Hill institutions with mostly day scholars have decided to start classes in a staggered way from this month for the first time since the pandemic, though many with boarding facilities are still indecisive.

The state government has allowed classes for Class IX and above to start from February 12.

A source said heads of ICSE and ISC schools in Kalimpong district held a meeting on Friday and decided to start classes from February 15 onwards. ICSE and ISC schools in Darjeeling and Kurseong subdivisions have decided to reopen schools between February 18 and 22.

“We will start with half days of classes for a week and then plan and make decisions depending on how things shape up,” said an ICSE school principal from Kalimpong.

Many hill schools with boarding facilities are, however, yet to take any decision.

“The government directive is not very clear on whether boarders can be kept in school. We will hold a meeting (among boarding schools and probably with the district administration) this week before deciding on starting classes,” a head of an institution with both boarders and day scholars said.

Students come to hill boarding schools not only from different states but also abroad. Many boarding school heads fear that if anything went wrong the institution might come under scanner.

Some schools with boarding facilities that have decided to start classes are weighing options. “To start with, we have to look into the number of boarders who turn up,” a school head said.

Depending on the number, some schools are planning to host students in paying guest facilities so that all children do not stay in the same premises.

However, the head of a school with boarders and day scholars said they were confident of handling the situation. “Our boarder strength is 260 but the number of boarders above Class IX would not be more than 60, and we think social distance can be maintained in hostels,” the school head said.

However, schools with day scholars are also clear that they would first take written consent from guardians. “We will not force any guardian to send his or her ward to school. Even though we will follow all laid down protocols, we are thinking of getting a written consent from parents about sending their wards to school,” said a school head.

There are over 50 ICSE schools in Darjeeling hills of which nearly 15 have boarding facilities.