Xavier students could see a big change with their schedules in upcoming years. Xavier administration has spent the past few months considering the possibility of moving to a block scheduling system from the current eight period per day system. No decision has been made yet, but the benefits and challenges of this system are currently being considered by teachers, students, and parents.

Under the new block scheduling system, students would have three to four classes a day for around 90 minutes per class period. The next day students would have three to four different classes, also for 90 minutes. Students would be in class for an extended time but would meet with that class every other day. This would allow students to go more in-depth during each class period. In the extended time, they would be able to get more help from teachers, work with other students, and have two nights to work on homework assignments between classes. Students would also have an Xcel Hour every day that could be used more efficiently when made available every day. This would allow students to work on homework, meet with various clubs, or get help from teachers multiple times a week.

“Overall, yes, I think Xavier should move to a block schedule,” Social Studies teacher Mr. Matt Farrell said. “It reduces stress on students and allows for more in-depth exploration of academic standards.”

Xavier has spent a lot of time researching the new schedules, but still plans to meet with more students and teachers to get their opinions. Administration has already visited two other Catholic high schools who have made this same transition, Wahlert Catholic and Dowling Catholic. They have also assembled a committee of faculty, counselors, students, and administrators to further discuss the changes.

“With block scheduling the hectic pace of the school day changes,” Principal Tom Keating said. “The mission of Xavier is to develop the total person in a Catholic environment, and to do that we need to take a look at stress levels and how our students handle all the things they are involved in. Regardless of whether or not it happens, it has been a great exercise to examine what we do, how we do it, and whether or not it’s the best way to do it.”

While nothing has been decided yet, Xavier has had the oportunity to look at how to best set students up to succeed.

Noah Lynch

News Editor