Officials with the Avon Maitland District School Board say it could be next month before students return to in-class learning.
In an email to MyStratfordNow.com, AMDSB officials say they learned Thursday morning that it could be February before kids can return to school.
In the email officials say the continued rise in COVID-19 cases in the area is why they were not one of the regions permitted to return.
AMDSB officials believe that students learn best in the classroom.
Ontario announced Wednesday that only schools in seven regions will resume in-class learning on Monday with the rest remaining closed.
AMDSB will continue to wait for further direction from the Ministry of Education.