Instructional Continuity 2020-21
Starting in August 2020, we will be using a new schedule that will allow us to maintain instructional continuity through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new schedule incorporates learning and feedback gained during the 2019–20 school year. We also have relied on research and experience from educators, health professionals, and environmental engineers to create a schedule and framework that will allow us to pivot quickly to respond to evolving circumstances, including the wellbeing of our constituents and new mandates from governing authorities (city, county, Bay Area, state, or nation).
COVID-19 has led us to think of the instructional difficulties and challenges that can exist on different levels, from increased student absences to long-term school closure. While we know that any real-time situation will require us to be nimble, adaptable, and flexible, we have established a framework that allows us to prepare for four distinct scenarios:
Our new daily schedule is flexible enough to serve us in each of the four levels, as you will see detailed below. The 2020–21 school year schedule includes 6 full-sized blocks wherein students in grades 9–12 take classes, 3 per quarter. This type of schedule, known as a 3x4 block schedule or a “Quarter-on, Quarter-off” schedule is not uncommon in American schools as it allows students more concentrated experiences of subjects, with fewer classes daily, weekly, and per quarter. In our 3x4 model, students will take three classes (A, B, & C) in Quarter 1 and Quarter 3, and three additional classes (D, E, & F) in Quarters 2 and 4. Each quarter, there is also an “S-block” or “small block” class. While most students will not take classes during S-block, 9th graders will take Human Development during S-block in either Quarter 1 or Quarter 2, 10th graders will take Human Development in either Quarter 3 or Quarter 4, and seniors will (likely) have college seminar once a week during S-block in the fall.
2020–21 Academic year FAQs
The Basics: The 2020–21 school year schedule includes 6 full-sized blocks wherein students in grades 9–12 take classes, 3 per quarter. This type of schedule, known as a 3x4 block schedule or a “Quarter-on, Quarter-off” schedule is not uncommon in American schools as it allows students more concentrated experiences of subjects, with fewer classes daily, weekly, and per quarter. In our 3x4 model, students will take three classes (A, B, & C) in Quarter 1 and Quarter 3, and three additional classes (D, E, & F) in Quarters 2 and 4. Each quarter, there is also an “S-block” or “small block” class. While most students will not take classes during S-block, 9th graders will take Human Development during S-block in either Quarter 1 or Quarter 2, 10th graders will take Human Development in either Quarter 3 or Quarter 4, and seniors will have college seminar once a week during S-block.
FAQs: What follows are answers to some of the questions we have received from you regarding the 2020–21 school year. We will continue to update this document as more questions are asked and as answers become clear. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to discuss further and/or have questions that are not addressed here.
Schedule/Curriculum
- What will the schedule look like for Quarter 3?
- Why quarters as opposed to semesters? Isn’t it better to see students every other day instead of every day?
- Does this new schedule allow for independent study?
- How are programs such as MARC and TLP affected?
What will the schedule look like for Quarter 3?
Why quarters as opposed to semesters? Isn’t it better to see students every other day instead of every day?
Does this new schedule allow for independent study?
How are programs such as MARC and TLP affected?
Calendar
Athletics & Co-Curricular Activities
- What will Athletics look like in 2020-2021?
- Will there still be performing arts?
- What about labs?
- How will this impact learning services?
- Will students have access to DesignLab?
- Will students have access to the Library materials?
- Will we be able to still work with the school counselor?
What will Athletics look like in 2020-2021?
Will there still be performing arts?
What about labs?
How will this impact learning services?
Will students have access to DesignLab?
Will students have access to the Library materials?
Will we be able to still work with the school counselor?
Policies & Practices
- Will there be changes to our Student-Parent Handbook and policies related to COVID-19?
- Will the School provide/require PPE?
- Our family’s financial situation has changed due to pandemic-related factors. What about tuition, fees and other financial considerations?
- Will attendance be required and tracked? Can we request credit/no-credit?
- What about supplies, textbooks, handouts, etc. Will there be restrictions or policies about the safety/use of shared materials?
Will there be changes to our Student-Parent Handbook and policies related to COVID-19?
Will the School provide/require PPE?
Our family’s financial situation has changed due to pandemic-related factors. What about tuition, fees and other financial considerations?
Will attendance be required and tracked? Can we request credit/no-credit?
What about supplies, textbooks, handouts, etc. Will there be restrictions or policies about the safety/use of shared materials?
Return to the Circle

KaTrina Wentzel
Academic Dean and English Teacher

Stella Beale
Dean of Faculty, English Teacher, History Teacher

Mya Sullivan
Dean of Equity & Inclusion, Math Teacher

Lynne Hansen
Dean of Students