In this brief, we explore the current evidence around school closures in Europe and North America and provide an update on practice from different countries regarding school re-opening. We caution that there is a dearth of studies on the effects of current guidelines vis-à-vis educational or wellbeing outcomes for students. In preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, we note with urgency the need to understand these effects to enable policymakers to consider trade-offs and