Arlington Public Schools will operate at a two-hour delay tomorrow (Tuesday), sending students back to school for the first time in more than a week.
The delay will allow bus riders to arrive at their stops in daylight and provides more time to travel to school, APS said. The school system has been closed for ice and snow since last Monday.
The extended day morning program will begin two hours after its regular start time, and morning field trips are canceled.
“While the ice remains and conditions are still not optimal in many areas, Tuesday’s conditions and anticipated slightly warmer temperatures allow us to reopen, with caution, on a two-hour delay,” the school system said.
The complete APS announcement is below.
Our Facilities and Operations staff have been working hard to prepare our schools over the past week, and we appreciate the support we have received from the County and community in clearing neighborhood roads and sidewalks. Operating decisions are not made lightly, as we must balance safety concerns with the need and desire to have our students back at school for learning as quickly as possible.
Two-Hour Delay, Feb. 3, 2026: While the ice remains and conditions are still not optimal in many areas, Tuesday’s conditions and anticipated slightly warmer temperatures allow us to reopen, with caution, on a two-hour delay. The delay allows bus riders to arrive at the stop in daylight and provides more time for travel to school. Please note:
- The Extended Day morning program will begin two hours after its regular start time, and morning field trips are canceled.
- All 12-Month, Essential Employees, Transportation and Food Services staff should report to schools and offices at their usual start times.
- All other employees should arrive two hours later than their regular start time.
Use Caution and Allow Extra Time: Please note that hazardous conditions persist, with ice affecting sidewalks and streets. Help make a safe return to school:
- Continue to clear snow and ice near bus stops and sidewalks, as possible
- Allow extra travel time and plan your routes in advance.
- Share rides and watch for pedestrians, as some students and families may need to walk in the street.
- Accompany bus riders to their stops and ensure they dress warmly.
- Be patient with bus drivers navigating narrow roads.
Safety Concerns: If you have safety concerns and decide to keep your student home, please notify the school’s attendance office. We look forward to a safe return on Tuesday.
Alexandria City Public Schools also announced that it will be opening on a two-hour delay tomorrow. So did Fairfax County Public Schools.
DC Public Schools and Falls Church City Public Schools opened on a two-hour delay Thursday, Friday and today.
