Block Scheduling

The dawn of the 2012-13 school year brought with it a change in Trinity’s daily schedule. Following an exhaustive five-year study, the school embarked on the year employing a more collegiate class block schedule that perfectly fits the needs of a 21st century high school student. 

When comparing our student’s academic success before and after block scheduling the results are resounding. Recent graduates who enjoyed a full fouryear experience in block scheduling far exceed the academic results of fellow alumni who learned in our old 8-period schedule. The increased academic rigor, flexibility in scheduling, and hands-on learning of block scheduling allows them to achieve these record results.

Block Scheduling = GreaT results!

Reasons why we know “Block” is best

1. Block encourages innovation and deeper learning.

Classes are taught at the right pace: teachers present a concept, students actively do something to learn the concept and then teachers reinforce the concept.  Research shows this is the most successful way to learn and is best suited for young men.  Because students and teachers have more time together when they meet, creative lessons demanding critical thinking skills have become the norm.  This type of learning can’t be done in 45 minutes.  Hands-on-activities = deeper learning.

2. Block means more rigor, which means higher standardized test scores and better preparation.

Trinity requires more courses to graduate than any other high school in Kentucky.   Since moving to block scheduling, our students’ achievement has risen.  Recent graduating classes have set school records for composite ACT score and merit scholarship earnings.  High test scores = acceptance to more colleges + merit scholarships + demonstrated preparation for college.  Students also have greater access to elective classes in music, art, journalism, information technology, humanities, and STEM.  Many of our students take a fifth year of science, math and world languages.

3. Block better prepares students to be better organized for college.

A student’s class schedule is like college. He learns how to organize his studying and do more long term projects. Doing homework for 4 classes the next day is more reasonable than preparing for 6 or 7 classes.  More time to learn the concept and more time to do homework = higher student achievement.  Block allows us to have 3 advising periods each week when students meet with a teacher/advisor in small groups.  It is time to go seek help from a teacher, make-up a test if absent, or visit the library, technology center or lab.

4. We are enjoying record low average class sizes and more individual attention for every student.

Our teachers see on average only 60 students per day.  Fewer students each day = more individual attention.  Freshman take a class that successfully launches them into high school, both academically and socially.  Seniors take a course that readies them for the move to greater independence once high school concludes.  A more holistic approach = better balanced young men.