Philadelphia Schools Reopen After Winter Storm

Public and Archdiocesan schools to resume in-person learning on Thursday

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

After a snow day and two days of virtual learning, students in the School District of Philadelphia will be heading back to class on Thursday, January 29. The district has released guidelines to accommodate any weather-related delays or absences. Additionally, the Philadelphia Archdiocese announced that all archdiocesan high schools will also return to in-person learning on the same day.

Why it matters

The return to in-person learning is an important milestone for the city's students, teachers, and families after the disruptions caused by the recent winter storm. It signals a return to normalcy and the continuation of the educational process.

The details

The School District of Philadelphia stated that all school programs and activities will return to normal, in-person operation on Thursday. Students who arrive late due to weather-related challenges will not be marked late or will be excused if absent, upon receipt of a note from a parent or guardian. Staff who arrive late will also be marked with an excused lateness. While there may be delays with the district's yellow bus services and on SEPTA's public transportation routes, all athletic events and after-school activities will proceed as scheduled. The Philadelphia Archdiocese also announced that all archdiocesan high schools will return to in-person learning on the same day, and parochial elementary school families will receive direct communication from their local school leadership.

  • On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the School District of Philadelphia and archdiocesan high schools will resume in-person learning.

The players

School District of Philadelphia

The public school district serving the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Archdiocese

The Roman Catholic archdiocese that oversees parochial schools in the city of Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

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The takeaway

The return to in-person learning is a positive step forward for the city's students and families, as it allows for the continuation of the educational process and a return to normalcy after the disruptions caused by the recent winter storm.