Editor’s note: This story is part of The Dallas Morning News’ coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse. For more, visit dallasnews.com/eclipse.

On Monday, April 8, most of the North Texas area will experience a total solar eclipse as the moon will appear to block the sun in a once-in-a-lifetime event for the region.

Some school districts already are announcing plans to cancel classes and close schools as the April 8 celestial phenomenon approaches.

Others are planning for students and staff to watch from campus, partnering with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to provide enough eclipse viewing glasses for their campuses.

Why are Texas schools closing for the solar eclipse 2024?

For many, it’s a matter of logistics.

Officials at Ennis ISD, about 40 miles south of Dallas, announced the district’s plan to close in January. They anticipate staff and students will opt to skip school that day to experience the event, which will last longer in that city than others because it is directly on the eclipse’s center line.

Additionally, city officials estimate up to 200,000 visitors will be in town, which means heavy traffic could impose on student transportation, EISD officials said in a statement.

About 22,890 people live in Ennis, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

“While we understand this may be an inconvenience, we feel this is the best decision and hope communicating this decision well in advance will assist in planning,” officials said.

Here’s what other schools are planning for April 8:

Dallas ISD does not have plans to close.

Allen ISD will hold classes as scheduled. Students and staff will be provided with eclipse viewing glasses, which were received through a donation. Students in all grade levels can participate in lessons designed by Allen High School astronomy students.

Cedar Hill ISD will not have classes as it is a professional development day. The district will provide glasses to students and staff.

Community ISD does not have plans to close at the moment. Science teachers across all campuses have spoken to students about the safety requirements of viewing the eclipse.

DeSoto ISD schools will remain open. Officials are finalizing details but working to secure scientists and astronomers to visit schools to discuss the solar event.

Grand Prairie ISD schools will not be closed on the day of the eclipse. Educators are instead planning lessons and activities for students to learn about the celestial phenomenon and experience it from their campuses. The district’s special education department is working alongside its teaching and learning team to make sure that students with special needs or other sensory sensitivities can experience the eclipse from inside the classroom.

Highland Park ISD students and staff will experience the eclipse from their campuses. The district will provide protective glasses. Officials have also created a dedicated website with resources at HPISD.org/eclipse.

McKinney ISD students will experience the solar eclipse from their campuses. Officials will provide them with viewing glasses to experience the phenomenon.

Plano ISD has provided campuses with guidance on safely viewing the eclipse and connecting it to lessons. It has purchased solar eclipse glasses for students and staff.

Red Oak ISD voted on late February to amend its calendar due to the solar eclipse. All schools and offices will be closed on April 8. Classes will also be canceled on April 9 to make way for a staff development day.

Wylie ISD officials are finalizing plans for students and employees to view the eclipse from school.

The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.

The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.