Block Schedule

The Middle School block schedule consists of “A” and “B” days, and students have 75-minute core classes on each day. These classes include math, science, social studies, English, physical education, and French or Spanish. Interspersed amongst these core classes are 40-minute periods for elective and specialist classes like choir, visual arts, theatre, instrumental music, seminar, health, or advisory, plus 55 minutes for lunch and recess period. Over two days, the Middle School block schedule allows students to visit all 10-12 instructional blocks.

The alternating A and B day schedule means students have a full day between classes to process what they learn, leading to deeper understanding and greater knowledge acquisition. It also means a more manageable homework load each day, helping busy middle school students have family time and free time to pursue other passions without sacrificing academic rigor. Additionally, students may use their extra day between classes to have their questions answered and to meet 1:1 with teachers for assistance as needed.

The Middle School’s block schedule is based on academic research and best practices from industry experts. Christopher Tienken, professor of education at Seton Hall University and Sharon Sherman, dean of the School of Education at Rider University, have both studied the block scheduling approach. They note that the strengths of a block schedule include the ability to deliver more engaging, student-centered activities, implement cooperative learning strategies, and provide deeper learning experiences.

“When speaking with students, we found that the vast majority liked it better overall because there are more options and opportunities to experience more courses and deeper learning in block schedules compared to the traditional 6 or 7 period day,” says Tienken.

Tienken and Sherman note that many middle schools are moving to the block schedule because of its benefits for deeper teaching, and even many university courses have adopted a block schedule or increased class time while decreasing the frequency.

“The block allows for more in-depth teaching through the form of extended activities and hands-on experiences. And in the A/B schedule, students report liking not having the same class every day. It gives them a break and keeps things fresh. It allows them more time to study and more time to internalize information,” adds Sherman.

Additionally, a study at the University of North Carolina published a study that compared achievement scores in middle schools as they transitioned from traditional seven-period/day schedules to block schedules. They found that scores increased significantly after introducing block scheduling. The researchers also noted that block schedules reduced student stress caused by an abundance of academic material, increased student attendance, and decreased disciplinary referrals. Teachers had more opportunities to implement creative teaching strategies to meet students' needs and more one-to-one time for student interactions.

“MPA’s Middle School schedule has a thoughtful balance of long and short blocks that run over the course of a two-day (A/B) schedule. In the early adolescent years, it is important that the growing physical body be given the opportunity to move and grow alongside the academic mind. The long blocks (75 minutes each) and shorter blocks (40 minutes) allow for much more movement and a shift in learning spaces throughout the school day. Additionally, the longer blocks allow for greater engagement in multiple ways that meet the needs of a diverse classroom of learners. The alternating A/B schedule allows for a longer reflection and processing period toward understanding and also a more manageable homework load each day,” shares Paul Errickson, Middle School director.

The students appreciate it too. “I like it because it means that the more challenging classes are spread out, which also means that the homework is more spread out, and I can go to soccer or basketball after school. It's also nice too because you get more variety of classes each day,” says an MPA eighth grader.