As Cathedral High School prepares for the 2026-27 school year, it was recently announced a brand-new block schedule will replace the current rotating schedule. Administrators listed various reasons for the implementation of the new schedule such as accommodating college professors who will teach new dual credit courses, reducing student/staff stress with less transition times, and allowing students to attend extracurricular activities during select school days.
In a poll conducted by Irish Connections regarding the new schedule, 47.1% of students feel negative while 32% feel neutral. Students who felt favorably toward this change noted the extended lunch break, all classes meet schedule, a full week of Fall Break, less homework among other benefits.
97.5% of students who are opposed to the schedule state their opposition to 80-minute courses. Others mentioned less religion electives and changes in teaching strategies. Although some students reevaluated their opinions on the schedule after learning the purpose was the accommodation of new dual-credit professors.
Despite mixed reactions from students, administrators highlight the benefits of the new schedule and encourage students to remain optimistic.
Mrs. Leanne Applegate, Vice Principal of Academics, said, “The new schedule was definitely made with students in mind. This was not a decision made on a whim. A lot of research backs us up.”
In numerous polls conducted by researchers, students only need to focus on a few subjects during the school day, achieved higher GPAs and testing scores, and had fewer disciplinary issues. Simultaneously, dual credit courses have experienced significant growth, with an estimated 2.8 million high school (Community College Research Center) students taking at least one. Dual credit courses can save students significant amounts of money at higher-level institutions.
Mrs. Claire Kloska, World Language Teacher, has previous experience with having a block schedule. She said, “When I was in high school, we did the exact same thing and I thought it was very beneficial. With the four-day schedule, it can be really hard from knowing our week to week. I think for students and teachers having something more consistent will help out a lot, even if we’re sacrificing things, which could be difficult and scary.”
Besides the schedule, many students have been questioning if finals will return for seniors who have achieved A’s or greater in their courses in the spring. Applegate said, “There is no current plan to bring back finals for seniors who have A’s.”
Whether the schedule sticks remains to be seen, Kloska encourages students and staff to welcome it with good faith efforts on both ends.
Cathedral High School held the first attempt at the new schedule on Wednesday, March 4th. Most students have been overwhelmingly positive but some have been concerned about the 65-minute periods. The schedule included a Black History Month Assembly during the Core Advisory and 40-minute Office Hours.
