FAQs

List of 21 frequently asked questions.

• Q. When will the new schedule take effect?

  The 2026-2027 school year.

• Q. What is G.U.I.D.E.?

  The acronym stands for “Guided Understanding and Independent Development Experiences.” These will be instructor-led classes that provide opportunities for students to build and enhance skills not traditionally covered in typical classes. Some of these opportunities could include study skills, typing, coding, and stress management.

• Q. Will students miss another scheduled class on the day they have a G.U.I.D.E. course?

  No, they will not miss any classes for a G.U.I.D.E. course. Their schedule will be designed so that some classes will meet four days per week during one semester, allowing a G.U.I.D.E. block to take that place. You can view sample schedules to get a better understanding.

• Q. Do students get to choose G.U.I.D.E. courses or are they assigned?

  Students are assigned the required G.U.I.D.E. courses each semester.  In the future, there could be optional G.U.I.D.E. courses for upperclassmen as their schedule allows.

• Q. Will the older students have a chance to take any G.U.I.D.E. courses they missed out on for their previous years?

  That is not an option at this time, but we will consider how we might be able to incorporate those classes into Minimester if scheduling allows. 

• Q. What is S.O.L.O.?

  The acronym stands for “Self-Organized Learning Opportunity.” This time, designated for our upperclassmen, will be directed by the student to help them build important independent study habits that can continue into their college career. Students could take advantage of this opportunity by working on college applications and essays, collaborating with other students on a group project, or meeting with an available teacher.  The intention of allowing students to participate in S.O.L.O. periods as they get older is to give them flexible time to practice managing their time during the day — a skill college freshmen can struggle with when coming from a very structured school day in high school.

• Q. Can students leave campus during S.O.L.O. time?

  While students will have more freedom to choose their location and activity during S.O.L.O. periods, they will be required to stay in approved areas on campus.
  
  

  Parents may follow the normal checkout procedures if a student needs to leave campus during a S.O.L.O. time.

• Q. How will all students’ schedules be affected?

  • All schedules will include eight 45-minute periods with four-minute passing times. One of these periods will be designated for lunch. From Monday through Wednesday, students will follow a consistent class order. However, on Thursdays and Fridays, 1st and 2nd periods will switch places with 7th and 8th periods, moving those afternoon classes to the morning. Meanwhile, 3rd through 6th periods will remain unchanged throughout the week. Click here to view sample schedules.
  • All AP classes and math classes will meet 5 days per week for 2 semesters.  All non-AP and non-math classes will meet 5 days per week for 1 semester and 4 days per week the other semester.  G.U.I.D.E. classes and S.O.L.O. periods will fill the 5th day that semester.

• Q. How will Upper School students be affected?

  • The upper school schedule is changing to offer more flexibility, allowing these students to experience G.U.I.D.E. classes geared to their level. These will include courses focused on topics such as the Microsoft Suite, College Seminar, and stress management. They will also have the opportunity for S.O.L.O. periods. 
  • Upper school students will also have a longer lunch period, offering more time for club meetings and student collaboration in think tanks.

• Q. How will this affect my upperclassman (junior and seniors)?

  Depending on the number of AP classes in which a student is enrolled, older students will have the option of more S.O.L.O. time or the opportunity to enroll in optional G.U.I.D.E. classes, such as Math of Finance and Real World College Prep.

• Q. Will my student have enough time to learn all the necessary material in AP classes?

  Yes, AP courses will continue to meet 5 days per week both semesters and four days per week (2 in-person/2 asynchronous) during Minimester as they have in previous years.

• Q. What changes will specifically impact Middle School students?

  • The Middle School schedule is changing to offer more flexibility, allowing these students to experience G.U.I.D.E. classes geared to their level. These will include courses focused on topics such as study skills, digital citizenship, and typing.
  • Middle School students will have a longer lunch period during which, on selected days each week, they will have the opportunity for chapel time and other enrichment activities.
  • Logistically, the Middle School schedule will mirror the Upper School schedule with respect to class meeting times, start/end times etc.

• Q. Will there be a further change to the report card?

  We do not anticipate further changes at this time.

• Q. How does the new schedule affect lunch and break?

  • There will now be three dedicated 45-minute lunch periods--one Middle School lunch and then two Upper School lunches. The Upper School lunches will serve students in grades 9-12. Their lunch period will be determined by their class schedule, not their grade level. 
  • Break will now be called Unitas Time to better emphasize this time of community building while eating breakfast or a snack.  Clubs and activities will continue to use this time to meet and grow together.

• Q. Will seniors still have the ability to go off campus for lunch on Fridays? Since lunches will now be mixed grades 9-12, can they take a younger sibling?

  Yes, seniors will still have the ability to go off campus for lunch on Fridays. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors may not leave with an older sibling or friend. 

• Q. Will late arrival be impacted?

  Late arrival will now be on Wednesdays, and first period will begin at 8:40am.

• Q. What about All-School Mass and Chapel?

  • All-School Masses will still occur following the schedule set forth by Campus Ministry, and a Mass Schedule has been created based on the new Regular Schedule.
  • Upper School will still begin the morning in St. Rita Chapel on each Regular Schedule day.

  
  

• Q. How will Minimester be impacted?

  Minimester will still occur in January, as in previous years; however a subcommittee will be formed to review how Minimester might change in light of the adaptations to the class schedule. Information about any changes will be added to this page as it becomes available.

• Q. How will extracurricular activities and athletics be impacted?

  Extracurricular activities and athletics will continue to meet outside of regular classroom hours.

• Q. How will teachers adjust content to compensate for only meeting four days per week during one semester?

  Much of the professional development time during the 25-26 school year is dedicated to ensuring that faculty members are given the tools and the time to review and adjust class curricula to accommodate this change.

• Q. How do I get more information?  Who do I contact?

  We will be hosting informational meetings on October 7, 2025, at 8am and 5:30pm. Please direct other questions to Catherine Sims at csims@casciahall.com.