Why an 8-Day Cycle?
Earlier this year, Foothill Country Day School engaged Independent School Management to help us re-imagine our school schedule. We wanted to ensure that how and where our students spend their time each day aligns with our mission. Our process included analysis of current schedules, space usage, staffing levels, comparison with best practices and the latest research, along with surveys of faculty, students and parents.
We have determined an 8-day cycle is the best choice for addressing the differing learning priorities in each of our division. An 8-day cycle will give us longer blocks of teaching time, fewer transitions for students over the course of a day, more time for students to re-set mentally, and a reduced impact of holidays on classes (e.g. Monday classes). After studying all the data, we felt this schedule would be the most student-centered choice.
Does this sound a little strange? That's because most of us grew up with traditional fixed 5-day cycles that coincided with the 5 week days, Monday - Friday. In an 8-day schedule, students will still attend school Monday-Friday, and the school calendar will stay the same with the same seasonal rhythm. Students will now refer to their days with a number, days 1 - 8, as well. For example, Tuesday might be "Day 7" of the 8 day cycle.
Our students and teachers will get used to the new lingo very soon, and parents will find the numbered days on the school calendar, on Schoology, and on magnets distributed at the beginning of the school year. Kids will be saying "It is Day 5 today, mom! I have a science lab today!" before you know it!
More importantly, we believe we will see happier faces, improved academics, and more time for students to engage with teachers and with each other.
Want to learn more about Foothill Country Day?
Foothill Country Day School is a preschool through 8th grade school in Claremont California. Founded in 1954 by Howell Webb as a private independent school, Foothill offers the best education in the Inland Empire. We are educating the next generation of society's leaders in an environment of inclusivity and respect for all cultures. No matter what their talents, or what paths our students choose, they have the tools to become leaders. Get to know Foothill on our website and on Facebook & Instagram.