CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Some students across the country are getting back into the swing of things by returning to the classroom.
For private schools in the Coastal Bend area, many parents are given the option each grading period on whether they prefer their child learn remotely or in person.
On Aug. 5, the Diocese of Corpus Christi began virtual learning for all students. On Sept. 8, parents had the option to send their child back into the classroom.
"We chose to send our child back so that he does not get delayed or fall behind," said parent Elaine Rivera.
Her 13-year-old son has been enjoying his time back in the classroom. Luckily for Rivera, she can choose to take her child out of the classroom the next grading period, if anything were to happen.
"If for whatever reason it does not work out with this, or there happens to be another wave, I have the option of holding him back and going back to virtual learning," she said.
There also is a hybrid option, for students in the middle and high schools.
Diocese of Corpus Christi Superintendent Rosemary Henry said the students choosing that option will be broken up into different groups.
"On a rotating schedule, so on a Monday, Tuesday one group that would be in the classroom in person," she said. "And then the B group would be receiving asynchronized learning."
Henry said last school year there were about 3,000 students within its school system.
As of now, there are about 2,600. She said the enrollment has gone down because of the pandemic.
"Our families, many of our families have lost their jobs and, of course, we operate our schools on tuition revenue," she said.
