DETROIT, MI — Thousands of students across Metro Detroit are getting an unexpected long weekend. The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced late Thursday that all schools will remain closed on Friday, January 16, 2026, as the region struggles to recover from Wednesday’s massive snowstorm.
The decision comes as road crews work around the clock to clear residential side streets that remain treacherous. Furthermore, meteorologists are tracking a second round of snowfall set to hit the area right around Friday’s dismissal time, creating a “perfect storm” of logistical risks for bus drivers and parents alike.
While some buildings remain closed, select institutions like Flex High School of Pontiac and Focus Hope have announced that while their physical buildings are shut, online classes will proceed as scheduled.
Comprehensive List of School Closings: Friday, Jan 16
According to local reports and district notifications, the following schools and organizations have confirmed they will be closed or operating under special conditions:
Major Districts & High Schools
- Detroit Public Schools (All Buildings)
- Ecorse Public Schools
- Pontiac School District
- River Rouge School District
- Harper Woods School District (Closed Friday; check website for updates)
- Detroit Cristo Rey High
- Cesar Chavez Academy District (Includes High, Middle, Martin, and Vernor campuses)
- Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
- Star International Academy (Includes George and Hass campuses)
Charter & Private Academies
- Academy of Warren
- Arts and Technology Academy
- Chandler Park Academy
- Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglas
- David Ellis Academy (West-Redford and Detroit)
- Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Detroit Innovation Academy
- Hope of Detroit Academy
- Legacy Charter Academy
- University Prep Academy (District-wide: Art & Design, Science & Math)
- Voyageur Academy & College Prep
Early Learning & Community Centers
- Boys and Girls Clubs (Dauch, Eastpointe, Highland Park, and Lloyd H. Diehl locations)
- Discovery Creative Pathways (H.W. and Redford locations – Closed Friday)
- New St. Paul Head Start & Early Head Start (All locations including Bibleway, Corpus Christi, and Citadel)
- Starfish F.S. Marygrove Early Education Center (Students off; Staff must report)
- Tot Town Child Development Center
Extended Closures & Special Notes
- DK’s Childcare Academy: Closed through Monday.
- Brighton Institute of Cosmetology: Closed Monday.
- Livingston Classical Academy: Closed Friday.
- MacDowell Preparatory Academy: Closed Friday.
- Trix Academy: Closed Friday.
- St. Hugo of the Hills: No afternoon or evening activities.