Clarance Public School, a private unaided school in Bengaluru, declared a holiday on Monday and Tuesday after many students and staff members fell ill with fever and related symptoms. The school has now announced that in-person classes will remain suspended for all students except those in Grades 1 to 5.

In an email sent to parents on August 17, the school said Montessori classes would remain suspended, while physical classes would resume for Grades 1 to 5. Students in Grades 6 and above would attend classes online.

“While absenteeism is highest in the Primary Section (231 absences), we recognise that younger children require in-person supervision and structured classroom engagement. We are keeping physical classes open with enhanced precautions.

“Classes 6 to 12: The older students have shown comparatively lower absenteeism (Class 6: 34, Class 7: 32, Class 8: 23, Class 9: 8, Class 10: 8, Class 11: 5, and Class 12: 2). However, given their ability to participate effectively in online learning and the need to reduce overall campus density, we are transitioning these classes to online mode.

“Montessori (CKG): The youngest children are the most vulnerable and least able to adhere to hygiene protocols. The section will remain closed as a precautionary measure,” the letter stated.

The school’s principal, Suja Samuel, said the arrangements would be reviewed daily and that any further changes would be communicated to parents.

The school has also sought the intervention of local health officials and civic authorities to clean the surrounding neighbourhood and remove unauthorised street vendors. It has outlined several precautionary measures that will be implemented.

The entire campus will undergo deep cleaning and fumigation during the closure. Enhanced hygiene protocols, including frequent handwashing, respiratory etiquette and improved ventilation, will also be introduced.

Classes will be divided into cohorts to keep groups separate during breaks and activities, while large gatherings will be postponed until the situation stabilises. Daily absenteeism will be monitored, and follow-up calls will be made to the parents of students who are unwell.

The school will also strengthen vigilance in its infirmary to ensure that students who develop symptoms during school hours receive immediate attention. In addition, regular water-quality testing and sanitation checks will be conducted across the campus, the school said.

Also Read: Bengaluru: Private school declares holiday after students, teachers fall ill en masse