Marist High School has had several schedule changes in recent years, but the only one that they should stay consistent with is the block schedule from 2021-2022.
That school year had Marist starting at 8:15 and ending at 2:50. Classes were 53 minutes, but everyday there were a total of five classes compared to the seven we have in our current schedule now. We would alter everyday and start with the classes we did not take the day prior.
While I have been a student at Marist my grade and I have experienced three different schedules. I can confidently say that the block schedule that took place my freshman year was the most beneficial schedule Marist has had.
This block schedule also added a mandatory study hall into everyone’s schedule. I barely had any homework my freshman year due to all the time I got to do my homework in class. This also greatly benefited me because if I was confused on my homework I was easily able to ask my teachers for help.
MHS Media conducted a poll of 90 people and found that 51% of Marist students would benefit from a mandatory study hall added to their schedule. The poll found that with this year’s current schedule (2024-2025), 42% of students rarely ever have time to do their homework in class.
Since then they have changed the schedule two more times. Adding in the first three periods rotating and school starting 15 minutes earlier and ending 10 minutes earlier then the year prior.
“It was awful and confusing and did not make a difference in helping the schedule,” says senior Casey Koren.
The poll found that only 4% of students preferred a schedule where the first three periods constantly rotated.
The block schedule gives students all rotating classes which can make a class more intriguing when you do not have it every day. Also, school does not feel repetitive because you have a different schedule every day.
“It is the best schedule because it was more engaging for me to have different classes everyday. The block schedule gave me a break from two of my classes and allowed me to put more focus on the five classes I had that day and allowed for more class time to get work done,” says senior Emma Harold.
I do believe that this year’s schedule having first through eighth period is not bad, although it feels very repetitive which can lead to a lack of motivation in students.
Having school start at 8:00 a.m. rather than 8:15 a.m. can also lead to many more tardies. I only had one or two tardies freshman year. Once they bumped up the start time, I definitely found myself having more.
