MARION — Tabor Academy announced on March 13 that it will delay students’ return to campus until April 13 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Students will use distance learning tools to begin classes before returning to Marion.  

In a letter sent by Communications Director Kerry Saltonstall, the school said that it will use online distance learning from March 26 to April 10 and that on-campus classes will resume on April 14.

The campus will be open in the interim to students who remained on campus during the break due to travel restrictions to their home countries. 

Saltonstall said that the delay will allow students and faculty who traveled during the break to self-quarantine away from campus for the 14-day recommended period by the Center for Disease Control, to ensure they remain asymptomatic before their return. 

The school also recommended that families and faculty restrict non-essential travel through April 13 and to follow all guidelines and travel restrictions from the CDC. 

All on-campus activities, including a preview day for admitted students, ACT administration, concerts and sports practices are cancelled through April 14. 

The Head of School has not made a decision about athletic practices and contests beyond April 14, but is talking with other independent schools.

In the letter, Saltonstall said that the school will remain in close contact with Marion town officials in the event of any changes in its plans.