DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County Schools announced Wednesday its plans for students to return to the classroom in the spring semester.

Families will have the option to choose between face-to-face and virtual learning for the spring.

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DeKalb Schools will begin its re-opening process with a staggered schedule. In Phase 1, staff can return to buildings and begin teaching virtually from classrooms on Jan. 4.

In Phase 2, students pre-k through second grade, sixth grade and 9th grade who select in-person can return on Jan. 19. In Phase 3, students in 3rd through 5th grades, 7th and 8th grades and 10-12 grades can return on Jan. 25.

The district went to all-virtual learning for the fall semester and have had discussions for months about sending children back to schools.

DeKalb leaders said it made its decision based on updated guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

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