The intensive block schedule is much more than the mere restructuring of time. Learning within the block is a shift in the methodology of education. A student takes more control of his education by being actively involved in the learning process. The environment fosters better interpersonal relationships, heightened critical thinking and stronger problem-solving skills and allows students time for reflection. The schedule is designed to reduce some of the obstacles that interfere with student achievement, such as insufficient time for in-depth thought, high stress levels, and fragmented instruction.

Key features:

• Four 85-minute academic periods provide time for in-depth focus and exploration.
• One 30-minute daily Encore period provides students time to seek extra help, move ahead, participate in a co-curricular activity or visit the Chapel for prayer service and Communion.
• Teachers can give more personal attention to each student, because they have fewer students each semester.
• Extended class time enables teachers the opportunity to develop lessons that offer more variety and in-depth thought.
• Students take eight courses per year (four per semester) and graduate with 32 credits, among the highest in the Midwest.
• The 32-credit requirement provides the opportunity to include an array of Advanced Placement (AP), Advanced College Credit (ACC) and Honors courses in the student’s schedule.
• As part of a college preparatory school, this schedule is better suited to a college and university format.

Class periods are long enough to allow for quality learning experiences that are less likely to occur in a shortened period. Activities are usually alternated within a class period for variety:

• Debates
• Student presentations
• In-depth laboratory experiments
• Concentrated writing projects
• Practice time for difficult concepts
• Guest speakers
• Teacher directed learning activities
• Exam-like testing conditions
• Time for meaningful research simulations
• Cooperative learning
• Role playing