Loyola Academy shifts back to fully remote learning

Due to what it called "off-campus social exposures" to COVID-19, Loyola Academy on Monday switched to remote learning from its planned hybrid schedule.

The private Wilmette high school began 2020-21 classes Aug. 20 on a hybrid schedule in which one grade level - roughly 500 students - attends school in person each day, and the three other grade levels attend through e-learning. That was to happen through Sept. 4.

At the end of the day on Aug. 21, Loyola administrators learned that six students had tested positive for COVID-19 and, in an email to the school community on Aug. 22, Loyola Principal Charles Heintz said 63 others were in quarantine.

According to Robin Hunt, Loyola's director of public relations, none of the six positive cases originated at Loyola Academy, but from off-campus exposure.

"We believe that exposure to the virus at Loyola was minimal, thanks to the safety protocols that were put in place," Hunt said in a text message.

The current plan is to resume the hybrid learning model on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Information about athletics and co-curricular programs would be provided by coaches and moderators, Heintz noted in another email to school families on Aug. 23.