Atlanta Public Schools Mask-Optional Protocol

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) will continue to have a Mask Optional protocol for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors in all APS buildings and school buses. 

APS recognizes that some students and staff may prefer to continue wearing a mask indoors, and we support this decision. APS schools and offices will continue to have masks available for students, staff, and visitors who may need them.  

In addition, APS will continue the following COVID-19 mitigation strategies: 

• Optional twice-per-week COVID-19 surveillance testing for students, 
• Mandatory weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing for staff, 
• Air purifiers in all APS classrooms (effective 2/28/2022), 
• Case investigation protocols,
• Isolation and contact guidelines as recommended by the Department of Public Health (DPH)
• Ongoing vaccination events in partnership with the Fulton County Board of Health, C.O.R.E., and Viral Solutions

Please note there are some instances where masks are still recommended* (and APS will update these guidelines as regulations change):  

• Students and staff who end isolation after 5 days should still wear a mask for the remainder of the 10 days after they develop symptoms (or have tested positive if they show no symptoms).
• And regardless of vaccination status, students and staff exposed to a positive COVID-19 case should continue to wear a mask for the full 10 days after exposure (per Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) quarantine recommendations).

*A parent or guardian of a child enrolled at APS may elect for his or her child to be exempt from any mask requirements and may do so without providing a reason or any certification of the child's health or education status.  In addition, no student shall suffer any adverse disciplinary or academic consequences as a result of such election by the parent or guardian.