Time for Class, But When?

By Solash Corona Castro

Staff Writer

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word “school”? While some might say “classwork” or “lengthy assignments,” others might bring up their classes and courses. One of SOAR High School’s most notable features is its arrangement of classes, formatted into block schedule. A block schedule itself can range from four classes one day and two the next day; the first class of the day starting at 8:30 a.m. and the next starting at 12:30 p.m.. 

Now in its second year, the bell schedule also includes STAR Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a chance for students to meet, attend club meetings, study, or enjoy an extended lunch. 

While returning students have enjoyed the schedule for two years, one wonders what SOAR’s new students think of it: Is this block schedule a good fit for the school, or should we have all of our classes in one day, everyday? Most students seem to think that the current schedule is.

Compared to a regular high school schedule with almost all classes in the same day, SOAR’s block schedule seems to be quite a fan-favorite with students Sophia Vasquez and Celeste Alas. 

When asked whether she prefers a block or regular schedule, Sophia states that she prefers a “Block schedule because it has a break in between where I can focus on myself and study.” She also mentioned that she believes that this schedule is well-suited for SOAR. 

Celeste seems to agree with this idea, saying that she likes a “Block schedule because it gives extra time in between classes to study; it’s a break.” These time-blocks provide students with opportunities to prepare and organize themselves for their classes, while also letting them relax with their friends and enjoy their time. 

However, these students mention that there are some drawbacks when it comes to having this time plan set for yourself. A block schedule may seem confusing and hard to remember, with the continuous breaks presenting an obstacle as students are left to “self-advocate for their time”, as stated by Celeste. 

Sophia Vasquez states, when asked if a block schedule was hard to follow, that “It honestly depends; If you’re stuck in line, like how I was stuck in the Subway line, you might be late for class. It also depends at what time your teacher lets you out. There is also the fact that there are no bells.”

In the end, most students seem to be much more content with a block schedule rather than the idea of a regular schedule. A regular schedule is stressful and filled, while a block schedule is concise and gives students a little more air to breathe in between classes; it gives them a time for study and composing.