisco Department of Public Health identified three active cases of tuberculosis connected to Riordan High School. The school will cancel in-person classes this Friday and next week, then transition to a hybrid model from February 9-20 to allow time for faculty preparation. During the hybrid phase, only students who have completed TB testing will be allowed on campus, while others will participate remotely. After February 20, only students and staff with completed TB testing will be permitted on campus, and there will be no remote option for those who have not been tested.

  • The first active TB case connected to Riordan High was identified in November 2025.
  • In-person classes will be canceled this Friday, January 29, 2026.
  • The school will transition to a temporary hybrid learning model from February 9-20, 2026.
  • After February 20, 2026, only students and staff with completed TB testing will be allowed on campus.

The players

Archbishop Riordan High School

A private Catholic high school in San Francisco that is dealing with an outbreak of active tuberculosis cases among people connected to the school community.

Tim Reardon

The president of Archbishop Riordan High School, who announced the school's plans to transition to a temporary hybrid learning model.

San Francisco Department of Public Health

The local public health agency that identified the active TB cases connected to Riordan High School and has been working with the school on its response.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that safety exists along a spectrum and includes not only physical health, but also students' mental, emotional and academic well-being. Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable disease and in consultation with public health experts, we do not believe a full school closure is either necessary or in the best interest of our students.”

— Tim Reardon, President, Archbishop Riordan High School (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Our Director of Sports Medicine has been in touch with Riordan's Athletics Director to confirm all athletes will be tested before they are allowed to play in Saturday's game, and to confirm the school is following all guidelines from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.”

— Aly Smith, Spokesperson, Bellarmine College Preparatory (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This outbreak highlights the challenges schools face in balancing public health concerns with the academic and social-emotional needs of students. Riordan High's response aims to protect the community while minimizing disruption, demonstrating the importance of clear communication and coordination with public health authorities.