4-Block Schedule Differentiates Kennedy from Others

For over two decades, John F. Kennedy has followed a four block schedule. This makes it so that students take four classes each term as opposed to six to eight classes year round. The system has a large impact on the way that teachers are able to run their class and how students learn. The students and faculty at JFK have many differing opinions on this type of schedule.

Some teachers prefer the four block system because they are able to cover more material per day and they have more time for complex activities. “I think the schedule is good,” Mr. Pedigo, a JFK science teacher, stated. “It’s easier to not have to remember so many students' names and be able to keep track of everything like homework or projects.”

Some students, however, do no “I feel like it would be a better learning opportunity if we had a regular schedule like Washington and James Logan High School,” said Hennessy Beltran ‘27. t share those same opinions.  “It would also make AP testing a lot easier on students to have classes all year round.”  JFK offers 27 different AP classes, with 86% of students scoring 3 or higher on exams and AP testing, a rate that has risen nearly 30% within the last 5 years. Some find it easier to have year round classes because AP exams are always in May while others think that the benefit of being able to take more AP classes outweighs the downsides.    

“The 4 block schedule prepares students for college more than a regular schedule does,” Danielle Thomas, a JFK biology teacher, commented. “You can also take more APs here at John F. Kennedy than you can at surrounding schools.”  

Some students enjoy the four block schedule because it gives them fewer classes to focus on at a time and fewer classes giving them homework. Others do not like having such long class periods and would prefer to have shorter classes that could keep their attention better.    “I think the extra 20 minutes goes by really quick,” Sofia Alvarez ‘28 said. “I think it’s beneficial because it’s less classes for us to manage and it’s more convenient.”

  “I don’t think [the four block system is] beneficial,” Beltran continued. “Classes feel way too long and it’s draining having to stay in one class for almost 2 hours.” Their voices highlight a variety of valuable perspectives, but one theme stands out: overall, both students and teachers recognize that the schedule creates a more balanced school day and supports learning in many different ways.  

After introducing the block schedule in 2001, JFK saw major changes in various student opportunities. Dr. Fisher, JFK’s principal, mentioned that our format allows students to earn up to 320 credits, compared to the traditional 240 you would achieve under a regular schedule. That results in students completing 5 whole years of coursework instead of 4.  

Fisher also acknowledged the challenges that follow our schedule. “Longer classes can test students’ attention spans and budget limits make it difficult to expand our electives as they are student-picked,” he said.  Fisher still makes the flexibility of the system clear. “There are pros and cons to every program you institute, but getting to know our students and what they need is far more valuable than a single piece of paper,” he said in reference to the student “Insight Card” which included a lot of negative feedback. 

For many, this schedule provides pathways to success and various opportunities, while others find the system still needing a bit of work. Whether beneficial or useless, this debate does not seem to be ending anytime soon.