Test to Stay Program

Spokane Public Schools is one of many Washington school districts joining the Department of Health’s (DOH) Test to Stay program. Test to Stay is a volunteer, opt-in program that will allow SPS to provide modified student quarantines to limit time spent out of the classroom.

Modified quarantines allow students to continue receiving in-person instruction only if the exposure happened in school and if students are registered for the Test to Stay program. Students who choose not to participate in the Test to Stay program or test for COVID-19 after an exposure will need to quarantine at home for 10 days after the close contact.

Families interested in the Test to Stay program must:

The Test to Stay program will allow students to attend class in a modified quarantine status for seven days after exposure if the student:

  • Is tested at school according to current guidance from SRHD during the seven day modified quarantine period,
  • Is asymptomatic,
  • Continues to wear a mask indoors and in ALL extracurricular group activities,
  • Quarantines at home from activities outside their school that involve other households or community settings (e.g. scouts, music lessons, etc.) for the entirety of their modified quarantine period. This includes group childcare or youth development programs provided before and after school.

NOTE: Students may have restrictions put in place with extracurricular activities at school, including sports, based on the exposure and the COVID-19 activity in the school.

Students who test negative during the modified quarantine may resume group childcare/youth development attendance and extracurricular and community activities after seven days have passed since their exposure. If the student tests positive for COVID-19 at any time, they must isolate at home and follow DOH isolation guidance.

Testing programs are critical for identifying cases of COVID-19 in our schools; preventing the spread of the disease; and keeping students, teachers, and other staff in school. We believe that safe, full-time, in-person learning is a top priority for our communities – it’s better for students, it’s better for teachers, and it helps parents and caregivers get back to work.

If you have any questions, please contact the building nurse.

Thank you for your continued partnership.