The University of Memphis announced its University Schools — Campus School and University Middle — will begin the semester online.

Earlier this summer, the school announced a hybrid plan that would use virtual and in-person components for teaching students. However, the school told parents Monday it was changing course due to increasing cases and community transmission.

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Students will learn in an 100% virtual format. It will not transition to a hybrid format until the number of positive coronavirus cases in the community has declined consistently for two consecutive weeks. 

The first day of school, Aug. 10, remains unchanged.

In an email to parents, Sally Parish, associate vice president for educational initiatives, said the decision was “based on local data.”

When the number of positive local COVID-19 cases have declined and the school moves forward to its hybrid plan, families who wish to attend completely online will be allowed to do so.

The Early Learning & Research Center — the laboratory preschool affiliated with the U of M — will reopen Aug. 10 for half days. Students will attend from 7:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. or from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. five days per week.

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Parish said there will be optional at-home activities for those interested and the center has ways to ensure distancing between classes. The ELRC plans to tentatively return to a full-day model Aug. 24.

“This staggered start will allow our team the time and focus needed to develop healthy habits among children in their classes.”