Bradley schools to dismiss early for partial solar eclipse

Staff Photo / A total solar eclipse is shown in progress on Aug. 21, 2017, in Spring City, Tenn. During a partial eclipse, the sun is partly covered by the moon's shadow, as seen here through a special filter, and is dangerous to view without protection. People people in Tennessee and much of the nation outside the path of totality will see a similar partial eclipse on April 8. Staff Photo / A total solar eclipse is shown in progress on Aug. 21, 2017, in Spring City, Tenn. During a partial eclipse, the sun is partly covered by the moon's shadow, as seen here through a special filter, and is dangerous to view without protection. People people in Tennessee and much of the nation outside the path of totality will see a similar partial eclipse on April 8.

By Ben Benton March 11, 2024 3 min read

Citing safety reasons, school leaders announced students in the Bradley County school system will be dismissed early April 8 for a partial solar eclipse that will take place in the afternoon around the same time classes dismiss.

Elementary schools will dismiss at 11 a.m. and secondary schools at 11:30 a.m., according to a statement from the school system.

“This precautionary measure aims to prioritize the safety of our school community while still allowing students the opportunity to experience this astronomical event in a protected environment,” the statement issued a month ahead of the celestial event states.

The partial solar eclipse will begin at 1:46 p.m. April 8 in Cleveland, reaching its maximum coverage at 3:05 p.m. and concluding with the sun becoming fully visible again at 4:21 p.m., officials said.