Block Scheduling

One of the first questions we often hear is “What is block scheduling?” 

At GDRHS, block scheduling means that classes meet for a term or semester rather than an entire year.  Instead of taking seven classes all year long, students take four classes in the fall, and another four in the spring, much like the scheduling they will encounter in a college setting.

The school year is broken into two semesters, and each semester is, in turn, broken into two terms.  Thus, the school year is four terms long.  Most classes (Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Foreign Language) are one semester long.  Some courses and electives are just one term long.  Classes, however, are 83 minutes long – almost twice as long as they were in elementary and middle school. 

Block scheduling offers several benefits.  Scheduling can be more flexible, allowing students to take more classes than they would be able to fit in a more traditional seven- period, year long system.  Not only can students fit more classes in a school year, but they can also fit a wider variety of classes in their high school career – providing the opportunity to explore more academic and possible career areas.  See the course selection sheets and program of studies for a better idea of what we offer and how it can fit into schedules.  Remember that schedules are very individualized. Block scheduling offers students the opportunity to highly customize their schedules to meet their needs and desires!

An 83-minute class sounds like a very long time to sit still and listen to a teacher lecture.  In reality, our teachers have adapted their teaching styles to get the most out of the class period.  Students do not just sit for the entire class period.  Instead, the large block of time allows cooperative work on projects, more in-depth discussions, and, most importantly, allows the teacher to present material in many ways, not just by lecturing. 

With only four classes at any particular time, students find they are more able to focus on the material being taught.  Instead of homework for seven classes at once, students concentrate on just four subjects.