St. Benedict's has conducted coronavirus testing on the Property since December, for students as well as family members who want to be tested. Nearly 3,000 tests were administered as of last week and the positivity rate for the virus is under 3%. These results, along with continued testing, enables St. Benedict's to start bringing more students back on the Property safely.

Virtual options will be available through the end of the current academic year. The Middle Division is currently offering students the option to return to in-person learning, as well as freshmen in the Boys Prep Division. The Elementary Division has been learning on the Property all year and will continue to do so. The School will continue its policy of regular testing.

The basketball, fencing, wrestling, swimming, and track and field teams are holding practices and some teams will be engaged in limited competition. Beginning next week, a Leadership Expedition will be held for next year's student-leaders to plan and prepare for 2021-22.

Spring Phase — the final term of School devoted to experiential learning — will include two, three-week sessions beginning the end of April. Courses will be offered on the Property and virtually. The Backpacking Project — an important rite of passage for first year students — is set to resume during Spring Phase. Two groups of students, the freshmen, and UD1s (whose Backpacking Project was delayed last year due to COVID-19) will hike the 55-mile Appalachian Trail on separate weeks in May.

Certain Divisions and grades within the Elementary, Middle and Prep Divisions are at enrollment capacity for 2021-22. See below for more details. “We're projecting we will have more than 900 kids entrusted to our care next year,” Fr. Edwin told parents. He also reminded current families that if they haven't re-enrolled, they need to make a decision soon, based on the plan that St. Benedict’s will be 100% in-person next year. “There has been no drop off in applications or enrollment," he stated. "The spots will go to people who want to be here.”