Brooklyn private school Poly Prep has decided that despite the city's mask mandate that is still in place, they will no longer require masks.

The health department says this is a "violation,” but school officials say they're confident in their decision. The director of health and well-being at the private school in Brooklyn announced the optional mask policy saying it would begin on Monday, Feb. 14.

Starting Monday, school officials at Poly Prep say they will make masks optional, making it the first school in New York City to do so. However, this is something both the mayor and the governor have said are not optional at this point.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said earlier this week that she would reevaluate the mask mandate in place for schools in March.

In a statement, the head of the school said, "We feel confident making this decision because of our stringent health and safety protocols, including required community-wide testing, required vaccinations, and the rapid response of our COVID contact tracing team."

The State Health Department says it has been in touch with the city regarding what they are calling a violation and are investigating.