NORTH CAROLINA — School districts and educational institutions across North Carolina canceled classes, moved to remote instruction, or scheduled early dismissals for Monday, March 16, as a severe weather system was forecast to move through the region.
Several large public school districts announced full closures for the day. Rockingham County Schools and Stokes County Schools both closed all schools Monday.
Other districts closing for the day included Duplin County Schools, Edgecombe County Schools, Elizabeth City–Pasquotank Public Schools, Wayne County Schools, Nash County Public Schools, and Washington County Schools.
Many districts also designated Monday as an optional workday for teachers and staff. Bertie County Schools, Caswell County Schools, Halifax County Schools, Person County Schools, Granville County Schools, and Vance County Schools all closed to students while allowing staff to complete optional workdays.
Some school systems shifted to virtual instruction instead of canceling classes entirely. Wilson County Schools announced a virtual learning day for students, while Vance Charter School, Achievement Charter Academy, Academically Based Child, and Envision Science Academy also moved to remote learning.
Other districts opted for early dismissal to allow students and staff to leave before severe weather arrived.
Arapahoe Charter School dismissed students at 11:30 a.m. and canceled after-school activities. Jones County Schools also released students and staff at 11:30 a.m., while Onslow County Schools, Tyrrell County Schools, and Washington Montessori Charter School scheduled three-hour early dismissals.
Several community colleges adjusted operations as well. Central Carolina Community College, Durham Technical Community College, and Sampson Community College moved to remote-only instruction, while Edgecombe Community College closed entirely. Wake Technical Community College also closed its buildings, with remote instruction continuing.
Large public school systems were among those closing for the day, including Wake County Public Schools, Durham Public Schools, Chapel Hill–Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, Cumberland County Schools, and Franklin County Schools.
Numerous charter schools, private schools, and childcare centers also closed. These included Carolina Charter Academy, Raleigh Charter High School, The Exploris School, Crosscreek Charter School, Peak Charter Academy, Falls Lake Academy, Woods Charter School, and Voyager Academy.
Some institutions chose modified schedules instead of full closures. Magellan Charter School delayed opening by two hours, while Calvary Education Center, Halifax Academy, and Littleton Academy scheduled late-morning dismissals.
Childcare providers and early education centers across the state also closed or adjusted hours. Facilities such as Bright Beginnings CDC, Bullfrogs and Butterflies, Kids R Kids, KidTowne Apex, and Little Lambs Bay Leaf announced closures Monday.
School officials cited forecasts of severe weather—including the potential for damaging winds and dangerous storms—as the reason for the widespread schedule changes. Many districts also canceled after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic events.
Parents and students were advised to monitor local school communications and district websites throughout the day for further updates as weather conditions developed.
