New Brunswick Business Daily

How do high school block schedules work?

Im about to start going to a new high school that has block schedules. Will I still be able to take as many electives? Such as P.E. and photo and film and all the good stuff? Just please explain to me how it works, im so confused.

Public Comments

1. when you have 3-4 classes a day and then the next day you have 3-4 different classes. And good luck with the new school!
2. There are several types of Block schedule. 4 by 4 block--- You have 4 courses / classes a day for 90 minutes for 90 consecutive school days. Then you have 4 different classes a day for 90 minutes for 90 days. In other words, you have two mini-school years and get credit for 8 courses. AB block--- Instead of having the same courses for a semester, you alternate days. On A day, you take 4 90 minute classes. The on the next day, you take the 4 90 minute B classes. Usually you can take more electives. In 4 years you can take 32 full courses or the equivalent in full and mini courses. Another advantage is that if you are failing a class on 4 by 4 block, you are not stuck in it all year and may be able to retake it the same year. More info than you probably want follows: Can be confusing because there are lots of possible tweaks. AB Friday all-- 90 minute A classes (4) on Monday and Wednesday, 90 minute B classes (4) on Tuesday and Thursday, and 50 minute class (all classes) on Friday. There is also AB Monday all. 4X4 block with embedded non-block classes. Some classes meet every day all year as usual and some meet on 4 X 4. Some classes are 90 minutes every day for a semester for 1 unit of credit. Some classes are 90 minutes every day for a quarter for 45 days. 8 X 4 with 8 half unit or mini courses each meeting for Etc. __________________________________ Get your counselor to explain what kind of block you will have. Right now, the problem with getting good electives is that funding for schools is low and many schools have had to cut back to basics. Coming in in the middle of the year should not be a problem if the school is AB block. If it is 4 X 4, scheduling you in courses when you are halfway through courses and others are finished with one set and ready to start new ones can be hard. But that is the school's problem and they will be used to it. Most students seem to like block since they don't have to study for every class every day or carry books for every class every day. 4 by 4 is also more or less like college classes are like. However, each class session will be longer. Most teachers have adjusted so you won't get worn out or bored, but some may not have. In my opinion block (4 x 4 anyway) works great for science with labs and vocational courses and not so well for chorus, band, math, foreign language since you might be take one course fall of one school year and the next course spring of the next school year. I know it is confusing and scary, but the staff will be used to students coming in from other schedules and will know how to help. You will be o.k.!
3. Its really stupid i hate. there are only 4 classes a day!!! 1 1/2 hours each!!! its really complicated. The only good thing about it is that there is a break after every class. Another bad thing about is that your only allowed 8/9 subjects to take. anything else you want to do you have to take afterschool or over the summer.
4. If it's anything like mine, you have four, 80 minute classes. You still take as many classes a year as you would with a regular schedule. The difference is in a regular schedule you would take year long classes, whereas you would get a new schedule at the beginning of every semester.