Upper School Schedule

The Landon School schedule is designed to support our progressive approach to education. The schedule is based on an eight-day cycle that ensures that each subject is scheduled at different times of the day as the cycle progresses -- acknowledging optimal times for each student -- and that time is built into the day to meet with teachers for extra help, grab a snack or just take time with friends.

The schedule lends itself to community-engaged approaches to learning, including time for field trips (e.g. to Washington, D.C.) and community service projects.

1. How is the school year organized?

Landon's academic year is divided into two semesters consisting of 20 eight-day cycles. Highlights of the most recent school year include:

• First semester exams are from Dec. 19-21
• Winter Break is from Dec. 24-Jan. 4 (classes resume Jan. 7)
  
• Spring Break is from March 22-April 1
  
• Second semester exams are from May 30-June 5
  
• Graduation is on June 7
  

2. What does the daily schedule look like?

A typical day at Landon follows this schedule:

• Community Time where students gather for an Advisory, Form or School meeting
• Two back-to-back class periods
• A mid-morning break allowing time to meet with a teacher, eat a snack or just take time with friends
• Two back-to-back class periods
• Upper School Lunch
• Two back-to-back classes
• Sports

3. Do students have free periods at Landon?

Yes. Everyone — students and teachers — have a common 25-minute mid-morning break. An extended lunch period also provides occasion for one-on-one tutoring, extra study time, club meetings, or just time to be with friends.

4. What are the benefits of an eight-day cycle compared to a regular fixed daily schedule?

The Upper School coursework over an eight-day cycle offers several advantages over a regular five-day fixed schedule. Classes rotate through the different time blocks so one class isn't always held first thing in the morning, right after lunch or during the last period of the day. Since student performance is affected by time of day, the eight-day cycle makes allowances for these fluctuations. Six classes are held each day; a break is always scheduled after two class periods, allowing for a time to regroup and reenergize. The schedule also lends itself to the incorporation of field trips and community service projects (e.g. during the extended lunch period).