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Upper Adams high school outlines plan to move to block schedule in 2026–27
Summary
High school leadership proposed switching from a seven-period day to a four-course block schedule in 2026–27, citing longer lab periods, reduced transitions and reduced student anxiety; the committee heard the proposal and asked staff to continue planning and professional development.
High school administrators recommended that the district move the high school to a block schedule for the 2026–27 school year, arguing the change would provide extended lab and project time, reduce transitions and allow more flexible course pathways for students.
Mrs. Graham, the high-school presenter, said the plan would replace the current seven-period day with four longer classes per semester. "Extended time allows for more in-depth discussions, allows teachers to do more hands on projects with them in classes, and especially with our science with labs, provides more time," she told the committee.
Why it matters: Proponents said the change could lower day-to-day stress by reducing transitions and better align the high school day with college scheduling. The proposal would permit some students to complete sequential courses faster (for example, taking Spanish 1 and 2 in the freshman year) and reduce the number of daily classes teachers see, which administrators said could improve relationships and instructional focus.
Implementation steps: Mrs. Graham said the high school tested sample schedules last year, convened a scheduling committee and surveyed staff; next steps include professional development with the Intermediate Unit and further staff planning. Board members asked whether other local high schools use block schedules; Mrs. Graham listed nearby examples and said principals she’d consulted would not go back to seven-period days.
What’s next: The presentation was informational; staff will continue planning, conduct further outreach and return with a proposal and professional-development timeline for the board to consider before implementation.
Speakers quoted: Mrs. Graham; members of the scheduling committee.
