> I heard this excuse before, but aren’t many schools back already?

Today (August 30), yes, most are back.

But, the stats are for July, where (other than summer sessions, which are usually optional or remedial) most schools are between academic years (even “year round” schools often have a somewhat longer break from late June through July compared to other breaks, to accommodate a brief optional/remedial summer session.) Most schools return with a new school year sometime in August or occasionally early September.

In North America (at least Canada, I assume US too?) school year starts next week after Labor Day. While I know staggered school returns from some parts of Europe and some might be back in session already, universities often don't start lectures until October.

No? In the US, nearly all schools start in late August or early September.