During the Spring of 2016, we decided to examine our class schedule, how it affected student relationships, learning and stress and how it could potentially be improved to enhance student experience.

Working with Dr. Bryan Smith of ISM, we compiled survey responses, in-person interviews, school data, and other defining information to help us craft a schedule that would allow our students and our campus to function at the highest possible level and with overall harmony. Dr. Smyth took this wealth of information and went about the process of creating the best rotating schedule possible for Highlands.

Here are the schedule priorities he identified through his research:

1. Create a schedule that supports a project-based learning environment 4k-8
2. Implement a schedule that facilitates and deepens teacher:student and student:student relationships within the school to build an even greater sense of community
3. Design a schedule that provides faculty time to collaborate, share, develop, support and plan with their colleagues
4. Create a paced day for students and teachers
5. Find time for more purposeful social emotional learning / advisory

See below for examples of our rotating schedule at each level. 

Lower School Schedule