About Decisions and Notifications

The decision to delay or close schools is not taken lightly. Information about the weather is gathered from many sources, including the National Weather Service, county agencies and neighboring school districts. PGCPS transportation supervisors survey roads, school driveways and sidewalks throughout the county.

We understand that changes to our school schedule greatly impact families — and we have made a concerted effort this year to inform you of delays and closures with as much advance notice as possible. In times when decisions are not as timely, please know we are doing our best.

Please note: All official PGCPS communications channels are created equal. We issue notifications in numerous ways (i.e., our website, email and text, phone bulletin board and local media). Some technology may be faster than others. A social media post with critical information will often be available sooner than a website update or email and text message. All serve as official notifications from Prince George's County Public Schools. Due to volume, we cannot respond to weather-related direct messages on social media.

It is our long-standing practice to remain open as long as roads are safe, open and passable, and predicted to remain so. In the event of inclement weather, the decision to open or close schools will be made prior to 5:30 a.m. on the day in question and communicated as soon as possible to the media, parents and staff.

Emergency Weather Plans Process

When it snows or the roads are icy, the best advice is to listen to the radio or watch the television news for notification of school closings or delays.

The Superintendent generally makes decision concerning early morning school closings or delayed openings prior to 5 a.m.
An announcement is then provided to 38 radio stations and eight (8) television stations in the Washington metropolitan area. The goal is to contact the stations in time for early morning broadcasts that begin between 5 and 6 a.m.
This information may also be accessed on the school system's web page at www.pgcps.org After 6 a.m., staff and parents can also access the school system's Voice Mail Bulletin Board by calling 301-952-6000. Wait for the opening message, and then press the number 1.
Watch PGCPS TV on Comcast Channel 96 or Verizon FIOS Channel 38

When schools are closed early or all day, all evening activities are cancelled, and school buildings are not available for after-school activities by other private or public organizations. When schools have a two-hour delayed opening time, all half-day programs are cancelled.

Ways to Stay Informed

PGCPS website (www.pgcps.org)
Social media sites (facebook.com/pgcps, Twitter and Instagram: @PGCPS)
PGCPS-TV (Channel 96/38)
Local media outlets for updates
E-alerts through SchoolMessenger
PGCPS Weather Line 301-952-6000 (option “1”)

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Notifications, School Closings and Delays

Emergency Procedures and Weather Codes

Emergency Weather Codes

Procedures for Delayed Opening and Early Closings

Procedures for Delayed Openings and Early Closings for Vendor Managed Child Care Programs (VMCCP) and Centers

How does PGCPS decide whether to close schools, delay opening or dismiss early due to inclement weather?

The safety of students and staff guides every weather-related decision. PGCPS evaluates several factors before announcing a closure, delay or early dismissal.

Weather Information: Staff monitor real-time forecasts from trusted sources, including AccuWeather and the National Weather Service.
Road and Travel Conditions: Transportation teams review roadways, bus stops and known problem areas. Updates from Maryland State Police and local road crews are included.
School Grounds: Walkways, sidewalks, bus loops and parking lots are checked to ensure they are safe.
Collaboration with Local Agencies: PGCPS works closely with county officials and neighboring school districts to track storm progress and verify local conditions.

What other factors influence weather-related decisions?

Prince George's County spans more than 500 square miles, and conditions can vary widely from one area to another. Because PGCPS operates 202 schools and more than 1,300 buses, decisions typically apply districtwide. Even if major roads appear clear, sidewalks, parking lots or bus lots in other parts of the County may remain unsafe.

Schools may also dismiss early to ensure buses can complete routes before conditions worsen.

What actions are taken once a decision is made?

Once the Superintendent makes a weather decision, several steps follow:

Timing: For full-day closures, announcements are made by 5:30 a.m. Early dismissals and after-school cancellations are communicated as soon as possible.
Communication: Updates are shared on the PGCPS website, PGCPS Weather Line: 301-952-6000 (option 1), via email, text and phone alerts, on social media, through PGCPSTV and with local news outlets.

How are Vendor-Managed Child Care Programs (VMCCP), Early Childhood Centers and Prekindergarten programs affected?

Impacts vary by program. Details can be viewed here and are communicated to families directly by program staff.

Where can I find updates during a weather events?

PGCPS communicates all school closings, delays, or early dismissals through several platforms:

PGCPS website (www.pgcps.org)
Social media sites (facebook.com/pgcps, X and Instagram: @PGCPS)
PGCPS-TV (Channel 96/38)
Local news outlets
Email text alerts and/or robocalls
PGCPS Weather Line 301-952-6000 (option “1”)

I saw a social media post about schools being closed or delayed but did not receive an email or text. What does that mean?

All PGCPS communication channels are official and created equally. Some platforms publish updates faster than others. Social media may post first, while website updates or emails may follow shortly after.

Why was a weather decision made when conditions in my area looked different?

Prince George’s County spans 500 square miles, and weather can vary sharply from one community to another. A storm may leave one area clear while creating unsafe conditions elsewhere. Because PGCPS buses travel Countywide and schools serve students and staff who commute from many neighborhoods, decisions are based on the most affected areas — even if conditions near your home seem different.

If schools close, do A/B day schedules change?

No. A/B schedules remain the same when schools close due to inclement weather.

What should I do if my school has a scheduled meeting or event during a weather closure or delay?

Check directly with your school for the most accurate information about meetings, events or extracurricular activities.

What happens to before- and after-care during closures or delays?

Before- and after-care programs may adjust operating hours based on the weather decision. Providers share updates directly with families.

Why isn’t PGCPS using virtual learning during weather closures?

For the 2025-26 school year, PGCPS will not use virtual learning during weather events. Maryland requires at least four hours of live instruction for virtual makeup days, which is not feasible for our district. Many district staff have children at home during closures, and power outages can disrupt internet access. We also no longer have widespread hotspots and K-8 students generally do not travel back and forth from school with a Chromebook. These factors make a full day of synchronous instruction difficult to deliver during severe weather.